Sunset Trail and Ella Falls Loop

This 6.3-mile loop starts near the Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove. It follows South Boundary Trail to Sunset Trail, descends through conifer forest to Ella Falls, adds a short out-and-back branch to Sequoia Lake Overlook, and returns toward Grant Grove. Allow about four hours for a moderate half-day hike, including the overlook. The lake is framed through trees rather than spread out in a wide panorama.

The access begins across CA-180 from the visitor center, then joins South Boundary Trail before turning onto Sunset Trail. Several junctions are poorly signed, so download the route before setting out. The trail drops toward Ella Falls and climbs back toward Grant Grove; expect a sustained return climb over a mix of dirt path and patches of old pavement. The start is around 6,500 feet, so the altitude adds to the effort.

Near the falls, the trail follows remnants of the former park entrance road; worn pavement still shows beneath the forest. Ella Falls spills over granite ledges into pools. Snowmelt usually brings the fuller cascade, while late-summer flow can dwindle to a small stream. Rocks beside the water can be slick.

The route includes the side trip to Sequoia Lake Overlook. The view is partly screened by trees, but it gives the walk a second destination after the falls. The stored 6.3-mile distance includes this branch; leaving it out makes a shorter core loop of about 5.7 miles. Longer itineraries that also tour North Grove and General Grant are different variants and are not part of this route.

Park in the Grant Grove Village lot by the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. Grant Grove Village services are close to the trailhead and make a useful stop before or after the hike, not a midway resupply. Pets are prohibited on park trails.