AWE - Kings Canyon Camp and Explore - First-Year Students
Kings Canyon National Park is a dramatic and rugged wilderness area in the southern Sierra Nevada of California, known for its deep canyons, towering cliffs, and ancient giant sequoias. Kings Canyon itself is one of the deepest canyons in North America, carved by glaciers and the powerful Kings River. The park is home to massive giant sequoias, including the General Grant Tree, known as the “Nation’s Christmas Tree.” We will set up camp along the South Fork of the Kings River in the Cedar Grove, deep in the canyon. We will explore waterfalls like Grizzly Falls and Mist Falls on scenic hikes through forests and granite landscapes. Highlights also include the lush Zumwalt Meadows and a guided tour of Boyden Cavern.
Cost
Incoming First-Year Students Only: $150
Pre-Trip Meeting / Sign-Up Deadline
August 12, 2025 @ 6pm
Activity Level
3 - Adventurous
Trip Departs From
CSUSB Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart & Giant Sequoias
We start at the Adventure Center in the Student Union South where you will be issued your gear, pack our gear and food. After a few ice breakers will hit the road to our campsite in Kings Canyon National Park. We will stop at Grant Grove on the way to our campsite, home to the massive General Grant Tree on easy loop trail around the sequoias and take in panoramic views from Panoramic Point.
Day 2: Scenic Drive & Mist Falls Hike
After breakfast we will pack our lunch then hike the Mist Falls Trail (8 miles round trip) for river views and a powerful waterfall. After our hike we will explore the lush Zumwalt Meadows before returning to relax at camp.
Day 3: Cavern Tour and Overlook
We will tour Boyden cavern in the morning and have lunch at Grizzly Falls Picnic Area. in the afternoon we will hike to the Cedar Grove Overlook, After dinner we will enjoy your final night camping under the stars.
Day 4: Lake Relaxation & Departure
After packing up camp we will spend a relaxing morning at Hume Lake, just outside the park, where we can paddle, or enjoy a quiet lakeside lunch before heading back to CSUSB.
Packing List
Weather
Food
9 meals are included, starting with dinner on day 1 (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners)
2 meals are not included (1 lunch and 1 dinner)
Hygiene and Comfort
We will be staying in reserved campsites. The campsites are within close proximity to flush toilets, drinking water, and there are showers nearby for a fee. Vault toilets are available at some trail heads or we will use Leave No Trace methods to dispose of trash and human waste. You will have the option to share a tent with one or two people or sleep out under the cover of the stars. Light weight tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, foam pads and ground tarps will be provided to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. The ground consists of soft to hard soil.