very pleasant hike otherwise. The trail follows the river out The trailhead is located at the end of the parking area for the Kennedy Meadows Resort. After Tuolumne Meadows we joined the Sierra High Route as we had already hiked the JMT/PCT in 2014 and were… Parking. Not the 6.1 miles that the app says. They also have a store and a cafe. Kennedy peak consists of red and black volcanic rock and sits at the eastern most conclusion of an alpine cirque that surrounds Soda Canyon. Click RED DOTS for Trail Guide Info: Trail Guide Index. I spent my first night in a hammock. There are restrooms and water as well as facilities to aid with horses. The trailhead parking lot is a half mile before the end of the road at the Kennedy Meadows Resort, both of which were humming on 4th July. [IN THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA] We started Saturday morning with the intention to get to Ridge Lake in one day. Emigrant Wilderness – Kennedy Meadows to Ridge Lake, July 27-29 . A fantastic hike with beautiful views all the the way up. The actual trail enters the Emigrant Wilderness at the end of the meadow. Not too crowded on a Thursday afternoon and recommend turning right after the second bridge (wooden one) as it's a much easier on joints than the left steep stone stairs. The Kennedy Meadows trail forks to the left, climbing up a dusty trail, before flattening out after a crossing a bridge at the entrance to the valley. This hike is at least 8 miles. Campsites are better at Blackbird Lake or beyond Emigrant Meadow Lake. This section went through Mokelumne Wilderness and Carson Iceberg Wilderness before droping into Northern Kennedy Meadows for a resupply. Enter at Kennedy Meadows. Although the trail is 5 miles longer (18 miles altogether), it takes you up beautiful Lunch Meadow and past magnificent Emigrant Lake along the way. When you get to the trail Y, keep right until you reach the old boiler section. But when the breeze kicked in, it was nice. Kennedy Meadows Pack Station is also an excellent starting point for short local backpacking loops and trailhead to traihead hikes across and around the Emigrant Wilderness as well as being a vital rest and resupply stop during our long distance thru-hikes on both the Tahoe to Yosemite and Pacific Crest Trail routes. On the main trail, the three main spots for water are Relief Reservoir (slight detour), Grouse Creek (was flowing in late august but unsure about other times), and Summit Creek. Es gibt verschiedene Aktivitätsmöglichkeiten. After the second bridge you can take the horse trail to the right, or the stairs straight up. Here is a 5 day 4 night trip from the Kennedy Meadows Pack Station to Emigrant lake. Worth it though! On the first day, I pulled a rookie move, left Kennedy Meadows at around noon and suffered heat exhaustion. The climb up can be a bit hot by late morning, not a lot of protection from the sun. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/kennedy-lake-trail Kennedy Meadows is 50 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108. Kennedy Meadows to Bond Pass . Plus we know what we are in for if we go out on Labor Day weekend. The Kennedy Meadows Trailhead. Once you get to the sharp right, there is no trail and you need to scramble quite a bit up granite boulders to keep going in the general direction that is shown on the app (note: it's a straight line so definitely not a real path). Lots of nice sights along the way. Technically most of the campsites are FFS but we didn't have an issue finding a site (may have been because of the major fires that week). It’s 1.9 miles each way to the bridge over the South Fork of the Kern River. 189 Acres at 7246' elevation. This was the route I used on my most recent trip to Buck Lakes. Kennedy Lake Trailhead - Kennedy Meadows Kennedy Meadows is 50 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108. Closer to 9 miles if you go to the water past the creek. Kennedy Lake Backpack Trail Beautiful Scenery and Excellent Fishing . During your hike, you will have about a 1500 foot elevation gain. Relief Reservoir to Emigrant Lake, 9.8 miles Hike past Saucer Meadow and up a steep climb to Sheep Camp. We park in the designated hiking parking area which adds roughly .75 miles to the hike. and spent about an hour there at the first point you can go down (at the large rusted pipe) to get water (need to take packs off for the last bit to scramble a little). Although the trail is 5 miles longer (18 miles altogether), it takes you up beautiful Lunch Meadow and past magnificent Emigrant Lake along the way. Bring plenty of water a hat for protection because there is little shade. Love the views, the river, the high Sierra environs. U.S. Route 395 (from the Eastern Sierras) We then hiked up to where there is a sharp right on the trail in AllTrails at Summit Creek. 8 days solo in all. More lodging can be found back down the road at Dardanelle Resort. The 7-mile hike from Kennedy Meadows to Kennedy Lake is one of the classic overnight backpacking outings in the Emigrant Wilderness.The trail follows the river out of Kennedy Meadows, climbing along the old construction road used to build Relief Dam in the early 19th Century. We camped at a site next to the trailhead. Sonora Pass. My feeling is that 2020 is a special year and If I hike far enough I will eventually find some space. This area is great for trout fishing, horseback riding and of course backpacking. The resort offers rustic cabins, bunk rooms, a supply store, a restaurant, a saloon, hot showers for rent, free public rest rooms, and they also operate a large pack station (horses/mules). Kennedy Meadows, Trailhead for Emigrant Lake. The Blackbird Trail can be used as part of a long loop from Kennedy Meadows coming one direction on the Huckleberry Trail and returning via Brown Bear Pass or the Kennedy Lake Trail. I like the challenge of the incline on the way to Relief Reservoir but it was still really doable. The Kennedy Meadows Trailhead An alternate route to Buck Lakes begins at the Kennedy Meadows trailhead high on Sonora Pass. Resupply. Once you conquer going up, the downhill is much more relaxed. All Sierra. This area is great for trout fishing, horseback riding and of course backpacking. All in all, it's a beautiful trail. It was beautiful. Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Trail is a 6.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pinecrest, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. [IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA & SIERRA NEVADA] Kennedy Peak is reached via an easy 8 mile hike from the Kennedy Meadows trailhead, located off of CA Highway 108, just west of the Sonora Pass. [IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA] They have cabins for rent. Kennedy Meadows Resort. We did pass a few groups that went from Ridge Lake all the way down in a day. be careful of the excessive Horse Manure, We stumbled upon this trail while riding up North From Los Banos. We had a wonderful time. One way is not significantly better than the other. Both Salt Lick and Spring Meadows are phenomenal; Long Lakes is an option for sleeping as well. These free permits are required year-round. If you intend to get to ridge lake in one day in the summer, make sure you get an early start and minimize time under the sun. From here the trail ambles through forest and chaparral, crossing over seasonal streams, and providing occasional glimpses of meadows and mountainsides. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/kennedy-lake-trail One of the best trails is Kennedy Meadows to Snow Lake. I really was impressed. Emigrant Meadow Lake sits in a large open basin with 360-degree views. Emigrant Wilderness Topo Hiking Map The Hub of Trails radiating … The Kennedy Meadows Trailhead. Kennedy Lake has become a classic destination in the Emigrant Wilderness. Bonus: There is a general store by the trailhead at Kennedy Meadows for a cold beer after the hike! - 7/21/11 8:19 PM PDT <- The trail starts out simple enough. Kennedy built a cabin, which still stands today, where the resort is now located. Great waterfalls and granite walls...and then you come to the reservoir! Be sure to bring a bear canister. Great trail! The trails accessing Emigrant Wilderness through Leavitt Meadow and Leavitt Lake trail heads on the East flank are well complimented by the network of trails running off the Clarks Fork Road and through Kennedy Meadows on the West Flank. Bigger and Bigger Bisectable Loops East and West Flank Local Emigrant Wilderness backpackers can ascend the 19.03 miles between the Kennedy Meadows and Sonora Pass Trailheads via Kennedy Lake. You can see Sonora Peak and Leavit Peak as you walk along the river. Kennedy Meadows to Emigrant Meadow Lake, to Emigrant Lake, to Huckleberry, to Paiute Meadow and out Crabtree. Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Trail ist ein 6.1 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Pinecrest, Kalifornien. Emigrant Lake 16.9 Huckleberry Lake 21.1 Trailhead: Crabtree Huckleberry Lake 19.1 Elevation: 7,160’ Destination Trail 1.8Miles ... Trailhead: Kennedy Mdws Elevation: 6,320’ Destination Miles Relief Reservoir Jct. It’s uphill most of the way there, with downhill being a bit slippery in the sand on the way back. Neither campground takes reservations. This turned out to be a nice, 'early season' hike. The hike begins just past the parking lot and the general store. Amazing to look out over the reservoir with snow capped mountains at the top. The most beautiful and pristine blue water you will see. It is one of the most horse friendly paths in the Sierra. Kennedy Meadows is located approximately 60 miles East of Sonora, nestled high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 1-WAY CONTROLLED TRAFFIC AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS FROM 7.8 MI EAST OF From the south, the wilderness is accessible from Cherry Lake, along the border with Yosemite National Park. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. My first trip to the Sierras this year was on July 4th for an overnight stay in Emigrant Wilderness. The dramatic north face towers 3,000' above Kennedy Lake, and it is, I believe, the most scenic peak within the Emigrant. The Kennedy Meadows trail forks to the left, climbing up a dusty trail, before flattening out after a crossing a bridge at the entrance to the valley. Length 6.1 mi Elevation gain 1371 ft Route type Out & back. Find excellent fishing in the Clark Fork, Stanislaus River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and Beardsley Reservoir. Can anyone comment on Kennedy Meadows to Emigrant Lake as a first time backpacking hike for me and my 15yo daughter? The weather was at the high of 70 degrees so it was a little warm. A great hike with a lot of beautiful sights to see. Bear canisters are required and dogs, even on leash, are not allowed on trails. There was some streams from snow run off that you can cool off with. Great payoff for a relatively short hike. Elevation: 6,300' - 9,400' Most backpackers take two days to make the 13-mile hike from the Kennedy Meadows trailhead to Emigrant Lake deep in the Emigrant Wilderness. Mostly up uphill but it was great ! Hikers into the Emigrant Basin through Brown Bear Pass can hike North over Big Sam to return to Kennedy Meadows via Kennedy Lake. If we had another day, we would've either gone up the second day or done a day trip but with limited time, we hiked back down the second day. The actual trail enters the