Last updated: August 30, 2025
Thing to Do
Roaring River Falls
Access to the Cedar Grove area via Highway 180 closes for the winter in mid-November. Access typically reopens the fourth Friday in April; reopening is conducted by CalTrans.
This is a short, paved walk to a cool waterfall (literally and figuratively!) On a hot day, it’s a great place to stop because the powerful falling water creates its own wind! Watch the mist swirl through the treetops as you take a moment to relax and cool off.
Roaring River flows from Deadman and Cloud canyons deep in the parks' wilderness, then crashes down a narrow chute into a pool. The power and sound of the waterfall changes through the year, and is at its biggest and loudest in late spring and early summer.
From here, you can also take a relaxing walk along the River Trail to Zumwalt Meadow. This walk is 3.9 miles round-trip in a lollipop shape at an easy, paved incline. The trail starts at the misty waterfall, then travels over creeks and through meadows and shady forests. Follow this short, shaded path to a powerful 40-foot waterfall. Look for the junction with the River Trail just a few feet away toward the parking area.
This is a short, paved walk to a cool waterfall (literally and figuratively!) On a hot day, it’s a great place to stop because the powerful falling water creates its own wind! Watch the mist swirl through the treetops as you take a moment to relax and cool off.
Roaring River flows from Deadman and Cloud canyons deep in the parks' wilderness, then crashes down a narrow chute into a pool. The power and sound of the waterfall changes through the year, and is at its biggest and loudest in late spring and early summer.
From here, you can also take a relaxing walk along the River Trail to Zumwalt Meadow. This walk is 3.9 miles round-trip in a lollipop shape at an easy, paved incline. The trail starts at the misty waterfall, then travels over creeks and through meadows and shady forests. Follow this short, shaded path to a powerful 40-foot waterfall. Look for the junction with the River Trail just a few feet away toward the parking area.
Safety
- Don't be fooled if the pool appears calm and safe for swimming. The rocks are slippery and the currents below the surface of the water can easily drag you under. Drowning in rivers like this one is the most common cause of death in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.Kings Canyon is a very active bear area. Be sure to stow anything with a scent in the food storage lockers. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can cause significant damage to your vehicle.
Location
- The trailhead for Roaring River begins 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Cedar Grove Village. Visitors going to Cedar Grove will need to drive approximately one hour down Highway 180 from the Kings Canyon Visitor Center.
Parking
- There is a small parking lot at the trailhead for Roaring River. Please be aware that parking is very tight and limited. Arrive early or return at a later time if the parking lot is full. If the parking area is full, overflow parking is available cross the bridge, a short distance from here.
Details
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Accessibility Information
From the parking area, the trail to the expansion bridge is relatively level and may be suitable for some wheelchair users. Surfaces are unpaved, and both sandy and not firmly packed in some places. The trail can be rough in spring when snowmelt can flood the trail or nearby areas.
-
Cedar GroveLearn more about features and trails in Cedar Grove at Kings Canyon National Park.
-
Kings Canyon National ParkLearn more about the features and hikes in Kings Canyon National Park.
-
Places to GoLearn more about the different places to go in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.