Kings Canyon - Paradise Valley in May

If you've been searching for the best source of information and stimulating discussion related to Spring/Summer/Fall backpacking, hiking and camping in the Sierra Nevada...look no further!
Post Reply
User avatar
hiker97
Topix Novice
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Dec 26, 2010 12:42 am
Experience: N/A

Kings Canyon - Paradise Valley in May

Post by hiker97 »

I know weather can really vary from year to year, but what do folks think about the feasibility of a mid- to late-May trip from Cedar Grove/Roads End up to Paradise Valley?
User avatar
maverick
Forums Moderator
Forums Moderator
Posts: 11821
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 5:54 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

Re: Kings Canyon - Paradise Valley in May

Post by maverick »

Hi Hiker97

Welcome to HST, and Happy Holidays!
180 down to Roads End usually opens in April conditions permitting, just check the
NPS site's road conditions update in April, or call.
Middle and Upper Paradise have the best campsite though it depends if there is any
flooding because of the run-off.
Mist Falls will be booming but you will not be able to get very close with out getting
wet.
If you will be camping, be especially vigilant about storing your food properly bears
are very busy in Paradise Valley.
User avatar
lambertiana
Topix Regular
Posts: 177
Joined: Tue Aug 24, 2010 3:13 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: Visalia, CA

Re: Kings Canyon - Paradise Valley in May

Post by lambertiana »

Even in a heavy snow year you should have no problems getting to Paradise Valley in mid to late May. As has been noted, be ready for bear activity. The Kings River will be running high.
User avatar
hiker97
Topix Novice
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Dec 26, 2010 12:42 am
Experience: N/A

Re: Kings Canyon - Paradise Valley in May

Post by hiker97 »

Thanks for the responses - this is very helpful for trip planning.
User avatar
East Side Hiker
Topix Regular
Posts: 391
Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2010 8:10 am
Experience: N/A

Re: Kings Canyon - Paradise Valley in May

Post by East Side Hiker »

Last season, the snow pack was at about 5,750' the weekend before Memorial Day weekend, and it snowed that weekend. That was a huge snow year. I remember the drainages and sub-drainages and sub-sub-drainages of the American and Carson were pumping furiously, and mdws were swampy.

I would think it would be a wonderful time to be going up to Paradise Valley, seeing all the small creeks flowing and falling, and the larger ones pouring down. But certainly it will be wet or at least moist.
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot], Harlen and 120 guests