Kings Canyon National Park Warnings and Dangers

There are lots of bears hanging around the campsites and the valleys. The park tells you that it is your responsiblity to keep the bears away from your food. You are supposed to scare them off by throwing rocks at them and waving your arms, banging pots and pans.. Hmmm...seems dubioius to me, but then again if you run away, the bear will run you down. Neither option seems that great!

*Beware the rare California Mountain Snow Leopard!!! They are elusive, cagey, and very dangerous when cornered. They can be pacified with martini's and furry belly rubs. (I'm kidding)

Actually the only real animal danger in this neck of the woods is from the Black Bear. If you come across a Black Bear you have to stand your ground. Wave your arms. Appear Big. Bang Pots or Pans. DO NOT TURN TO RUN. Even if the bear charges you have to stand your ground. If and when you survive an encounter, remember to change your underwear.

Gas stations and stores are few and far between in Kings Canyon National Park. Fill up at the facilities near Grant Grove. Your cellphone will not work in most areas of the park if you try to call for help if you run out of gas.

These are some of the toughest national park roads. The King's Canyon highway and many of the side roads contain a 5-8% grade. This may not bother native Californians who insist on making you pull over, or if there is no turnout available, will aggressively tailgate your vehicle suggesting that you should drive your car off the road entirely, but for those who want to actually see the parks, put your car in a lower gear while driving downhill. This will tick off the Californians, but it will save your breaks.

I noticed when I got to the area where the campsites are (at the bottom of the Canyon) that there were a lot of Rangers. Don't speed or you will have a ticket!