Place: CA-Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon (Tehipite)
(Long, Lat)

Description:


From Place Names of the Sierra Nevada by Francis P. Farquhar

KINGS RIVER CAÑON

[Tehipite]

The main cañon of South Fork of Kings River, often compared to Yosemite Valley. (For analysis of comparison and general geological description, see, F. E. Matthes, in S.C.B., 1926, XII:3, pp. 224-236.) Early history obscure. Probably seen by Captain John J. Kuykendall’s company of the Mariposa Battalion, 1881. (Bunnell: Discovery of the Yosemite, 1880, pp. 137-141.) Undoubtedly visited by early prospectors. Explored by Brewer party of Whitney Survey, 1864. (Whitney Survey: Geology, 1865, pp. 369, 391-392.) Account of a visit in 1868, by E. C. Winchell, in San Francisco Morning Call, September 11 and 12, 1872. (Reprinted in S.C.B., 1926, XII:3, pp. 237-249.)

John Muir visited it in 1873, 1875, and 1877; again, in 1891, and later. (Badè: Life and Letters of John Muir, 1923-1924, I, p. 392; II, pp. 89, 253— Muir: A Rival of the Yosemite, in Century Magazine, November, 1891.)

Joseph Le Conte visited the cañon in 1901. (Joseph Le Conte, in Sunset, October, 1900; reprinted in S.C.B., 1902; IV:2, pp. 88-99.)

First Sierra Club Outing to Kings River Cañon, 1902. (S.C.B., 1903, 1-3, pp. 185-192.—Hugh Gibson, in Out West, November, 1902.)

We sank into the canyon of the main South Fork of Kings River, a  tremendous  canyon. We wound down the steep side of the hill, for  over three thousand feet,  often just as steep as animals could get down.  From Up and Down California by William Brewer, Book 5  Chapter 2

We got into the canyon of the South Fork of Kings River, and forded the stream, which is quite a river where we crossed, and camped at a fine meadow in the valley. It was a very picturesque camp, granite precipices rising on both sides to immense height. The river swarmed with trout; I never saw them  thicker. The boys went to fishing and soon caught about forty, while the soldiers caught about as many more. We left there the next morning and worked up the valley about ten miles. Next to Yosemite this is the grandest canyon I have ever seen. It much resembles Yosemite and almost rivals it.13  A pretty valley or flat half a mile wide lies along the river, in places rough and strewn with boulders, and in others level and covered with trees. On both sides rise tremendous granite precipices, of every shape, often nearly perpendicular, rising from 2,500 feet to above 4,000 feet. They did not form a continuous wall, but rose in high points, with canyons coming down here and there, and with fissures, gashes, and gorges. The whole scene was sublime—the valley below, the swift river roaring by, the stupendous cliffs standing against a sky of intensest blue, the forests through which we rode. We would look up through the branches and see the clear sky and grand rocks, or occasionally, as we crossed an open space, we would get more comprehensive views.     From Up and Down California by William Brewer, Book 5  Chapter 2 

Mr. Knapp built a cabin on the floor of the canyon. It was used by Hollywood types. William Clingan helped to run it.   From Oak to Pine to Timberline by Helen and Forest Clingman

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