Kings Canyon - Cedar Grove

Well, we had decided not to go the extra 25 miles to Cedar Grove down the long winding road, but we had dinner at the Grant Grove Restaurant and while talking to the hostess, she mentioned  that it is her favorite area of the whole park, so off we go.

This is where we turned around the day we did Hume  Lake

Uncharted territory from here!


We head down into the depths of the Canyon - you can just see the Kings River below

A beautiful waterfall

It is a very narrow winding road surrounded  by shear, steep rock cliffs.

We finally make it to the bottom of the Canyon and the River.

This is a section of the National Forest that divides the Kings Canyon National Park.  Kings Canyon began receiving public attention after John Muir visited in 1873.  It was established in 1890 as General Grant National Park.  The actual Canyon was not added to the National Park until 1965,

Since it is National Forest Tucson can go.

We continue on to Roads End


and enter the Park itself

The Kings River - don't be fooled by it's tranquil look.  This past summer a Japanese woman hiking the Pacific trail, which runs through the whole park, was found drowned.  Also 2 cars fell off the road into the river in July.

It is still running pretty good in sections

Next stop is Knapp Cabin.  George Owen Knapp, the founder of Union Carbide built the cabin in the 20's to store fishing equipment for lavish fishing trips for his friends

Daddy, can we live here?

Surrounded by beauty

and overlooking the River

Further down the road we come across smoke- fortunately it is a prescribed  burn.

We reach the Roads End.  This is the kick off point for back country travel.  Wilderness Permits are required year round for overnight trips into the back country.  From the end of May until the end of September, a limited number of people are allowed daily on each trail head to provide opportunities for solitude.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect over 800,000 acres of designated wilderness in addition to 29,500 acres of proposed wilderness.

On the way back we stop at Roaring River Falls

There it is ahead!   But, my camera battery dies!  I run back the 3/10's of a mile to get my phone.

Tucson has found a cozy spot to wait in.

The Falls are beautiful - they must have been roaring loudly in July.

Time to climb back out

The different shapes, textures and colors of the rocks is stunning.

The walls of the Canyon are impressive

We passed one of these on the way into Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park.  I'm sure they get plenty of use during the summer.

It truly is a spectacular and beautiful drive

Where?!?!?!?

A refreshing looking pond - but no ice cream . . .

Alas, the Kings Canyon Lodge, built in 1937 was the first casualty of the Rough Fire in 2015.  It was not insured.

One last look back at the road down.

We are so glad we took the time to drive down to the roads end.  We originally came expecting to stay 2 nights and tonight will be our 5th night - I still don't want to leave!