Hiking the Zumwalt Meadow Loop Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
Distance: 1.6 miles / 2.6 km
The Zumwalt Meadow Trail, also called the Zumwalt Meadow Loop Trail, is one of the most popular day hikes in the Cedar Grove District of Kings Canyon National Park.
That being said, I personally love hiking the Zumwalt Meadow Loop during the early morning or late evening hours because meadows like this, and countless others found throughout both parks, often attract Black Bears during these times of the day.
With that in mind, the talus slopes on the south side of the Zumwalt Meadow Loop can make for one of the best upper vantage points to look for Black Bears, making it a great place for wildlife photographers to hang out and enjoy the beautiful views beneath cliffs of Mt. Hutchings across the river.
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!
Zumwalt Meadow Loop Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Zumwalt Meadow Trail is located in a small parking lot off Highway 180, about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) before Road’s End.
It’s important to know that the Zumwalt Meadow parking lot can be among the busiest of any in the Cedar Grove District, which only adds to the reasons why I suggest hiking the short 1.6-mile (2.6 km) trail early or late in the day.
Google Maps Directions: Zumwalt Meadow Loop 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 Zumwalt Meadow Loop Trail
From the parking area, the Zumwalt Meadow Trail begins on the north side of the Kings River before crossing over to the other side, where the 0.8-mile (1.3 km) loop is located.
Western Zumwalt Meadow-River Junction
On the far side of the bridge, the Zumwalt Meadow Trail meets the River Trail, sharing the next 0.4 miles (0.6 km) along the south side of the meadow.
That being said, go left to continue toward the loop, which is located just a short distance away from this junction.
Read My Separate Post: River Trail
Zumwalt Meadow Loop Trail
Then, just 0.1 miles (0.2 km) after the Zumwalt Meadow Trail meets the River Trail, the Zumwalt Meadow Trail splits into a 0.8-mile (1.3 km) loop around the meadow.
That being said, I chose to go right in the counterclockwise direction.
It is these slopes on the upper side of Zumwalt Meadow that can make for a number of great places to slow down and look for wildlife.
However, what these photos don’t show is that the mosquitoes can be particularly annoying during the best times of day to look for Black Bears, which is why you may want to consider buying this cheap bug net before visiting Kings Canyon during the warmer summer months.
Eastern Zumwalt Meadow-River Junction
Once the loop reaches the far eastern end of Zumwalt Meadow, the River Trail splits away, as it continues for roughly another 1.0 miles (1.6 km) to Road’s End.
That being said, this final stretch from Zumwalt Meadow to Road’s End is what I consider to be the best and most beautiful section of the entire 2.7-mile (4.3 km) trail, which I highly recommend checking out in my separate article.
In any case, go left (straight) at this split to begin the 0.4-mile (0.6 km) return loop along the South Fork of the Kings River to get back to the beginning.
Read My Separate Post: River Trail
It was these sections along the Kings River that proved to be the buggiest, which is why I again suggest traveling with this cheap bug net if you plan to hike the full loop around Zumwalt Meadow.
This overlook across Zumwalt Meadow can be another great place to look for wildlife on the trail.
Zumwalt Meadow Loop Junction
Finally, after hiking the boardwalk across the meadow, the Zumwalt Meadow Loop returns to the beginning and the shared portion with the River Trail.
Here, go right to return back over the north side of the Kings River and the trailhead, located about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) away from this junction.
Read My Separate Post: River Trail
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
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