Perched along the Generals Highway in Kings Canyon National Park, Redwood Mountain Overlook offers sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada and the world’s largest sequoia grove.
Kings Canyon National Park
15 Minutes
Spring, Summer, Fall
Free with Park Entry
Overview
If you’re visiting Kings Canyon National Park or nearby Sequoia National Park, there’s one stop that often surprises people with its beauty: Redwood Mountain Overlook. It’s not as famous as the General Grant Tree or the General Sherman Tree, but it gives you a stunning view across the Redwood Mountain Grove, the largest stand of giant sequoia trees in the world. From this vantage point, you’ll see forested ridges spilling into the San Joaquin Valley, deep canyons carved by the Kings River, and wilderness areas stretching far into the High Sierra.
The Redwood Mountain Grove has been known for centuries, first by Native Americans who lived and traveled in the Sierra Nevada, and later by explorers, loggers, and conservationists. In the late 1800s, preservation efforts grew, leading to the creation of General Grant National Park in 1890, which eventually became part of Kings Canyon National Park. Today, the National Park Service protects these groves, including famous trees like the Hart Tree and the Fallen Monarch, ensuring that the biggest trees in the world remain standing for generations to come.
View fo the trees and canyon from the overlook
Redwood Canyon Overlook looks across a giant pine tree forest
Redwood Mountain Overlook Plan
When we mapped out our visit to Kings Canyon National Park, our real purpose was to see as much as we could along the Generals Highway before heading deeper toward Cedar Grove. We noticed Redwood Mountain Overlook on both the park map and the GuideAlong app, and since it was such a short walk from the parking lot, it felt like a must-stop. It turned out to be one of the best things we did that day—a peaceful pause where we could look out over the giant sequoia groves of Redwood Mountain Grove and take in how massive the giant trees truly are. The stop didn’t add much time to our drive, but it added a lot to our appreciation of the park.
The trees were less dense than usual due to recent fires
All along the way, we could see evidence of recent forest fires
Getting There
Location
Kings Canyon National Park sits in California’s Sierra Nevada, directly next to Sequoia National Park. The two are managed together and are often visited on the same trip, much like Yosemite National Park to the north. The park spans from the San Joaquin Valley foothills up into rugged high Sierra wilderness areas, encompassing everything from towering giant trees to dramatic canyons like Cedar Grove. The Generals Highway is the main road connecting many of the best places to stop, including Grant Grove Village, Panoramic Point, and the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
Best Time to Go
The summer months, and especially early summer, are the most popular times to visit Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Roads are clear, wildflowers bloom, and the giant sequoia groves glow in warm sunlight. In winter, snow can close the dirt roads and higher trails, but the overlooks remain a good place to enjoy quieter moments with fewer crowds.
Distant mountains visible from the overlook
The overlook gives you a bird’s eye view into the canyon
Redwood Mountain Overlook in Kings Canyon National Park
Who Can Go?
The beauty of Redwood Mountain Overlook is that anyone can enjoy it. Unlike longer hikes like the Redwood Canyon Trail or the Congress Trail, this stop requires just a short walk from the parking lot. Families, seniors, and those not looking for strenuous hikes will find it accessible, while adventurers can use it as a starting point for exploring nearby trails.
What You'll See
From the overlook, you’ll gaze down into the Redwood Mountain Grove, home to thousands of giant sequoia trees, including some of the world’s second-largest trees by cubic feet. On clear days, you can see all the way toward Lookout Peak, with ridges folding into the Grand Canyon–like walls of King’s Canyon. The contrast of the green forest floor, massive trunks, and distant wilderness areas is breathtaking. If you’re lucky, you might even spot black bears, deer, or hawks soaring above the canopy.
Tyler and Ryan atop a pile of boulders in the overlook parking area
Tyler and Ryan looking out at the view
What to Bring & Wear
Even though it’s just a quick stop, the National Park Service recommends being prepared. Wear comfortable shoes for the half-mile (or less) walk from the parking area. Bring water, sunscreen, and a light jacket—temperatures can shift quickly in the high Sierra. A camera is a must to capture the big trees, and binoculars are handy for spotting wildlife.
Where to Go
You’ll find Redwood Mountain Overlook along the Generals Highway, about 3 miles south of Grant Grove Village and the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. It’s not far from iconic stops like the General Grant Grove, Knapp’s Cabin, and Panoramic Point. The parking area is clearly marked, and the overlook itself is just a short walk from your car.
Informational sign in the parking area for the overlook
The overlook goes out just a little bit before dropping off to the canyon
How Long Does it Take?
Visiting Redwood Mountain Overlook doesn’t require much time—plan for about 15–30 minutes round trip. That includes time to walk from the parking lot, soak in the views, snap photos, and maybe have a snack at the picnic area nearby. If you want to hike deeper into Redwood Canyon, set aside several hours for trails like the Sugar Bowl loop or the trek to the Hart Tree.
Cost
Entry to the overlook is included in your national parks entrance fee. Currently, a single vehicle pass covers both Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park, giving you access to all the best things inside for up to seven days. You can also use an America the Beautiful Pass if you visit multiple parks like Yosemite National Park or Sequoia National Forest.
Tyler and Ryan had to climb the pile of boulders
Large boulders in the parking area
Tips for Redwood Mountain Overlook in Kings Canyon National Park
- Stop early or late in the day for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Pair your visit with other nearby highlights like the General Grant Tree, Zumwalt Meadow, or Hume Lake.
- Ask park rangers at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center for trail updates if you plan to explore beyond the overlook.
- If you want lodging, options include the John Muir Lodge, Wuksachi Lodge, or campsites near Cedar Grove.
- Be mindful of wildlife—black bears are common, so store food properly.
- Don’t rush. Even though it’s a short walk, this is one of the best places in the park to appreciate the real purpose of national parks: slowing down and marveling at nature’s scale.