About
Length1.5 mi
ShapeLoop
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain100 ft up
Typical time45 min
TrailheadZumwalt Meadow, Cedar Grove
SurfaceLevel boardwalk and riverside path
Best seasonGrant Grove is open year round; the Cedar Grove road and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway close from November to April.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityFrom the parking area, the trail to the expansion bridge is relatively level and may be suitable for some wheelchair users. Surfaces are unpaved, and both sandy and not firmly packed in some places. The trail can be rough in spring when snowmelt can flood the trail or nearby areas.
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🌊 River or creek🌼 Wildflowers🦌 Wildlife

Highway 180 to Cedar Grove closes for the winter in mid-November. This area typically reopens the fourth Friday in April; reopening is conducted by CalTrans. Zumwalt Meadow is one of the park's most iconic, scenic meadows. Explore a 1 - 3 mile trail that begins near the Kings River, crosses a riparian corridor, and then climbs gently along a rocky hillside. From here, as you hike through a talus slope, you will catch glimpses of the meadow below. Meadows often attract bears and other animals such as yellow-bellied marmots, deer, birds of prey, and snakes; watch for them all here. Safety Most of the year, the river flows gently along one side of the meadow, but in spring and early summer the water is cold and currents are swift. Be careful!Kings Canyon is a very active bear area. Be sure to stow anything with a scent in the food storage lockers. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Location The trailhead for Zumwalt Meadow begins 4.5 miles (7.2 km) east of Cedar Grove Village. Visitors going to Cedar Grove will need to drive approximately one hour (33 miles) down Highway 180 from the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. Parking There is a small parking lot at the trailhead for Zumwalt Meadow. Please be aware that parking is very tight and limited. Arrive early or return at a later time if the parking lot is full.

Tips
North Dome and the Grand Sentinel rise 3,500 feet directly above the meadow. Largely level with boardwalk sections. Flood damage has closed the suspension bridge at times - check the current route.
Location

Zumwalt Meadow, Cedar Grove

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