Kings Canyon is in central California, approximately 35 miles east of Fresno. The byway officially begins at the Sequoia National Forest boundary and travels east into Kings Canyon National Park. The 50-mile route follows CA 180, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. It is generally open mid-April to early November. The byway ends in the national park; travelers will need to retrace the route back to Wilsonia.
Kings Canyon takes the traveler through dramatic changes in vegetation, wildlife, and geology. First the byway climbs 4,000 feet through the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Then it descends 3,700 feet into Kings Canyon only to climb 2,000 feet again and end in beautiful Zumwalt Meadow. Nearly half of the route is accompanied by South Fork of the Kings River, a National Wild and Scenic River. The byway also bisects the rugged Monarch Wilderness.
Kings Canyon is one of North America’s deepest canyons. It reaches a depth of 8,200 feet, the distance from Spanish Mountain’s peak to river level. Just as impressive are the giant sequoia trees that grow on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The trees can reach heights of more than 300 feet, with 40-foot bases and branches eight feet in diameter. A nature trail in Grant Grove will take you among these magnificent trees and the huge General Grant Tree.