Exploring Roaring River Falls: Easy Waterfall Hike in Kings Canyon National Park
Hi friends! If you’re looking for a short, family-friendly hike in Kings Canyon National Park that rewards you with big scenery for minimal effort, Roaring River Falls is the perfect stop. Tucked away in the heart of Cedar Grove, this powerful waterfall plunges through a granite chute, creating a dramatic show of mist and sound. And while most visitors stick to the paved path, there’s also a hidden dirt trail nearby that offers a unique and elevated perspective of the roaring cascade, perfect for those who like to explore a little off the beaten path. Whether you’re road-tripping the Majestic Mountain Loop or spending a weekend exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon, this easy adventure showcases the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada.
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 0.3 miles RT
• Elevation Change: 25 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
Roaring River Falls in Kings Canyon National Park
Location
Roaring River Falls is located in the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park along Highway-180, about 3 miles before you reach Road’s End. The signed turnoff for the falls leads to a small parking area just past the bridge that crosses Roaring River. It’s important to note that Highway-180 closes for the winter in this section of the park, so this incredible waterfall can only be enjoyed during the warmer months, typically late-April through mid-November (depending on weather).
Exploring Roaring River Falls in Kings Canyon
Sequoia & Kings Canyon 2-4 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
If you’re planning a Kings Canyon road trip, make sure to download my complete Sequoia & Kings Canyon 2-4 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes an hour-by-hour schedule, Google & Apple map pin locations, the best stargazing spots, a dining guide, recommendations on where to stay, activities outside the park, and more! Download it today and make your national park planning easy!
Roaring River Falls Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
The Main Trail
The Roaring River Falls Trail is a 0.3-mile RT paved path that’s accessible for nearly everyone, including families with young kids, wheelchair users, and those pushing strollers. This short and gentle stroll winds through shady ponderosa pines and black oaks, offering glimpses of sheer granite walls above. In early summer, wildflowers add color along the way, and the sound of rushing water grows louder as you near the falls.
Roaring River Falls in Kings Canyon National Park
The Waterfall
As you reach the end of the main trail, the sound of water tumbling down reaches a crescendo as the falls come into view. Roaring River Falls plunges dramatically through a narrow granite chute, sending spray and mist into the air as it crashes into the swirling pool below. The power of the water is especially impressive during spring snowmelt—typically peaking in mid-June—but the falls are truly beautiful anytime. A large viewing area at the end of the paved path makes it easy to admire the scene and snap photos. Rock-hoppers will enjoy exploring the area, which features large boulders and granite slabs that extend down to the water’s edge. It’s a great spot to picnic, find shade on a hot summer day, and soak in the sounds of nature.
Secret Trail to alternate Roaring River Falls viewpoint
View from Roaring River Falls secret trail
The Secret Trail
For a more adventurous twist, check out the “Secret Trail” just across the bridge along Highway 180 from the main falls parking area. This little-known dirt path begins on the west side of the Roaring River and climbs gently uphill for less than a 1/10 of a mile with 60 feet of elevation gain. Though it doesn’t seem to be officially maintained anymore, the trail is still passable and leads to an elevated viewpoint of Roaring River Falls. From here, you’ll enjoy a unique perspective of the cascading water and the river rushing through the canyon below. On my visit, I didn’t see another soul on this path—it felt like a forgotten trail, adding to the sense of adventure and making the experience even more special.
Roaring River Falls secret trail viewpoint
Majestic Mountain Loop Road Trip
Roaring River Falls is an official stop along California’s Majestic Mountain Loop. Organized by Visit Visalia and Visit Yosemite | Madera County, this epic road trip is the perfect multi-day itinerary that takes visitors through Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks, showcasing the best stops to encounter towering sequoias, ancient cave systems, massive granite peaks, and breathtaking waterfalls. Check out my full Majestic Mountain Loop blog post and MajesticMountainLoop.com for more info!
Grizzly Falls in Sequoia National Forest
Bonus Waterfall: Grizzly Falls
Located 7 miles west of Roaring River Falls along Highway-180 in Sequoia National Forest, visitors can enjoy another impressive waterfall right off the road. The 80 foot Grizzly Falls is just a 1/10 of a mile from the parking lot, and although the path is dirt and rocky, it makes for a great quick stop along your Kings Canyon road trip.
Roaring River in Kings Canyon National Park
Know Before You Go
• If you’re planning an upcoming trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, it’s incredibly important to visit the official NPS website prior to your trip for the most up-to-date park information, including road and trail conditions.
• Cell service is unreliable in much of Sequoia and Kings Canyon, so bring a reliable GPS device with pre-downloaded maps. Gaia GPS for iPhone and Android devices is a great option that I use on all my mountain road trips.
• This is black bear country. Bears and other wildlife can be present on trails at any time of the day or night. Feeding and approaching wildlife is dangerous and illegal. Make sure to properly store your food.
• If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Highway-180 closes for the winter in this section of the park, and is typically open each year from late-April through mid-November (depending on weather).
• Drowning is the lead cause of deaths each year in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Be extremely cautious when approaching Roaring River, Kings River, and other waterways in the park. Currents under the surface can be deceivingly strong, and boulders are often slick near the water’s edge.
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks require an entrance fee if you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass.
Downloadable Itineraries & Travel Guides
Roaring River Falls in Kings Canyon National Park
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Kings Canyon National Park. For a virtual visit of Roaring River Falls, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Towering Kings Canyon granite walls seen from Roaring River Falls Trail
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Etsy Shop
