Zumwalt Meadow Trail Guide - Kings Canyon National Park
Hi friends! If you’re looking for a fantastic hike in Kings Canyon National Park that delivers big views with minimal effort, Zumwalt Meadow is the perfect choice. This short but stunning trail packs in everything that makes the park so special—rushing rivers, towering granite cliffs, wildflower-lined paths, and lush alpine meadows—all within just over a mile and a half round trip. Nestled in the heart of Cedar Grove along the South Fork of the Kings River, Zumwalt Meadow is often described as one of the most beautiful spots in Kings Canyon. It’s easy to see why with its sheer rock formations like Grand Sentinel and North Dome rising thousands of feet above the meadow, wildlife flourishing among the tall grasses, and a sturdy suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the river and canyon walls.
When planning a trip to Kings Canyon National Park, the Zumwalt Meadow Trail is a must-do. This easy 1.5-mile out-and-back hike combines everything that makes the park so special with its jaw-dropping granite walls, peaceful riverside paths, and a meadow that changes beautifully with the seasons. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the hike step by step, share tips for spotting wildlife, explain how to extend your adventure to Roaring River Falls or Roads End, and give you all the “know before you go” details to make your visit smooth and unforgettable.
Kings River near the Zumwalt Meadow Trailhead
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!
Zumwalt Meadow in Kings Canyon National Park
Where is Zumwalt Meadow?
Zumwalt Meadow is located in the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, about 4.5 miles east of Cedar Grove Village and less than 1.5 miles from the popular Roads End trailhead. The parking lot is right off Highway 180, making it easy to find while driving the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Because Cedar Grove sits at an elevation of around 4,600 feet, the road is closed in winter (typically late October through May). Plan your visit between late spring and mid fall when the meadow is accessible and at its most vibrant.
Zumwalt Meadow Trail in Kings Canyon National Pakr
Zumwalt Meadow Trail Overview
Distance: ~1.5 miles round trip
Trail Type: Out-and-back (former loop section is currently closed due to trail damage)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (short distance but uneven terrain)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Perfect For: Families, casual hikers, and anyone looking for a short but breathtaking experience in Kings Canyon.
Suspension bridge over the Kings River along Zumwalt Meadow Trail
Hiking the Zumwalt Meadow Trail
1. Trailhead and First Steps: The trail begins beside Kings River with tall stands of sequoia, sugar pine, and incense cedar, with wildflowers often lining the path in spring and early summer.
2. The Suspension Bridge: Just a quarter mile in, you’ll cross a wooden suspension bridge over the South Fork of the Kings River. It’s sturdy, fun, and offers amazing views of both the river below and the granite canyon walls above. On the far side, there’s a quiet shoreline, which is a popular spot to rest, snack, or simply enjoy the sound of rushing water.
3. Forested Path: The trail continues along a shaded dirt path, winding through a cedar and pine forest. This section is calm and cool, a welcome break on hot summer days.
4. Boulder Field and Granite Walls: Soon the trail transitions into a rocky granite boulder field. Natural stone steps and uneven rocks lead you upward, revealing dramatic views of Grand Sentinel (8,518 ft) and North Dome (8,717 ft). This is the most “adventurous” part of the hike, so bring good shoes for traction.
5. Zumwalt Meadow Viewpoint: Exiting the boulders, you arrive at the meadow itself, a lush green expanse framed by soaring granite cliffs. Though the full loop trail around the meadow is currently closed, this viewpoint is the perfect place to pause, take photos, and look for wildlife.
Muir Rock at Roads End in Kings Canyon National Park
Extending Your Adventure
If you’re craving more than a quick 1.5-mile hike, consider these add-ons:
Roaring River Falls to Zumwalt Meadow: Start at Roaring River Falls and hike just under 2 miles to Zumwalt Meadow. The falls are especially powerful in late spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak. For more info on this waterfall, check out my full Roaring River Falls blog post.
Zumwalt Meadow to Roads End: From the meadow, continue 1.5 miles to Roads End, where you’ll find Muir Rock, where the legendary John Muir once gave nature talks about this incredible region. Here, you’ll also find access to legendary backcountry routes like Paradise Valley and the Rae Lakes Loop. Even if you don’t head into the wilderness, the river views along this stretch are amazing!
Skink at Zumwalt Meadow in Kings Canyon
Wildlife & Nature at Zumwalt Meadow
Zumwalt Meadow is a great place to spot wildlife. On my recent trip, we spotted a beautiful skink hunting butterflies in the mead, all kinds of bird species along the trail, as well as a black bear with 3 small cubs near the road just a short distance from the parking lot! Common wildlife sightings here include:
• Mule deer grazing in the grasses
• Black bears at the meadow’s edge (keep a safe distance)
• Butterflies, lizards, and garter snakes along the trail
• Songbirds in the forest and meadow brush
The meadow changes dramatically with the seasons. Summer brings lush green growth and wildflowers, while fall turns the grasses golden under the granite peaks.
Kings Canyon National Park sign
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!
North Dome seen from Zumwalt Meadow Trail in Kings Canyon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zumwalt Meadow Trail kid-friendly?
Yes — the first part to the suspension bridge is especially fun for kids. Use caution in the boulder field.
How long does it take to hike Zumwalt Meadow?
Most people complete it in 45 minutes to an hour, depending on stops.
Can I loop around the meadow?
Not currently. One side of the loop is closed, so you’ll need to hike the trail as an out-and-back instead.
When’s the best time to visit?
Late May through early October when the road to Cedar Grove is open.
Are pets allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted on national park trails within Kings Canyon.
Boulder field along Zumwalt Meadow Trail in Kings Canyon
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.
• Restrooms are available in the parking lot near the trailhead, as well as at Roads End just over a mile down the road.
• 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
Planning a trip to California and the west coast? I’ve got in-depth travel guides and itineraries for several national parks and beautiful destinations. Check out a few of them below, or click here to see them all!
Butterflies in Zumwalt Meadow 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 the Zumwalt Meadow hike, 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.
Granite peaks of Kings Canyon National Park
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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.
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