Kings Canyon National ParkKings Canyon National park is home to giants: immense mountains, deep canyons, and huge trees. General Grant National Park, the forerunner of Kings Canyon, was the third National Park. There are many trails lead to the high-alpine wilderness which makes up most of the park. Beneath the surface lie hundreds of fascinating caverns. |
Virtual Kings Canyon Map
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Kings Canyon Highlight
Mist Falls Trail
This is the most popular hike within Kings Canyon. It is a moderately strenuous trek and is 8 miles in length, round trip. This sandy trail follows the glaciated South Fork Canyon through forest and chaparral, past an impressive show of rapids and cascades, to one of the largest waterfalls within Kings Canyon. The first part of this trip is relatively flat; during the last mile to the falls, the trail gains 600'. The average time for this trip is 4 to 5 hours.
General Grant Tree - A National Shrine
The General Grant Tree is a living memorial to the men and women of the United States who have given their lives in service to their country. It was proclaimed a National Shrine, on March 29, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The official dedication was made that year on Veterans Day, November 11, by the president's personal representative, Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz. Each year during the Christmas ceremony, park rangers place a large wreath at the base of the Grant Tree, remembering those who gave their lives.
It is fitting that a giant sequoia would be chosen as the only living national shrine. These trees are wondrous in many respects. They are the largest living individual things on earth. Though not the tallest, nor the widest, nor the oldest, the trunks of these monarchs occupy more space than any other single organism.
Each year, in all seasons, visitors can return again and again to seek renewal of spirit and experience the wonder of this natural world.
Virtual Kings Canyon VideoKings Canyon National Park Video |
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The General Grant Tree which is called "The Nation's Christmas Tree", measures 267 feet tall and 107 feet around. It is the earth's third-largest tree. The park rises from 1,500 feet to over 14,000 feet and offers a very diverse habitat for wildlife. There are several trails leading to the high-alpine wilderness which makes up most of the park. Beneath the surface of the park are hundreds of caverns tours are available at Boyden Cavern.
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