Last updated: August 30, 2025
Thing to Do
Zumwalt Meadow
Highway 180 to Cedar Grove closes for the winter in mid-November. This area typically reopens the fourth Friday in April; reopening is conducted by CalTrans.
Zumwalt Meadow is one of the park's most iconic, scenic meadows. Explore a 1 - 3 mile trail that begins near the Kings River, crosses a riparian corridor, and then climbs gently along a rocky hillside. From here, as you hike through a talus slope, you will catch glimpses of the meadow below. Meadows often attract bears and other animals such as yellow-bellied marmots, deer, birds of prey, and snakes; watch for them all here.
Zumwalt Meadow is one of the park's most iconic, scenic meadows. Explore a 1 - 3 mile trail that begins near the Kings River, crosses a riparian corridor, and then climbs gently along a rocky hillside. From here, as you hike through a talus slope, you will catch glimpses of the meadow below. Meadows often attract bears and other animals such as yellow-bellied marmots, deer, birds of prey, and snakes; watch for them all here.
Safety
- Most of the year, the river flows gently along one side of the meadow, but in spring and early summer the water is cold and currents are swift. Be careful!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 Zumwalt Meadow begins 4.5 miles (7.2 km) east of Cedar Grove Village. Visitors going to Cedar Grove will need to drive approximately one hour (33 miles) down Highway 180 from the Kings Canyon Visitor Center.
Parking
- There is a small parking lot at the trailhead for Zumwalt Meadow. Please be aware that parking is very tight and limited. Arrive early or return at a later time if the parking lot is full.
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.
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Cedar GroveLearn more about features and trails in Cedar Grove at Kings Canyon National Park.
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Kings Canyon National ParkLearn more about the features and hikes in Kings Canyon National Park.
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Places to GoLearn more about the different places to go in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.