Kings Canyon

Why Kings Canyon is special
Kings Canyon (see photo) in Australia offers adventure travelers a picturesque 3-to-4-hour hike around its rim. Its sheer cliff faces soar from the creek bed over 100 meters (300 feet).

Kings Canyon tips and insights
Kings Canyon Walk
This is the trail and is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) in length. You cross to the other side of the canyon on a foot bridge at the halfway point.

Garden of Eden
A must is taking a short detour on the trail to visit the Garden of Eden. It's a secluded micro-climate enclave with a spring-fed waterhole encircled by ferns and other greenery in an otherwise mainly dry Kings Canyon environment. The detour also rewards you with the most magnificent Kings Canyon viewpoint.

Get an early start
Because this region of Australia has an intensely hot sun, rangers strongly recommend that you begin your Kings Canyon Walk in the early morning.

Travel clockwise
The rangers also urge you to travel clockwise, partly because you will have more shade from the steadily rising sun during the second half of your trek.

Heart Attack Hill
The Kings Canyon Walk begins with a steep incline up to the rim. It is nicknamed "Heart Attack Hill". The rest of the trail is not particularly strenuous.

Other sightseeing options
For those not up for the steep climb, they can enjoy Kings Canyon via an easy two-hour roundtrip path running along the creek bed. Another choice is taking the sightseeing helicopter.

When to go
The best time to visit this Australia wonder is during the cooler months, from May to September.

Locale
Kings Canyon is in the Watarrka National Park in Australia's New Territory. Parts are sacred to the local Loritja Aborigines.

Accommodations
Hotel facilities and camp sites are available near Kings Canyon.

Nearby Hillman Wonders
Some travelers combine a visit to Kings Canyon with trips to the Hillman Wonder medalists Ayers Rock (gold) and the Olgas (bronze). Click the links below to read my web pages on those wonders.
Ayers Rock / Uluru
The Olgas / Kata Tjuta

Location in Australia