California hides a massive secret in the mountains that most travelers miss. Kings Canyon National Park sits right next to Sequoia but gets way less attention. Here are twelve strong reasons why this hidden gem should be your next road trip.
It Actually Beats the Grand Canyon
You probably think the Grand Canyon is the deepest but this place drops 8200 feet from the peaks to the river. It is way deeper and you are surrounded by giant green trees instead of just red rocks.
The General Grant Tree Is Huge
This specific tree is about 1650 years old and ranks as the second largest tree in the entire world. It is the official national Christmas tree and you really have to strain your neck to see the top.
You Can Walk Inside a Fallen Giant
There is a short paved trail in Grant Grove where you can find a massive tree that fell over long ago. The inside is completely hollowed out so you can walk straight through the middle like a wooden tunnel.
The Drive Down Is a Wild Ride
Highway 180 is the only way to drive down into the canyon floor and the road drops incredibly fast. You drive through sharp curves and look down at the roaring river right beside you which is pretty thrilling.
There Is a Hidden Marble Cave
Right along that main driving route you can take a short walk up to Boyden Cavern to see crazy underground rock formations. The temperature down there stays cool all year so it is the perfect spot to escape the hot sun.
Cedar Grove Is Sitting at the Very Bottom
Once you reach the bottom of the canyon you will find this beautiful area with huge granite walls towering above you. Famous explorer John Muir thought this spot was just as beautiful as Yosemite but without all the crazy crowds.
Zumwalt Meadow Is the Easiest Walk Ever
Not every hike here makes you sweat because this simple trail is a totally flat loop across the valley floor. You get to walk over a cool suspension bridge and see tons of wildflowers if you visit during the spring.
Choose Your Own Waterfall Adventure
You can take a fast ten minute walk from your car to see Roaring River Falls shoot through a narrow rock channel. If you want a real workout you can hike eight miles round trip to Mist Falls instead.
The Biggest Sequoia Forest Is Completely Empty
Redwood Mountain Grove has thousands of massive old trees but almost nobody bothers to go hike out there. You can walk for hours in the biggest sequoia forest on the planet and pretty much have the place to yourself.
The Wildlife Is Actually Everywhere
This park is packed with all sorts of animals like black bears and mule deer walking around the forests. If you look way up high on the rocky cliffs you might even spot some rare bighorn sheep hanging out.
Panoramic Point Gives You the Best Views
You only have to walk half a mile from the parking lot to reach this spot sitting high up in the sky. Looking out from the top lets you see the canyon stretch for miles along with snow capped peaks.
You Get Two Parks for One Price
It costs 35 dollars per car to get inside and that ticket lets you visit both Kings Canyon and Sequoia for a week. Just make sure you fill your gas tank and bring snacks before you drive in because stores are rare.
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