Are there fees or permits required for Blue Canyon Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Blue Canyon Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Blue Canyon Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Blue Canyon Falls.

Blue Canyon Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Blue Canyon Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Blue Canyon Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Kings Canyon National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Photo Phiend CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

John William Hammond CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

j-dub1980(THANK YOU FOR 100k+ Views) CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Michael Kirsh CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

4.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Blue Canyon Falls

Blue Canyon Falls is a remote, scenic cascade tucked inside Kings Canyon National Park and managed by the National Park Service. The falls drop through a rocky canyon into a quiet, rugged amphitheater, offering a rewarding destination for hikers who appreciate solitude and dramatic granite scenery. The approach is deliberately wild — expect a challenging hike through dense forest and rocky terrain that opens into the canyon where the falls are located. Because the site sits within Kings Canyon National Park, trail stewardship and protections are handled by the NPS; visitors should come prepared for steep, uneven conditions and variable footing on the final approach.

The Setting

Blue Canyon Falls sits at 5,105 feet within Kings Canyon National Park, in the high mountains of California.

Trail & Hike Details

4.0 mi distance 800 ft climbed

The Approach

The hard 4.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Length: 4.0-mile out-and-back. Elevation gain: ~800 feet. Difficulty: Hard. Trail type: out-and-back. Surface and grade: primarily natural dirt tread with rocky, uneven sections and steep grades in places; route descends into a rocky canyon. Class: non-technical but strenuous hiking, with potential shallow water crossings and some route‑finding through forested stretches. The trail is managed as part of Kings Canyon National Park by the National Park Service — bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and be prepared for rugged, variable trail conditions.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a remote and peaceful experience, with the sound of cascading water and beautiful natural surroundings. The falls are located in a rugged canyon, making them a rewarding destination for experienced hikers.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Blue Canyon Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Blue Canyon Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the falls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail can be hazardous due to steep sections, loose rocks, and potential water crossings. Hikers should be prepared and exercise caution. Always inform someone of your plans before heading out.

Know when to go.

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Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 427 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,997 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 281 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 289 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Blue Canyon Falls near Wilsonia, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Blue Canyon Falls near Wilsonia, California, showing about 427 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 4,997 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 427 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Blue Canyon Falls is located in the Tahoe National Forest. Access typically involves driving to a trailhead near Blue Canyon Road, followed by a hike through rugged terrain. The exact trailhead and route may vary, so consulting local maps or trail guides is recommended.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited. Visitors should plan to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.

Elevation

5,105 feet above sea level

Coordinates

36.931582° N, -118.749770° W

Land Management

Kings Canyon National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Check weather conditions before your trip, as the trail can become slippery or hazardous after rain. Cell service may be limited, so carry a map or GPS device.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 4.0 miles trail gains 800 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Convict Flat Campground

9 miles away · 0 sites

Located in Kings Canyon, 19 miles NE of Grant Grove via Hwy 180. Family campground (5 units), vault tiolet and suitable for small - midsize trailers. Elevation 3,000 feet.

Book on Recreation.gov