Kanawyers Loop

Overview

In the Sierra, hikes where you can enjoy spectacular scenery paired with a lack of strenuous activity are hard to come by. The nature of mountains begets trails that often rise and fall, requiring a level of exertion that often excludes less experienced or fit hikers. On the Kanawyers Loop, however, hikers will find a fantastic introduction to the best features of the canyon, including soaring granite walls and crags, mixed-conifer forests, raging cascades, and the omnipresent rumble of the Kings River all within reach via an easy, family-friendly dayhike. The Sphinx From the Roads End parking area, find the trail leading south from the parking lot. This trail is distinct from the trail leaving from the ranger station, which is your return route. You can go that way (clockwise) if you wish, but having done it both ways, I’m partial to the counter-clockwise route. Follow the trail as it plunges into the forest and heads toward a steel footbridge crossing the Kings River. The impossibly clear water rushes below the bridge, and the translucent green and blue hues of the water appear otherworldly. Kings River On the opposite bank, the trail reaches a junction with the River Trail. Turning right would lead you west to Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls. Turning left takes you east toward the confluence of Bubbs Creek and the South Fork Kings River. Turn left, and follow the trail as it leads you into pine and cedar forest. After 1 mile, the trail leaves the shade of the forest to enter a sparsely wooded, sandy flat with growths of manzanita scattered about. The views from this section of the route are magnificent, as the towering walls convey the full impact of Kings Canyon’s grandeur. The trail eventually returns to the shade of the forest and then reaches the banks of the river, which remains close by until the trail approaches Avalanche Creek. This creek crossing is unimproved, which means a painstaking log-hop across during high water in the early season. A better strategy may be to take your shoes off and w

Trail Stats

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