Columbine Picnic Area in Kings Canyon National Park is a peaceful picnic spot with tables, giant sequoias nearby, and easy access to scenic trails.
Kings Canyon National Park
30-45 Minutes
Summer
Free with Park Entry
Overview
If you’re planning a trip to Kings Canyon National Park or Sequoia National Park, set aside some time for the Columbine Picnic Area. It’s a quiet, shady picnic spot with tables, a nearby parking area, and easy access to short walks, rivers, and some of the world’s largest trees. Whether you’re coming for a quick lunch between scenic drives on the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway or settling in for a day of exploring, this area offers the perfect combination of convenience and natural beauty.
The Columbine Picnic Area sits within park boundaries near the Cedar Grove region of Kings Canyon National Park. For decades, it has been a favorite rest stop for families, hikers, and travelers driving from the San Joaquin Valley into the Sierra Nevada mountains. Like other picnic areas such as Big Stump Picnic Area or Grizzly Falls, Columbine was developed to give visitors a safe and scenic place to relax while protecting sensitive resources like the giant sequoias and the Kings River. Today, it continues to be maintained by the National Park Service, an official government organization within the United States.
The picnic tables are amongst the tall sequoia trees at the picnic area
The tall trees were amazing to see
Columbine Picnic Area Plan
When we visited Kings Canyon National Park, we started at the Visitor Center to pick up maps and check in with the rangers about trail conditions. From there, we drove along the Generals Highway toward the General Grant Tree Trail, but before seeing the giant sequoias, we planned for a lunch break. The Columbine Picnic Area was the perfect stop—it was just a short drive from the visitor center, had plenty of picnic tables, and gave us a quiet place to sit in the shade and enjoy a meal before continuing on to the famous General Grant Tree.
Even the fallen trees and stumps were a sight to see
The picnic tables are nestled amongst the trees
Getting There
Location
You’ll find the Columbine Picnic Area along the Generals Highway, a short drive from Grant Grove Village and not far from Cedar Grove. It’s conveniently located near other landmarks like the General Grant Tree, Zumwalt Meadow, and Roaring River Falls. The parking area is small but adequate, with vault toilets and picnic tables set under shady trees. From here, you can explore short walks or continue your journey deeper into the Sierra Nevada.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Columbine Picnic Area is in early summer, when wildflowers bloom and the Kings River runs full from snowmelt. That said, the area is open year-round, though higher elevations can close due to snow in winter. In warm days of summer, it’s a great place to stop for lunch before exploring trails like Mist Falls or Paradise Valley. In winter, nearby spots such as the Columbine Snow Play Area, Quail Flat Winter Trailhead, or Big Meadows Winter Trailhead attract cross-country skiers.
Sitting down at a table, eating lunch
Preparing lunch at one of the picnic tables
Columbine Picnic Area in Kings Canyon National Park
Who Can Go?
This picnic spot is accessible to just about anyone—it’s a short walk from the parking lot to the picnic tables, making it suitable for families with kids, seniors, and anyone needing a rest between adventures. Cross-country skiers, hikers, and road trippers alike will find it a convenient break.
What You'll See
At Columbine Picnic Area, you’ll be surrounded by tall pines and cedar trees, with giant sequoias just a short drive away. Keep an eye out for wildlife—black bears are occasionally seen in the area, so use bear boxes for food storage. On your drive in, you’ll pass scenic highlights like the Grant Tree Trail area, Hume Lake, and Grizzly Falls. For many visitors, combining a picnic here with stops at the Giant Forest Museum, Moro Rock, or even a drive to the General Sherman Tree makes for one of the best things to do in the Sierra Nevada.
Charcoal grills available for use
The large stump and tree trunk from a fallen sequoia
What to Bring & Wear
Bring picnic essentials: food, water, and a blanket if you’d like to sit on the grass instead of the tables. Dress in layers—mornings and evenings can be cool, even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are ideal if you plan a short hike nearby. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent can make your stop more comfortable. Don’t forget a camera to capture the world’s largest trees in nearby groves.
Where to Go
The Columbine Picnic Area is easy to reach from Grant Grove Village—just follow the Generals Highway and look for signs. It’s a short distance from popular lodging options like John Muir Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins, and Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park. If you’re coming from the Foothills Visitor Center, it’s a scenic drive through lower elevation foothills and into the higher elevations of Kings Canyon.
Uncle Derek and Tyler looking at the rings on the tree
The tree would have been wider than Tyler!
How Long Does it Take?
A stop at Columbine Picnic Area doesn’t take long—you can enjoy a quick meal in 30–45 minutes. But if you’d like, you can spend a few hours here combining your picnic with a short hike or a visit to nearby attractions like Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls, or the Big Stump Loop Trail.
Cost
Like other picnic areas within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, there’s no additional fee to use Columbine once you’ve paid the park entrance station fee. Your entry also covers access to iconic sights like the General Grant Tree, Grant Grove Restaurant, and the Giant Forest Museum.
It was amazing to see the tree laid down to get a feel for how tall it was. It was even cut in the middle for a trail that went through the area.
A few of the many picnic tables that can be found in the Columbine Picnic Area
Tips for Columbine Picnic Area in Kings Canyon National Park
- Watch for bears: Store food properly in bear-proof lockers, as black bears are common in this area.
- Arrive early: Parking lots can fill quickly in summer.
- Pair your visit: Combine your picnic with nearby scenic drives or some of the best hikes like Mist Falls or the Paradise Valley Trail.
- Check fire restrictions: Especially in dry months, as open flames may not be allowed.
- Use official websites: For date information, park maps, or updates, check the National Park Service’s gov website for the most accurate details.