Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

When driving along Kings Canyon Scenic Byway in spring or summer, make sure to save time for a visit to Boyden Cavern. Among the giant sequoias, you’ll find an underground cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites, pendants, and shields.

Note: As of June 2024, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is closed due to wildfires in the area. For more information, visit the National Park Service's website.

To visit Kings Canyon by car, the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 180) is the only option for vehicles. This 50-mile road, which is full of twists and turns, takes visitors into one of the deepest canyons in North America.

The Route

Visitors often describe the route as breathtaking and beautiful. However, they also caution that drivers should prepare for the many curves and allow plenty of time to stop for photos. The route begins in the foothills outside of Fresno, California, at the Hume Lake Ranger Station. It then enters the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, descends through the Sequoia National Forest, and finally ends at the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park.

Highlights Along the Route

Along the way, highlights include:

• Hiking to the General Grant Tree
• Visiting the gorgeous Grizzly Falls
• Touring Boyden Cavern in the summertime

Boyden Cavern Tours

During the summer, Boyden Cavern offers regular walking tours as well as a unique flashlight tour conducted using only headlamps and flashlights.

Access

Access to the scenic byway is included in park admission. You'll want to budget at least two to three hours for the drive. The byway does experience seasonal closures, so check the NPS website for the most up-to-date information and plan your trip between mid-May and mid-October.