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The Cedar Grove area is open seasonally from late May through October and closes in winter due to snow accumulation.
This district may be separated from the rest of the park by National Forest land, but it holds the features that gave Kings Canyon National Park its name. Similar in formation to the iconic valley in Yosemite National Park, this glaciated valley features towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and the powerful Kings River, whose constant rush still travels through the canyon it formed millennia ago. At 4,600 feet (1,410 m) in elevation, expect warm days and cool nights. At a lower elevation than the sequoia groves, Cedar Grove is warmer in summer. Although it may not have sequoia groves, this area is known for its plentiful forests of incense cedars. It remains one of the least crowded areas of both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Getting There
Those who are driving to the Cedar Grove area can access it via:
Big Stump Entrance Station (Highway 180 from Fresno) – 33 miles (53.1 km), 1 hour drive
Ash Mountain Entrance Station (Highway 198 via Visalia) - 78 miles (125.5 km), 3 hour drive
Note: This entrance station is in Sequoia National Park.
There are no gas or EV stations in the park. There are charging stations in the cities of Visalia and Fresno. There are also stations in the town of Three Rivers just outside the Sequoia park entrance. The nearest location to get gas from the Grant Grove area is:
Hume Lake Market (north of Grant Grove Village) – 27 miles (43.5 km), 55 minute drive
Stony Creek Village (between Grant Grove and Wuksachi Lodge) – 42 miles (67.6 km), 1 hour 15 minute drive
Dunlap (Highway 180 to Fresno) – 52 miles (83.7 km), 1 hour 30 minute drive
Visitor Centers
Cedar Grove Visitor Center
Located in a small historic cabin beside the South Fork of the Kings River, this visitor center sits in a mixed coniferous forest at an elevation of 4,600 feet (1,400 m) in Cedar Grove Village. It is approximately 30 miles (48.2 km) east of Grant Grove Village along CA180.
Stop by for park information, maps, and brochures. Nearby amenities include potable water, accessible restrooms, and venues for rangerled programs.
There are no food or gifts available for purchase at this visitor center. Visitors can find food and gifts at the Cedar Grove Lodge or the Grant Grove Market.
Road’s End Ranger Station
Located at the very end of Cedar Grove, visitors in need of a wilderness permit can stop by and pick one up at this ranger station. Rangers are also available to help with trip planning and trail information.
Multiple backpacking trailheads, such as the Rae Lakes Loop, begin at this station.
There are no food or gifts available for purchase at this visitor center. Visitors can find food and gifts at the Cedar Grove Market and Grill or the Grant Grove Market.
Seasonally open next to the Cedar Grove Visitor Center. This campground is situated in the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River under open stands of evergreen trees. Services at Cedar Grove Village include food and showers.
Each site provides a fire ring, picnic table and large bearproof food storage box.
The roads through the campground are paved. There are five comfort stations throughout the campground, with flush toilets, sinks for dishwashing, and drinking water.
This campground is located on Highway 180, 0.25 miles (400 m) from Cedar Grove Village. The campground is situated on the floor of the canyon beside the confluence of the South Fork of the Kings River and Sheep Creek. Each site provides a fire ring, picnic table and large bearproof food storage box. Services can be found in Cedar Grove Village.
The roads through the campground are paved. There are five comfort stations throughout the campground, with flush toilets, sinks for dishwashing, and drinking water.
Canyon View campground is located on Highway 180, 0.25 miles (400 m) from Cedar Grove Village. This group only campground is on the floor of the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River. It was named for its excellent views of Kings Canyon's granite cliffs.
This campground is only for medium and large groups.
Just 0.75 miles (1.2 km) from Cedar Grove Village, this campground is located along the South Fork of the Kings River under stands of evergreen trees at an elevation of 4,600 feet (1,400 m). Visit Cedar Grove Village for services such as showers and food. Each site provides a fire ring, picnic table and large bearproof food storage box.
The roads through the campground are paved. There are five comfort stations throughout the campground, with flush toilets, sinks for dishwashing, and drinking water.
For more information on camping in the parks, please visit our Camping page.
Lodging
Cedar Grove Lodge- Open May through mid October, this lodge offers 21 hotel rooms, a counter-service restaurant, a market, and a gift shop. The lodge is also within walking distance of Cedar Grove's visitor center.
Food and Restaurants
Cedar Grove Market and Grill - The Cedar Grove Grill in the lodge serves light meals and snacks and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A small market offers simple groceries and gifts.
Picnic Areas
This glaciated valley features towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and the powerful Kings River, whose canyon gave the park its name. Picnic tables can be found throughout the canyon and are available anytime the area is open, usually from April through mid-November.
High Bear Activity Area
Bears are very active in the Cedar Grove area. To avoid an encounter, secure all food and scented items like soap, toiletries, or candles in the latched storage boxes or in the trunk of your car with the windows rolled up. Day use storage boxes are available at most trailheads and picnic areas. Do not leave any food or scented items unattended. Do not store any scented items in your car overnight; the bears will smell these items and break into your vehicle. Bear encounters in the park are not uncommon, be sure to research and know what to do if you encounter a bear in the parks.
The Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park offers easy trails along the Kings River, and steeper trails that climb into wilderness on the canyon’s rims. Some popular trails include:
Zumwalt Meadow Trail
River Trail
Mist Falls Trail
Don Cecil Trail
For accessible trail information, please visit our Accessibility web series.
Hot temperatures. Summer in the Cedar Grove area can be hot and occasionally humid, with temperatures ranging from 80°- 95° Fahrenheit. Visitors stopping in the area during this time should be prepared for hot weather and areas of very little shade on trails. Please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and proper clothing if you plan on visiting Cedar Grove in the summer.
Severe drowning danger. Every year, especially in the spring and early summer when water levels are high, multiple drownings occur in the parks. The rivers here are swift and cold, and slippery rocks around the water cause visitors to fall in if they aren’t careful. Even the most professional swimmer can be swept away. Do not enter the water during the spring. If you do swim, please follow our river safety information to keep yourself safe.
