Zumwalt Meadow Loop
Kings Canyon National Park, July 5, 2002
 South
Fork of the Kings River |
 Kings
River |
 Bedrock
mortar |
 Lava
extruded from the rock into dikes (stripes) |
 Zumwalt
Meadow |
 South
Face of Kings Canyon |
 Wading
in the river |
The Zumwalt Meadow trail loop is near the end of the road in Cedar Grove, Kings Canyon National Park. We bought a trail guide from the entrance to the trail and set off along the South Fork of the Kings River.
The trail wound through groves of incense cedars and past a large, flat bedrock stone that the native inhabitants used as a mortar to grind acorns into flour. Nan put a small pine cone into the mortar and ground it into a fine powder very easily.
The trail crossed a bridge over the river and past a small beach. We continued inland towards the south face of the canyon.
The trail crossed over a rock slide and then reached Zumwalt Meadow. The meadow is gradually draining, which allows the few scattered ponderosa pines in the middle of the meadow dry enough ground to grow.
We came back along the south side of the river and went wading near the bridge. The current looked pretty gentle, but it was strong even here. The water was very cold and refreshing after a hot day.
Overall, a very nice, peaceful short hike with lots of things to see and do.
Last edited: 05/13/2003