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Woods Creek Trail to Paradise Valley

Fresno · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#kings-canyon#rae-lakes-loop#meadows#access-route
Distance
13 mi
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

The Woods Creek Trail climbs from Road's End into Paradise Valley, a broad meadow basin on the Rae Lakes Loop's north leg where the South Fork Kings meanders beneath granite domes. A 6.5-mile walk to the first camp — ideal for a mellow two-day overnight.

Highlights

  • Paradise Valley's meadows and river meanders
  • Castle Domes rising above the valley
  • Mist Falls on the approach
  • The clockwise start of the Rae Lakes Loop

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Road's End (Woods Creek Trailhead) · parking: Road's End parking, Cedar Grove
  • Water: Woods Creek and the South Fork Kings; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Cedar Grove Village has a small store in season.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Woods Creek entry applies during quota season. Designated sites may be required in Paradise Valley.
  • Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-ups when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 10,000 ft in Kings Canyon unless fire restrictions are in effect. Check for Paradise Valley-specific rules. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Opens with the Cedar Grove road in spring.

Heat: Hot in the lower canyon; the valley is cooler.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in Paradise Valley through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Camping in parts of Paradise Valley may be limited to designated sites — confirm at Road's End
  • Mosquitoes are heavy in the meadows through July
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Wilderness Trail Descriptions — Cedar Grove and Road's End. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/traildesc.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Woods Creek Trail description, first allowed campsite in Paradise Valley (6.5 miles), and note that designated sites may be required there.
  2. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857. Accessed 2026-09-07. Quota season, fees, food-storage requirements, and fire rules.
  3. Wilderness Regulations and Minimum Impact Restrictions. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/minimum-impact-restrictions.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Camping and campfire restrictions across the parks.