Zumwalt Meadow
Kings Canyon National Park, CA
An easy loop through a meadow on the floor of Kings Canyon beneath the granite walls of Grand Sentinel and North Dome. It is near Road’s End, at the end of SR-180, open roughly late April to mid-November.
Zumwalt Meadow is a large meadow in Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon, which the National Park Service calls one of the park's most iconic and scenic meadows. The trail starts near the Kings River, crosses a riverside corridor and then climbs gently along a rocky talus slope with views over the meadow. The National Park Service gives its length as 1.5 to 5 km (1 to 3 miles). You may see marmots, deer and birds of prey, and bears are active here.
SR 180 to Cedar Grove closes for the winter, usually from mid-November, and normally reopens on the fourth Friday in April. The trailhead parking lot is small; come early or return later if it is full. Anything with a scent belongs in the food lockers. In spring and early summer the river is cold and swift. Pets are not allowed. Allow one to two hours.
- Nearest town
- Kings Canyon National Park, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.7944, -118.5985
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Sunset CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Zumwalt Meadow · 158 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Azalea CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Zumwalt Meadow · 110 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Independence Creek CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Zumwalt Meadow · 29 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Taboose Creek CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Zumwalt Meadow · 35 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Cold Springs CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Zumwalt Meadow · 40 pitchesTentsToilets
- Glacier Lodge CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Zumwalt MeadowTentsCaravans
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Zumwalt Meadow?
Zumwalt Meadow is in Kings Canyon National Park, CA, at GPS 36.7944, -118.5985. It is about 21 mi from Grant Grove.
Can you camp near Zumwalt Meadow?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Moraine Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 45 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Zumwalt Meadow?
Zumwalt Meadow is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and the Giant Forest.
What is there to see near Zumwalt Meadow?
Places worth a stop nearby: Grizzly Falls (8 mi), General Sherman Tree (17 mi), Moro Rock (19 mi) and General Grant Tree (21 mi).
When is the best time to visit Zumwalt Meadow?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)