Hiking the Roaring River Falls Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
Distance: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
The Roaring River Falls Trail in the Cedar Grove District of Kings Canyon is arguably the easiest and most accessible day hike between both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
By this, I mean that the trail to Roaring River Falls follows an entirely paved path, gaining very little elevation from the trailhead to the waterfall, which is arguably the biggest reason this quick and easy adventure at the bottom of Kings Canyon is so popular!
With that in mind, visiting the Roaring River Falls Trail is typically best first thing in the morning during the busy summer travel season if you’re interested in enjoying the waterfall without the crowds that inevitably arrive by mid-morning.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Roaring River Falls Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Roaring River Falls Trailhead is located directly off Highway 180, in a small parking lot adjacent to the trailhead, about 3.0 miles (4.8 km) past the turn into Cedar Grove Village.
That being said, parking in this small lot can be challenging by midday during the summer travel season, and for this reason, hikers commonly utilize a small turnout on the west side of the Roaring River bridge when parking at the trailhead is too difficult.
Google Maps Directions: Roaring River Falls Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Sequoia-Kings Canyon
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
That being said, bear spray is purposefully excluded from this list because, while the Sierra Nevadas are home to a large black bear population, bear spray is not allowed in either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Roaring River Falls Trail
From the parking area, the Roaring River Falls Trail follows a straightforward, paved path, gaining just 36 ft. (11 m) from the trailhead to the waterfall.
Roaring River Falls-River Junction
Just before the waterfall, the Roaring River Falls Trail splits with the River Trail.
In short, the River Trail is a completely separate day hike that begins here and winds its way east, paralleling the South Fork of the Kings River through popular areas like the Zumwalt Meadow Loop and on to Road’s End, about 2.7 miles (4.3 km) away.
In any case, go right on the paved path to reach the end of the Roaring River Falls Trail, and the waterfall shortly ahead.
Read My Separate Post: River Trail
Roaring River Falls
After just 0.2 miles (0.3 km), the paved trail ends at the base of the 40-ft. (12.2 m) Roaring River Falls.
That being said, swimming in the pool is strongly discouraged by the National Park Service, as the river is fed primarily by snowmelt, making the water temperatures particularly cold and dangerous—especially if you visit early in the summer season when there is much more water coming down the river than what’s shown here.
More Sequoia-Kings Canyon Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Most importantly, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is bear country, and while hiking in black bear territory generally presents less of a risk as opposed to hiking with grizzlies, it‘s important to never get complacent.
That being said, bear spray is not allowed within either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park, but storing your food properly, both on your person and in your vehicle, is not only necessary but required. For this reason, always keep your food and trash with you, and follow these basic rules from the NPS with regards to food in your vehicle.
On a different note, there is one venomous snake found in both parks known as the Western Rattlesnake, and surprisingly, I have encountered it many times, both in dry landscapes and in the meadows of both parks.
Finally, during winter months, you may be required to carry tire chains or have them on your vehicle before entering either park. In addition, micro-spikes may be necessary to stay safe on certain trails, such as Little Baldy and many others during the early and late summer season.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park website.
National Park Service: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
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