So Cal family headed up to Three Rivers for a small vacation, looking for some fun things to do with kids (9-12 yrs old). Maybe some easy trails or some points of interest to visit. Some suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Any particular reason for Kings Canyon?

There's a decent vista point on the way in when you start dropping down the mountain, you can see the fork of the Kings. Boyden's Cave (IIRC) once you get to the valley, but there's an entry fee. A few small hikes here and there. Paradise Valley trail at Roads end for a nice hike to Mist Falls. Kings Canyon front country doesn't offer much compared to it's backcountry.

Mist Falls.


South Forth Drainage, looking back towards Roads End.

 

The parent in laws rented a cabin up in Three rivers close to the Sequoia National forest entrance. So all the in-law family will be there.

Looks like it could get pretty hot there, showing close to 100.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Last time I went hiking up in Mineral King it was raining and 40 degrees up there and 105 by the time we drove down to to Three Rivers. Some crazy weather variances from the mountains down to the valley floor.

 

Head over to Hanford (on Hwy 198)on a hot Sunday afternoon and have some of the very best ice cream in America at Superior Dairy. A old fashioned Soda Jerk kind of ice cream parlor with ice cream to die for. Sit in the park across the street in one of the many picnic tables and think of the days when old towns and lazy afternoons were like this everywhere.

Lemon Ice cream - crazy good!!!

 

We just got back from Sequoia and Yosemite. If they are in Three Rivers then they know about the water slides up in Buckeye Flats campground. I haven't been to the upper ones. But there is a nice natural waterslide and pool, with a ~25' cliff to jump off of below the campgrounds. But that is inside the park.

Other than all the other touristy stuff inside the park. There are trails that you can take your JK on the other side of SNP, in between Kings and SNP.

Trail 14S30 up to Buck Rock is a easy trail for the JK but may be a challenge for lesser vehicles.

 

Thanks for all the information everybody, we'll be heading up there Thursday.

 

I know it's a bit late.but next time you are around Yosemite, head to Mariposa to ride the zip lines. Fun for the whole family. ( my brother owns it) www.yosemiteziptours.com. 1(209)742-4844.

 

JKn were you riding with no door up there I saw a nice jku no doors white saterday

 

Nah! That wasn't me I was headed back home from Modesto on Saturday.