Beyond the OverlookMist Falls: Our Favorite Hike in Sequoia + Kings Canyon
The elements were real - sun, bugs and a bear sighting - but the canyon views were unparalleled. This was our favorite hike of the trip.
Firsthand guide · Last reviewed August 2026 · How we review our guides
Our verdict: MUST DO. If you make the drive into Cedar Grove, this is the hike we would build the day around.
Trail snapshot
Distance: about 8 miles round trip
Time: NPS suggests 4–5 hours; allow extra if you stop by the river
Profile: relatively flat early, then about 600 feet of gain in the final mile to the falls
Trailhead: Road’s End, Cedar Grove
The trail gets better as you go
The beginning follows the South Fork of the Kings River through forest and more exposed chaparral. There are sunny sections, and we dealt with bugs, so bring water, sun protection and repellent. But the scale of the canyon kept getting better as we went.
The waterfall payoff
The final section climbs more noticeably toward Mist Falls. The water and granite scenery are spectacular, and after the easier opening miles the climb makes the finish feel earned.
Our cold-water finish
We did not swim at Mist Falls. Well below the falls, we found a short trail down to a calmer section of the river and got in for a bit. After the exposed sun, the cold water felt incredible. Come prepared if you want that option, or just wade where conditions are calm.
River safety: Conditions change with snowmelt and runoff. Avoid swift water, waterfalls and strong current; choose only calm access and follow current NPS guidance.
Yes, we saw a bear
We encountered a bear on the trail, gave it plenty of space and had no issue. Kings Canyon is active bear country; keep distance from wildlife and follow park food-storage rules.
Why this was our favorite hike of the trip
There was not one single reason. The canyon scenery, waterfall, river, wildlife and sense of being farther from the busiest parts of the parks all contributed. We saw very few people compared with the better-known Sequoia attractions, which made the whole hike feel wilder.
The scenery builds gradually
The early miles are pleasant, but the hike gets better as the canyon tightens and the granite walls become more dramatic. By the time you reach the waterfall section, it feels like you have traveled somewhere rather than simply walked to a viewpoint.
The river stop made the day even better
We did not get into the water at Mist Falls itself. Later, well below the falls, we found a calmer river access and cooled off. Combined with the heat, bugs and long sunny stretches, that cold-water finish became one of our favorite parts of the day.
Would we make the Cedar Grove drive just for this?
Yes. Mist Falls is the hike that justified driving deep into Kings Canyon for us. Pairing it with the Scenic Byway made the day feel completely different from Sequoia's giant-tree experience.