About
Length (round trip)0.5 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain200 ft up
Typical time15 min
TrailheadEnd of Panoramic Point Road, Grant Grove
SurfaceShort paved climb
Best seasonGrant Grove is open year round; the Cedar Grove road and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway close from November to April.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityThe half-mile trail to the viewing area is accessible, leading visitors to a stunning view overlooking the Sierra Nevada. The trail leads up a moderately-sloped path with cross slopes that may be difficult for some individuals to navigate. The area also has an accessible parking stall, restrooms, and picnic tables.
What you'll see ⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views

Look outward from Panoramic Point across hundreds of miles of Kings Canyon National Park and neighboring national forest lands. Below lies Hume Lake, a small historic lake in Sequoia National Forest that was created in 1908 using a rare multiple-arch dam. The lake water fed a flume that floated timber down to the valley. Beyond, lies the deep glacial gorge of the Kings Canyon itself and a wealth of the High Sierra's peaks. The area before you has a rich history. In the 1890s, artist Bolton Brown climbed many peaks to learn about and paint the area more accurately. Beginning In the late 1920s, poet Kenneth Rexroth often hiked here and wrote about this area. James Hutchings also spent time here, developing his Illustrated California magazine in the 1850s to bring attention and protection to the High Sierra. The likes of John Muir, Stephen Mather, George Moskey, and Horace Albright spent time here discussing how to develop a national park system. This is also home to countless species of plants and animals, from the alpine zone, where cold-tolerant species like pika and foxtail pines live, to the foothill zone, where heat-tolerant life thrives year round. You can also see the effects of fires that have passed through, leaving the forest healthier and stronger. You can also continue past the overlook on a more difficult 2.6-mile unpaved hike to the Park Ridge Fire Lookout. If the lookout volunteers are in, they may give you access and a tour of the view. To access this area in winter, you will need to hike, snowshoe, or ski to the trailhead via Panoramic Point Road. Safety Elevation changes will be more difficult at higher altitude. Take breaks and drink plenty of water. Allow plenty of time to complete the hike before your tour begins. Location This overlook is located a short driving distance from the Kings Canyon Visitor Center on Panoramic Point Road. The road is narrow and twisting with blind curves. Use caution when driving. RVs and oversized vehicles are prohibited on Panoramic Point Road. Parking 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
The access road is narrow and closed to trailers and RVs, and shuts in winter. Sunrise and sunset are both superb; you can see Hume Lake and the Great Western Divide at once.
Location

End of Panoramic Point Road, Grant Grove

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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