Kings Canyon Scenic Drive (Part 2)

The Kings Canyon Scenic Drive (CA-180) runs from the Big Stump Entrance of Kings Canyon to its end at an area appropriately known as Road’s End. We cover this road in three sections. Part 2 runs from the national forest boundary to where the road reenters Kings Canyon National Park. It is covered below. For the previous part, from the Big Stump Entrance to the national forest boundary, see Kings Canyon Scenic Drive Part 1. For the last part, from the Kings Canyon National Park boundary to Road’s End, see Kings Canyon Scenic Drive Part 3.

Mile 6.0 – McGee Vista Point

The road passes by the McGee Vista Point, on the left.

Mile 7.6 – Converse Basin Road

To the left is a dirt road leading to Converse Basin, the Boole Tree Trail, and Stump Meadow. On our last visit the road was fine for passenger cars, but you should still check with a ranger first.

Mile 9.2 – Princess Campground

The access road to Princess Campground is on the right. For more on all the campgrounds in the parks, see Sequoia & Kings Canyon Camping.

Mile 9.4 – Hume Lake Road

The road to Hume Lake is on the right. This road eventually joins the Generals Highway within the national forest.

Mile 14.0 – Junction View Vista Point

The Junction View Vista Point is on the left, named for the joining of the two forks of the Kings River. This is a great viewpoint of Kings Canyon and is well worth the stop. There are some serious unprotected dropoffs here, so use caution.

Mile 16.4 – Kings Canyon Lodge

The road passes by the private Kings Canyon Lodge.

Mile 22.6 – Kings River

The road reaches the level of the Kings River. Depending on time of year, it could be a quiet stream or a raging torrent. In peak snow melt it can be a scary (and beautiful) sight.

Mile 22.8 – Boyden Cavern

Access to Boyden Cavern is on the right.

Mile 28.1 – Grizzly Falls

The Grizzly Falls Picnic Area is on the left. Picnic or not, this is a must stop for a very easily accessible and beautiful waterfall. Again, the character of this waterfall varies tremendously depending on the water flow.

Mile 30.7 – Kings Canyon National Park

The road leaves Sequoia National Forest and re-enters Kings Canyon National Park at the Cedar Grove area.

The Kings Canyon Scenic Drive Continues On

For the last part, from the Kings Canyon National Park boundary to Road’s End, see Kings Canyon Scenic Drive Part 3.