Getting to Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park sits in CA, United States, with Big Pine the nearest town of any size — about 32.8 mi (52.8 km) out, or roughly 1 hr 8 min of driving.
Kings Canyon National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
Drive times from Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park sits close enough to Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Pinnacles National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Sequoia National Park | 21.1 mi (33.9 km) | 48 min |
| Yosemite National Park | 88 mi (142 km) | 2 hr 32 min |
| Death Valley National Park | 110 mi (177 km) | 3 hr 3 min |
| Pinnacles National Park | 140 mi (225 km) | 3 hr 46 min |
Long trails through this park
Pacific Crest Trail crosses Kings Canyon National Park. The published corridor is CA–WA.
- Pacific Crest Trail — official trail site.
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Big Pine | 32.8 mi (52.8 km) | 1 hr 8 min |
| Lone Pine | 36.1 mi (58.1 km) | 1 hr 14 min |
| Orange Cove | 37.7 mi (60.6 km) | 1 hr 17 min |
| West Bishop | 40.5 mi (65.2 km) | 1 hr 22 min |
| Bishop | 41.8 mi (67.2 km) | 1 hr 24 min |
| Dixon Lane-Meadow Creek | 42.9 mi (69 km) | 1 hr 26 min |
| Dinuba | 43.5 mi (70 km) | 1 hr 27 min |
| Reedley | 45.5 mi (73.2 km) | 1 hr 30 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Kings Canyon National Park?
Big Pine, about 32.8 mi (52.8 km) away — roughly 1 hr 8 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Kings Canyon National Park?
The practical bases are Big Pine, Lone Pine, and Orange Cove — all within a reasonable drive of the park.