Kings Canyon National Park

Lakes and waterfalls in Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park features a diverse collection of high-altitude water features, from the southernmost glaciers in North America to dramatic granite-carved waterfalls. This selection includes the Palisade Glacier, the largest in the Sierra Nevada, and Mist Falls, one of the park’s most powerful cascades. These sites range from accessible day-hike destinations to remote alpine basins like Charlotte Lake and the Barrett Lakes, many of which sit above 10,000 feet along the John Muir Trail.

Kings Canyon Lakes and Waterfalls — Map

A

Charlotte Lake

Charlotte Lake is a lake in the Sierra Nevada, located in Kings Canyon National Park, eastern Fresno County, California.

B

Middle Palisade Glacier

One of the remaining active glaciers in the Sierra Nevada, located on the northeast face of Middle Palisade.

C

Norman Clyde Glacier

A small glacier situated on the northeast side of Norman Clyde Peak in the High Sierra.

D

Palisade Glacier

The largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada, located on the north-facing slopes of the Palisades.

E

Palisade Glacier

A significant glacial body in the Palisades region of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

F

Blue Canyon Falls

A waterfall located within the remote Blue Canyon drainage of the park's backcountry.

G

Viola Falls

A cascade on the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River near the western boundary of the park.

H

Ella Falls

A 50-foot waterfall located near General Grant Grove, accessible via the Sunset Trail.

I

Mist Falls

One of the park's largest waterfalls, located on the South Fork of the Kings River and reached via an 8-mile round-trip hike.

J

Silver Spray Falls

A 100-foot waterfall in the Tehipite Valley area that drops into the Middle Fork of the Kings River.

K

Waterfall

A seasonal cascade located along the Bubbs Creek trail in the eastern section of the park.

L

Triple Falls

A series of three distinct drops located in the remote backcountry near the Enchanted Gorge.

M

Barrett Lakes

A group of high-altitude alpine lakes situated in the Palisade Basin, used for backcountry camping and fishing.

N

Seville Lake

An alpine lake in the Jennie Lakes Wilderness, reachable via the Rowell Meadow trailhead.

O

East Lake

A high-elevation lake at the base of Mount Brewer, often used as a base camp for climbers in the Great Western Divide.

P

Lower Palisade Lake

Located at approximately 10,600 feet, this lake sits along the John Muir Trail at the base of the Golden Staircase.

Q

Rainbow Lakes

A cluster of small alpine lakes located in the northern section of the park near the LeConte Divide.

R

Amphitheater Lake

A glacial cirque lake located below the Palisade peaks, accessible via the Bishop Pass Trail.

S

Barrett Lakes

Part of a chain of lakes in the Palisade Basin, providing access to technical climbs on surrounding peaks.

T

Barrett Lakes

One of several high-elevation lakes in the remote Palisade Basin, characterized by rugged granite surroundings.

Other Lists

Kings Canyon National Park: Absolute Essentials Kings Canyon Peaks and Passes Kings Canyon Camping Guide Kings Canyon Viewpoints