1 min
Overview
Zumwalt Meadow offers a perfect combination of dramatic scenery, the gentle (or roaring) rumble of the Kings River, a lush meadow, wildlife viewing, and an easy lollipop loop trail suitable for people of all ages and abilities. The meadow loop is the signature hike in the Cedar Grove area, and it epitomizes everything that is great about Kings Canyon. This short and simple loop hike starts from a parking lot about half a mile east of the Roads End parking lot. This parking lot is also an access trail for the River and Kanawyer Trails, both of which parallel the Kings River through much of the Cedar Grove area. Technically, the meadow loop is part of the River Trail, and it is possible to weave the meadow loop into a larger loop exploring the Kanawyer and River Trails. Stellars jay does not approve Meadows, with their rich diversity of plants, attract all kinds of animals large and small, including mule deer and black bears. If taken in the early morning hours or in the late afternoon and evening hours, you stand a good chance of encountering (preferably from a distance) bears and deer browsing in the meadow or snuffling along for morsels by the river. Crags in Kings Canyon Starting from the parking lot along the road, strike out along the smooth, wide path as it parallels a bend in the river. Right off the bat, you’ll notice a number of sandy spots along the river from which you can wade in and splash around, provided that the river’s level is low. People looking to swim in the river should be aware that there are dangerous currents that can sweep swimmers away. From May to July, the river’s level may be too high, but the Kings is often gentle during August and September. The trail will continue along the river through sunny, open forest before making a bend to the left and coming to a bridge. Have you seen the bridge? Where is that confounded bridge? This old steel bridge crosses the Kings River while offering some good views up the canyon. Just past this bridge, there’s a pebble beach where you are likely to
Trail Stats
3.0 km
60 m
1572 m
1508 m
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