There is also one privately owned business that is a combination motel, service station, bar and convenience store. From the park entrance, route 180 climbs through about 20 miles of switchbacks to the summit of the first mountain range at about 2,000 meters. There are camping and lodging facilities at the summit near some spectacular groves of Sequoia trees. Along this road are some great views and a wide variety of hiking, mountain biking and riding trails. Riding horses and pack animals are available to rent at several stables in the park.
Lodging is available at the mountaintop, but advanced reservations are necessary.
The scenery in Kings Canyon is spectacular From the summit, route 180 drops 1000 meters down into the canyon through a series of switchbacks with spectacular views. At the bottom, it follows the raging Kings River up this narrow defile for about 10 miles to Cedar Grove Village and Roads End. The scenery is fantastic. Canyon walls rise 1000 meters on each side with sheer granite cliffs and beautiful waterfalls. Kings Canyon resembles Yosemite valley without the thousands of tourists.