Family friendly hikes in Kings Canyon National Park

In the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon, families will find many great hikes that are relatively short in nature, have mild elevation gain and offer beautiful scenery and a chance to enjoy nature.  

One of the easiest hikes is to start a walk from one of the campgrounds and meander along the Kings River.  There is not always a designated trail but the scenery is beautiful and you may be surprised to find some fun swimming holes.

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1. Zumwalt Meadow

Cedar Grove
Kings Canyon National Pk, California

Comment:

A 1.5 mile loop trail with a bridge, boardwalk, rocks to climb and nature guides. Not stroller friendly. 50-100 feet elevation change.

reviewed on: August 27 2010

"Great hike"

We thought this was the perfect hike to take our kids on this summer when we were camping in Kings Canyon National Park (in Cedar Grove).  It was!  It was 1.5 miles and pretty much level  with the exception of some rocky spots to climb up and down.  Our 9 and 7 year olds loved scrambling over rocks and finding big rocks to climb up on.  Our 3 year old trudged along and didn't complain once as he found some rock pile caves and smaller rocks to scramble on.  Our 1 year old was content in the backpack carrier.  I think just Daddy had it difficult as he carried her for 2 hours!

Some of  the highlights for our kids (besides the rocks to climb on) were crossing the large suspension bridge over the Kings River, finding evidences of bugs and mushrooms, and spotting a mamma bear and her bear cub (from way off far).  I loved seeing the wind wave the rushes of the meadows and listening to the rushing river flowing past as we walked the trail.  

I was glad I spent the $1.50 for the trail guide as it helped us identify trees, rock formations on the canyon walls and history of the area.  There are 18 sign posts on the trail and the guide corresponds to each number and there is a paragraph or two to read for each area.

Strollers and wheelchairs can be used to cross the bridge and traverse the boardwalk to the left at the trail T.  But no stroller can make it all around the loop of the meadow because of the rocky and narrow path on the south side of the meadow.  A baby backpack is needed for this trail.

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2. Roaring River Falls

Cedar Grove
Kings Canyon National Pk, California

Comment:

A very short walk on a paved trail to a powerful waterfall. Mild elevation change. All stroller friendly. There may be an interest in climbing rocks down to the water, but be very careful with slippery rocks and rushing water.

reviewed on: June 02 2010

"Roaring!"

A beautiful waterfall in Kings Canyon that is worth seeing!  It is wide, rushing, and forceful.  The hike is easy for young kids and is not too long.  Bring water for drinking because the trail can be hot in the summer.  We have often scrambled over the rocks downstream from the waterfall and taken a little "swim".  I can hardly call it a true swim because the water feels like it has just melted from a pool of ice.  Very cold and very refreshing!

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3. Bubbs Creek Trail

Highway 180
Roads End Kings Canyon National Pk, California

Comment:

A 4 mile round trip hike through the canyon to the junction of Bubbs Creek and the South Fork of the Kings River. 50-100 feet elevation change. Jogging stroller may be possible but beware sandy trail and rocky sections. Baby backpack recommended.

reviewed on: February 12 2012

"Flat hike"

We hiked in late summer out to Bubbs Creek, which was a bit of a stretch for our little girl (age 2).  Our big kids skipped, ran, and drew lines in the dirt with their sticks for the 4 mile round trip.  Our 4 year old kept up for the most part, but did get tired.  

The best part for families is the relatively flat ground of this hike.  The not so great part is the sandy floor that can make walking or pushing a stroller more difficult, and the limited shade.  We shared the trail with day hikers and backpackers out for an aggressive climb into the back country of Kings Canyon.  The view offered grand vistas of cliffs, waterfalls (it was a wet season), and glimpses of the Kings River.  About a mile into the hike, we entered a very different habitat of shady forest, ferns and mosquitos.  

Our kids loved crossing the big bridge over the Kings River and then wading in the smaller Bubbs Creek.  We tried to eat our lunch there, but the mosquitos wanted to feast on us, so we packed it up and headed back.  On our way back to Road's End it began to rain on us and we enjoyed the cooling weather for this great day hike.

Tips:
* Baby backpacks are the best.  Jogging strollers will be useful for the first part, but may have difficulty in sand and uneven rocky sections.
* Take bug spray.  Mosquitos are frequently found in the shady sections of this trail.
* Use this trail to access Mist Falls, which is a 9 mile round trip hike.

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4. Sheep Creek Cascade

Cedar Grove
Kings Canyon National Pk, California

Comment:

The most strenuous hike on this list is a 2 mile trail with 600 feet elevation gain to a very small water cascade with a small pool which is part of the source of Sheep Creek. Jogging stroller may be possible but elevation change may be difficult. Baby backpack recommended.

reviewed on: June 03 2010

"Great hike"

Our 5 and 7 year old boys joined us on this hike.  It was hot and dry on the trail, but there was much to see and enjoy.  Most of the trail is in a shady forest and there are a few view points of the canyon below and the mountains across the canyon.  The cascade was small but beautiful in a shady glen.  There is a fun bridge to take pictures on and walk across.
Take plenty of water.  It is not a well known trail so you may not see any other people.

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