Zumwalt Meadow Yosemite National Park
A serene loop trail in Kings Canyon National Park, offering lush meadows, a scenic river, and dramatic granite cliffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful light
Zumwalt Meadow Yosemite National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene loop trail in Kings Canyon National Park, offering lush meadows, a scenic river, and dramatic granite cliffs.
"One of the best bangs for your buck in terms of distance and scenery in Kings Canyon National Park."
Check Trail Status First
Boardwalk sections may be closed due to flooding. Always check conditions before you go! :informationdeskperson:
Park Smart
Zumwalt Meadow parking fills fast. Try Cedar Grove/Road's End and hike in for better views. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Zumwalt Meadow Loop
Kings Canyon National Park
A scenic 1.5-mile loop through lush meadows, pine forests, and along the Kings River.
Granite Cliff Views
Along the Zumwalt Meadow trail
Towering granite cliffs create a dramatic backdrop to the serene meadows and river.
Kings River Scenery
Adjacent to Zumwalt Meadow
Enjoy peaceful moments by the Kings River, with potential for stunning reflections.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Status & Access
Best Footwear & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Status First
Boardwalk sections may be closed due to flooding. Always check conditions before you go! :informationdeskperson:
Park Smart
Zumwalt Meadow parking fills fast. Try Cedar Grove/Road's End and hike in for better views. :car:
Wear Grippy Shoes
Some parts of the trail are rocky. Good traction is key for a comfortable hike. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Scenery
Even with partial closures, the views of the canyon walls and meadows are breathtaking. :camerawithflash:
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway - how far should we go?
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Status First
Boardwalk sections may be closed due to flooding. Always check conditions before you go! :informationdeskperson:
Park Smart
Zumwalt Meadow parking fills fast. Try Cedar Grove/Road's End and hike in for better views. :car:
Wear Grippy Shoes
Some parts of the trail are rocky. Good traction is key for a comfortable hike. :athletic_shoe:
Embrace the Scenery
Even with partial closures, the views of the canyon walls and meadows are breathtaking. :camerawithflash:
Peaceful Ambiance
Hike at sunset for a truly tranquil experience with nature's sounds. :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Zumwalt Meadow for its stunning natural beauty, featuring lush meadows, a scenic river, and towering granite cliffs. It's considered a high-value hike for its relatively short distance and impressive scenery. However, recent flooding has impacted the trail, with parts of the boardwalk closed, leading to some disappointment.
"A beautiful and peaceful loop trail, about 1.5 miles round trip with very little elevation gain. The path winds through lush meadows, pine forest, and along the Kings River with granite cliffs towering above. We hiked it in early fall and around sunset — not crowded, plenty of parking nearby. Easy and relaxing walk, perfect for soaking in the beauty of Kings Canyon."
Marta Stashevska
"Amazing hike! One of the best bangs for your buck in terms of distance and scenery in Kings Canyon National Park. In just a mile and a half you'll see a meadow and get great views of the river. Part of the loop is closed for restoration for now."
Christopher Roman
"The loop trail is sadly no more, as the boardwalk section along the riverside was swept away by the flooding after the huge snowfall in winter 2022. The valley wall side part of the trail is still there and well worth walking as it offers a great taste of the Canyon. Rocky in parts, but surrounded by greenery."
Helen Marquis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zumwalt Meadow is located in Kings Canyon National Park, which is adjacent to Yosemite. To reach it, you'll typically drive along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 180) to the Cedar Grove area. Parking is available at the Zumwalt Meadows Trailhead, but it fills up quickly. Many visitors opt to park at the larger lot at Cedar Grove/Road's End and hike along the River Trail towards the meadow.
The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 180) is generally open year-round, but it can be subject to closures due to snow in winter or rockfalls. It's always best to check the official National Park Service website for current road conditions before your visit.
If the Zumwalt Meadows Trailhead parking is full, a common strategy is to park at the Cedar Grove/Road's End area, which has more ample parking. From there, you can take the River Trail towards Zumwalt Meadow, enjoying additional scenic views along the Kings River and canyon walls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Zumwalt Meadow is within Kings Canyon National Park, so you will need a park entrance pass. Passes can be purchased at the park entrance stations or online in advance.
Zumwalt Meadow is accessible during park operating hours, which are typically dawn to dusk. There are no specific entry times for the meadow itself, but be mindful of road access and potential seasonal closures.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Kings Canyon National Park. The fee is per vehicle and is valid for seven days. You can purchase it at the park entrance or online.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Recent reports indicate that parts of the Zumwalt Meadow loop, particularly the boardwalk section along the riverside, were swept away by flooding. While the valley wall side of the trail is still accessible and offers great views, the full loop may not be intact. Always check for the latest updates on trail conditions.
The Zumwalt Meadow loop is approximately 1.5 miles round trip. It's considered an easy hike with very little elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors.
You can expect to see beautiful, lush meadows, dense pine forests, and the impressive Kings River. The area is framed by towering granite cliffs, offering a dramatic and serene natural landscape.
Absolutely! The combination of meadows, river, and granite cliffs provides numerous photographic opportunities. Sunset can offer particularly stunning light.
Restroom facilities are generally available in the Cedar Grove area, which is near Zumwalt Meadow. It's advisable to confirm the availability of facilities with the park service upon arrival.
🎫 👟 What to Wear & Bring
Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip are recommended, as some sections of the trail can be rocky. Layers of clothing are also advisable, as mountain weather can change quickly.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A camera is a must for capturing the stunning scenery. If hiking during cooler months, bring extra layers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key advice for families: Bring plenty of snacks and water, as amenities are limited. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear, as the trail can be rocky in parts. Be prepared for potential trail closures and have a backup plan, such as exploring other accessible areas in Cedar Grove.
🚶♀️ Casual Strollers & Nature Lovers
Recommendations: Visit during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the tranquility. Take your time to observe the flora and fauna, and find a quiet spot by the river to simply enjoy the peace. The early fall is particularly pleasant for this type of leisurely exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Trail Closures and Detours
When planning your visit, it's crucial to check the official Kings Canyon National Park website or visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail status and any designated detours. This will help you manage expectations and make the most of your time in the area, even if the complete loop isn't available.
Many visitors find that parking at the Cedar Grove/Road's End lot and hiking the River Trail towards Zumwalt Meadow offers a fantastic alternative. This route provides its own set of breathtaking views along the Kings River and of the canyon walls, often considered a highlight in itself.
Photography Tips for Zumwalt Meadow
For the best light, consider visiting during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The warm, soft light can enhance the colors of the meadows and create beautiful shadows on the cliffs. Sunset, in particular, is often recommended for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning visual effects.
Don't be afraid to explore different vantage points. Some of the most striking views of the meadows are found on the rocky sections of the trail, especially on the south portion of the loop before it circles back. Look up to capture the scale of the mountains against the sky.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit