Kings Canyon National Park - Part 2

As we came through the Rough Fire area that burned last summer, along the western portion of Kings Canyon National Park, we entered into the canyon and were blown away by the vista views.  And, there was a thunderstorm/snowstorm going on and we witnessed that.  To see the lightning across the canyon, then hear the rolling thunder was a real treat.  Should we turn around and come back another day or continue on to the end of the road (Roads End) where we could no longer travel by car?  Lets drive on.  And so we did.  Most mountains here are over 14000 feet tall, most are snow covered and there are so many glaciers and high sierra lakes, but you need to hike into them.

Sculptured by nature

Our first view of the canyon

And then the rainstorm - zoom in - see the road we need to travel down?

Really pouring now!

Snowing up on top now

Dave hugged the side of the canyon along, again a twisty road.  In and out of the Rough Fire where it swept down into the canyon past stumps and burned out areas, the road was just repaired a week ago to allow people to drive into the park.  Could see snow on the mountains above, hear the roar of the Kings River below, see fields and fields of wild flowers just beginning to bloom.

Walls of pure granite!

The river roaring by

We passed two waterfalls and decided to stop at them on our way back, Roaring River Falls and Grizzly Falls.  Very scenic.  Wonder in the summer how swift the waterfalls would be or we saw it at its best with the snow melt.  By this time it was raining but not heavy.  The lightning had stopped and was just a drizzle.  Surprised at the number of cars at Roads End, must be hiking up in the high Sierras.  Cold and damp but we were experiencing what being in raw nature is all about.

Have to turn around from here - no roads go through the park

Could hear Roaring Falls before spotting it

Pic doesn't do it justice - lots of falls above this but couldn't find a good spot
to take a picture

Grizzly Falls

Passed a couple of campgrounds that had not opened yet - 2 more weeks.  Two lodges and visitors centers were also closed.  The ranger from the other day said that about 1000 people visit the park each day during the summer months.  Glad we saw it now, and glad we experienced a rainstorm.

U shape of Kings Canyon

Road hugged canyon down to Roads End, dropped from 9000 feet to 500!

Sun had come out but we got this wonderful view looking north

Looked down and probably was a mile down 

Hard to tell but this burned out area was full of purple flowers

Walls and walls of granite towering over us, the river roaring by, the wind as it gushed through the canyon and literally blew us off our feet when we stopped to get pictures.  Stopped at a number of turn outs to view waterfalls in the distance, see the river way below us, just experience the grandeur of the canyon. What a fantastic day!