Last updated: February 14, 2018
Thing to Do
Bike the River Road
There’s a road that not too many people know about: the River Road in Cedar Grove. This one-lane dirt road winds through the forest and parallels the Kings River. It requires high clearance, so vehicle traffic tends to be light. This makes it a great place to ride your bike, walk, or run.
It's also a good spot to walk your leashed pet, as pets are not allowed on park trails. Since this is a dirt road that is open to vehicle traffic, your dog is welcome to come along!
The road will take you through a mixed conifer forest, and will give you views of towering granite cliffs and the south fork of the Kings River. Wildlife sightings may include birds, black bears, and mule deer. Park your car at the Hotel Creek Trail parking area or, if you're staying at Cedar Grove Village, leave your car and walk or bike towards the Cedar Grove Pack Station. The River Road starts east of the pack station. Take the road for up to five miles and then return the way you came…and you’ve got a 10-mile round-trip, fairly flat, riverside cruise.
Please ride or walk with safety in mind, and watch for vehicles.
It's also a good spot to walk your leashed pet, as pets are not allowed on park trails. Since this is a dirt road that is open to vehicle traffic, your dog is welcome to come along!
The road will take you through a mixed conifer forest, and will give you views of towering granite cliffs and the south fork of the Kings River. Wildlife sightings may include birds, black bears, and mule deer. Park your car at the Hotel Creek Trail parking area or, if you're staying at Cedar Grove Village, leave your car and walk or bike towards the Cedar Grove Pack Station. The River Road starts east of the pack station. Take the road for up to five miles and then return the way you came…and you’ve got a 10-mile round-trip, fairly flat, riverside cruise.
Please ride or walk with safety in mind, and watch for vehicles.
Details
Duration
1-5 Hours
Duration will vary depending on the type of activity you choose to do.
Activity
Biking
This road is also suitable for walking or running. You may also bring your leashed dog on this dirt road.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Please be aware that pets are not permitted on any trails at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. However, leashed pets are allowed to be walked in developed areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads that are open to vehicle traffic.
The River Road is a dirt road open to vehicles, so your dog is allowed. You must stay on the River Road with your dog. If you encounter an established park trail along the way, your dog will not be able to go with you on that trail.
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. The leash must be less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. For your pet's safety, please don't leave pets in hot cars. Pets cannot be left tied and unattended at any time.
Qualified ADA-defined service dogs are allowed on trails in national parks. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. For more information about ADA service animal requirements, please go to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website.
The River Road is a dirt road open to vehicles, so your dog is allowed. You must stay on the River Road with your dog. If you encounter an established park trail along the way, your dog will not be able to go with you on that trail.
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. The leash must be less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. For your pet's safety, please don't leave pets in hot cars. Pets cannot be left tied and unattended at any time.
Qualified ADA-defined service dogs are allowed on trails in national parks. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. For more information about ADA service animal requirements, please go to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Cedar Grove, Kings Canyon National Park
Take Highway 180 east into Kings Canyon National Park. Continue past Grant Grove until you reach Cedar Grove. The River Road starts east of the Cedar Grove Pack Station, near Cedar Grove Village.
Park your car at the Hotel Creek Trail parking area, which is located a short distance from the pack station. Or, if you're staying at Cedar Grove Village, leave your car and bike or walk a 1/2 mile to the Cedar Grove Pack Station.
Details about the River Road and other trails are illustrated on the Cedar Grove Trail Map, available for purchase.
Park your car at the Hotel Creek Trail parking area, which is located a short distance from the pack station. Or, if you're staying at Cedar Grove Village, leave your car and bike or walk a 1/2 mile to the Cedar Grove Pack Station.
Details about the River Road and other trails are illustrated on the Cedar Grove Trail Map, available for purchase.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer, Fall
The road into Cedar Grove is open from late April - mid November.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk