Hiking to Paradise Valley
The trail up to Paradise Valley starts out flat along a sandy trail, but once past the turnoff to Bubbs Creek, the Paradise Valley trail climbs steadily. Many hikers choose Mist Falls for their lunch stop before making the final 2-mile push up to Lower Paradise Valley.
Camping is only permitted in one of the 3 designated campgrounds in the valley - Lower, Middle, and Upper.
Road's End to Lower Paradise Valley, 6 miles
From Road's End, strike out across Zumwalt Meadow (the actual meadow is across the river), 2 miles of virtually flat, sandy trail through light forest. The forest thickens as you approach the bridge across the South Fork of the Kings River. Although the bridge leads off to the Bubbs Creek Trail, it is worth the short diversion to stand on the bridge and enjoy gazing down on the power and beauty of the mighty Kings.
Mist Falls
Beyond the bridge the trail climbs moderately another 2 miles to Mist Falls, a popular rest stop. Beyond the falls, expect steep, hot switch-backs for the 2 miles before entering lower Paradise Valley. Views of The Sphinx back down the canyon emerge from time to time.
Looking Back at the Sphinx from Paradise Valley Trail
Lower Paradise Valley to Upper Paradise Valley
3 miles
Those wishing to push on to one of the next two camps up the valley will find a moderately easy trail, often passing through meadows of ferns and among towering trees. The first mile to the middle campground is nearly level; beyond, the trail climbs slightly to the upper camp.
