Deadman Canyon

Deadman Canyon is a glacier-carved valley in Kings Canyon National Park that stretches across a significant distance at high mountain elevation. The site features granite walls, year-round water sources, and varied vegetation adapted to the alpine environment, including conifers and aspen groves at different zones.

The canyon takes its name from a herder who died there in 1887, with his grave still marked by a wooden fence visible to hikers. This memorial reflects the pastoral history of the region during the era of mountain herding.

The canyon serves as a key waypoint on a major hiking circuit that connects two national parks and showcases the mountain landscape's role in outdoor recreation.

Hiking here requires solid physical fitness and proper camping equipment since the area is highly isolated with minimal services available. Visitors must carry bear-resistant containers and should expect little to no cell phone coverage.

The canyon floor and slopes burst with alpine wildflowers during summer months, featuring color ranges from deep reds to pale yellows that vary by elevation and season. Many of these flowering species are found only in specific altitude zones of the Sierra Nevada range.