Is swimming allowed at Ella Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Ella Falls.

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Ella Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Ella Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Ella Falls. Pets are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Kings Canyon National Park NP · National Park Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Ella Falls

Ella Falls is a small waterfall where Sequoia Creek slides down a steep granite slope below Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. It is reached on the Sunset Trail, about 1.5 miles from Sunset Campground; the trail descends to the falls, so the hard part is the climb back out. The falls flow all year and are largest during snowmelt in early summer.

The Setting

Ella Falls sits at 5,702 feet within Kings Canyon National Park, in the high mountains of California.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

From Sunset Campground, or from the Grant Grove visitor center by crossing the highway to the South Boundary Trail, follow the Sunset Trail down the Sequoia Creek drainage about 1.5 miles to Ella Falls, then return the same way, about 3 miles round trip. A longer loop of about 5 to 6 miles continues down toward Sequoia Lake and returns past the Dead Giant and North Grove. The falls can be seen only from below.

What to Expect

A lightly used forest trail with a steady descent to the falls and a steep climb back to Grant Grove.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ella Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Ella Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

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 may have uneven terrain and slippery sections near the waterfall. Always stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls. Check weather conditions before your visit, as rain can make the trail more hazardous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Wilsonia hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

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 276 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,746 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 224 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 203 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,746 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 276 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Drive Highway 180 (Kings Canyon Scenic Byway) into Kings Canyon National Park to Grant Grove. The Sunset Trail can be reached from Sunset Campground, or from the Grant Grove visitor center by crossing the highway to the South Boundary Trail.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Park at the Grant Grove visitor center, or at Sunset Campground when it is open.

Elevation

5,702 feet above sea level

Coordinates

36.731765° N, -118.978407° W

Land Management

Kings Canyon National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Save energy for the return: the trail drops to the falls and climbs back up.

This trail sits at 5,702 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 23% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

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

SUNSET CAMPGROUND (CA)

0.9 miles away · 156 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Sunset campground is centrally located in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in central California's rugged Sierra Nevada range. This campground is at an elevation of 6,500 feet. A number of hiking trails begin within walking distance of the campground including the one mile trail to the General Grant Tree. Recreation There are numerous recreation opportunities in the immediate area. From your campsite, you can hike to a sequoia grove that includes the General Grant Tree, the Nation

Book on Recreation.gov