California’s nine national parks are the most in any single state, and with such a wealth of public lands, California also has some of America’s most popular national park sights. Yosemite National Park is consistently one of the most popular destinations in the American National Park System, with a whopping 4,121,807 visitors in 2024 alone. Following this popularity, Yosemite’s magnificent Half Dome is one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, often serving as the representation of California’s abundant beauty. But on the other end of the spectrum, California’s significant national park resources also provide plenty of breathtaking views that few tourists ever get to see. One particularly worthwhile example is the unsung Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, a once-in-a-lifetime scenic drive that showcases an underrated national park and national forest.
California’s mighty Sierra Nevada mountain range is the home to many of its best-known natural wonders, including the aforementioned Yosemite National Park and the towering Mount Whitney (the highest mountain in the continental U.S.). The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is special because it combines the unseen splendor of the range’s lesser-known areas with convenient modern road infrastructure. As a result, you can catch spectacular views of one of America’s most epic mountain canyons without ever having to leave the comfort of your car!
The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway takes drivers through one of America’s most breathtaking vistas
The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway takes its name from the awe-inspiring canyon it traverses. Kings Canyon does not get nearly the acclaim of similar landmarks like the Grand Canyon of Yosemite Valley. But this vast, glacial-carved valley in the heart of the Sierra Nevadas is the deepest canyon in the United States, reaching a maximum depth of over 1.5 miles at points. With an immense canyon expanse and gorgeous granite peaks marked by Sierra Nevada monoliths, Kings Canyon is essentially a blend of the best features of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite rolled into one scenic view!…