Parking
There is no parking at either endpoint. Road’s End in Cedar Grove is a backcountry access gateway, not the trailhead; reaching Simpson Meadow requires a long approach, and the PCT end needs a separately planned onward route and exit.
Overview
About Upper Middle Fork Kings Trail
Why go
- Follows the Middle Fork Kings with river views
- Connects Simpson Meadow with the JMT/PCT network
Heads up
- Requires long wilderness approach and exit travel
- Lightly maintained tread can be brushy and hard to follow
- Palisade Creek crossing may be hazardous at high water
Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Kings Canyon map
Full mapElevation5,942–8,097 ft
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Safety
8 active Kings Canyon alerts
- CautionStage 1 fire restrictionsStage 1 fire restrictions are active because high fire danger raises the risk of accidental human-caused fires that could threaten visitors and employees.Official details
- ClosureGrant Grove trails and areas closed for prescribed fireSome trails and areas around Grant Grove and the General Grant Tree are closed during an active prescribed burn; stay out until crews clear hazards and reopen them.Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Kings Canyon Tour Guide
Your drive to Upper Middle Fork Kings Trail, narrated.
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See the Kings Canyon audio tour- 55 audio storiesacross Kings Canyon’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Black Bear, Mule Deer, Marmot, and 13 more
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- CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
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Trail guide
Hiking Upper Middle Fork Kings Trail
Route and commitmentThis 7.
This 7.9-mile one-way backcountry route follows the Middle Fork Kings from the Simpson Meadow junction to the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails near Palisade Creek. It is a remote link between wilderness routes, not a standalone day hike. Allow about 6–7 hours for this segment; approaches and exit travel add substantially.
Ground and treadThe corridor stays with the river and has views toward the Middle Fork.
The corridor stays with the river and has views toward the Middle Fork. Expect rolling ups and downs and high steps on a lightly maintained path; seasonal brush can slow travel and make route finding harder.
Palisade CreekThe northeastern connection reaches the PCT across Palisade Creek.
The northeastern connection reaches the PCT across Palisade Creek. The crossing can be dangerous when water is high, and the precise ford line is not well documented. Check current conditions and do not commit if the crossing is unsafe.
Access and rulesNeither endpoint has road access or parking.
Neither endpoint has road access or parking. Reaching Simpson Meadow from the road requires a long wilderness approach, and the far end continues on the JMT/PCT, so plan the complete approach and exit before starting. Overnight trips require a wilderness permit. Pets are not allowed on park trails; service dogs are permitted.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Kings Canyon
227 sightingsBlack BearMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
385 sightingsMule DeerMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
188 sightingsMarmotMost seen around 8 AMSighting map
118 sightingsPikaMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
14 sightingsGolden TroutMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
32 sightingsRainbow TroutMost seen around 7 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Kings Canyon. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
