Near Kings Canyon Loop
Near Kings Canyon Loop
Near Kings Canyon Loop
Near Kings Canyon Loop
Near Kings Canyon Loop

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Kings Canyon Loop

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A challenging 73-mile backpacking loop through Kings Canyon National Park that traverses rugged mountain passes, alpine lakes, and pristine wilderness, starting and ending at Roads End.
73.2
mi
Distance
16,477
ft
Gain
extreme
Difficulty
Less CrowdedWaterfallWildflowers
Access Issues
Wilderness permits are required for overnight camping in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Fees and regulations may vary depending on the time of year. For updated information about wilderness permits please visit: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness_permits.htm. To make a permit reservation please visit www.recreation.gov. Overnight parking is available at Roads End between May - November.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
73.22mi
Distance
16,477ft
Elevation Gain
16,477ft
Elevation Loss
70%
Max Grade
12,105ft
High Point
5,037ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
The Kings Canyon Loop is a 72.3-mile route through Kings Canyon National Park. The route combines several different trails to create a long, multi-day adventure through the heart of the Sierra Nevada. It features steep mountain passes, alpine lakes, lush meadows, waterfalls, wildflowers, rushing rivers, and more. This is a challenging backpacking trip featuring short sections through remote areas that traverse along rugged and unmaintained trails. A trip along this loop would be ideal for an experienced backpacker looking to get away from the crowds in the national park for a beautiful and challenging adventure. This route is designed as a loop to minimize logistical concerns regarding resupply and transportation. You can leave your car at Roads End, take the food you need for the journey, and enjoy an epic walk through a magnificent mountain range along a route that will lead right back to your car (Please note that Roads End is usually closed from May to mid November). The route described in this post is completed in a clockwise direction, but either way would be fine. TRAILS USED: Copper Creek Trail - Simpson Meadow Trail - Upper Middle Fork Trail - Pacific Crest Trail - Woods Creek Trail SAMPLE 6 DAY ITINERARY: Day 1: Roads End - Granite Basin: 10 miles. Day 2: Granite Basin - Simpson Meadow: 13 miles. Day 3: Simpson Meadow - Palisade Creek/Pacific Crest Trail: 9 miles. Day 4: Pacific Crest Trail - Upper Basin: 11 miles. Day 5: Upper Basin - Woods Creek: 16 miles. Day 6: Woods Creek - Roads End: 13.3 miles RIVER CROSSINGS AND TRAIL CONDITIONS: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/trailcond.htm.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Lani Advokat