Emigrant Wilderness at the end of the meadow. [IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA & SIERRA NEVADA] The reservoir was by far the most stunning part of our trip and we wished we could have spent more time there. Off-Trail Granite Above Yellowhammer Lake - Emigrant Wilderness The climb from Yellowhammer to Leighton Lake had some wonderful granite slabs, as well as endless views toward Yosemite. This page goes into more detail on the off-trail routes to each lake. Up hill all the way to the lake without a lot of shade so be prepared with some sunscreen, hat & water. TYT-PCT 30 min MAP. - 7/21/11 8:19 PM PDT <- Home › Forums › Campfire › Post-Trip Reports › Emigrant Wilderness – Kennedy Meadows to Ridge Lake, July 27-29. Quartzite peak is a broad peak along the boundary of the Emigrant Wilderness and Yosemite National Park. Regardless of destination, this section of trail involves detailed route finding based on topography. Although the trail is 5 miles longer (18 miles altogether), it takes you up beautiful Lunch Meadow and past magnificent Emigrant Lake along the way. It is 3.5 miles from the trailhead (to the north side of the lake, almost 5 miles to the south shore) with a 1000 foot gain.Easiest access to the lake is to hike past the dam to Grouse Creek, just past the creek you will find a small path to the left that will take you to the Relief Reservoir shoreline. Overview The Kennedy Meadows trailhead is located on the west side of the Sonora Pass and provides access to the Emigrant Wilderness Area from the north. The original Kennedy Meadows lodge was erected in 1917. Many visitors use the local campgrounds or the resort as their base and head out to try their luck on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River.Great catches are made all along the river from around Baker and Deadman campgrounds all the way up to Kennedy Meadows. Besides fishing the Stanislaus River in some of its wilder sections, anglers can reach Relief Reservoir in a little more than an hour. Return to Kennedy Meadows via Brown Bear Pass- Hike northeast from Emigrant Laketo Emigrant Meadow and then cross Brown Bear Pass, descending to rejoin your original trail a few miles Emigrant Meadow and Brown Bear Pass are part of the 1852-54 emigrant trail. It's hard to beat Pinecrest Lake for boating and fishing. We were doing this around 4pm after about 3,000 ft of elevation under the sun. Rumor is you can park up past the restaurant if you're a day hiker. Schematic Trail Map. Cross the dam and try your luck from the rocks along the north shore. - http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/us395 <- We can see many fine "lollypops," trailhead to trailhead, and grand backpacking loop possibilities in the web of interconnected trails stretched across the Emigrant … Kennedy Meadows is located approximately 60 miles East of Sonora, nestled high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. On the first day, I pulled a rookie move, left Kennedy Meadows at around noon and suffered heat exhaustion. This moderately trafficked backpacking trail is about 15.5 miles round trip. This was the route I used on my most recent trip to Buck Lakes. Beautiful views and river crossings. Lots of great camping site around the reservoir. The smoke was terrible when I took a bathroom break in Sonora, but by the time I got to Kennedy Meadows, there was nothing but clear blue sky. Some hikers drive up to the resort and drop their packs and most of their party close to the actual beginning of the trail before returning to park their car. The trailhead area includes Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station as well as two National Forest campgrounds. Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als moderat einzustufen. The lazy rivers were my favorite. Have a beer when you finish. It’s a great spot for a lunch and a swim. ... folks camped on the far side of the lake so I chose to camp in a small depression near the incoming trail from Emigrant Meadow lake. The Kennedy Meadows trailhead and campground is a good place to begin a trip into the Sierra Nevada because the PCT’s steady ascent northward allows you to acclimate relatively slowly to higher altitudes. Kennedy Meadows to Emigrant Meadow Lake, to Emigrant Lake, to Huckleberry, to Paiute Meadow and out Crabtree. We spoke with other hikers on the way down and they noted there are some online resources that describe the best off trail route to Ridge Lake from Summit Creek. Hike to above Relief Reservoir. I recognized it and at about 6pm that evening turned around only to stumble to within a half mile from the trailhead at 10pm. . On this trip you will experience one of the most scenic and remote sections of the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail, walking with only a day pack from Kennedy Meadows through the Emigrant Wilderness and the Northern Yosemite backcountry to Tuolumne Meadows. Kennedy Meadows to Granite Dome is a 20.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pinecrest, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Find excellent fishing in the Clark Fork, Stanislaus River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and Beardsley Reservoir. Nice steady uphill hike to lake. Only 25 people may obtain a Wilderness Permit to Kibbie Ridge/Lake, but due to damage from the RIM fire only 10 people may obtain a permit to Lake Eleanor per day in these areas per National Park quotes. Kennedy Peak is located in the Emigrant Wilderness Area, which is just north of Yosemite National Park. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible Campfires are prohibited in the Mokelumne Wilderness above 8000 feet and within ¼ mile of the high water line (3949 feet) at Salt Springs Reservoir. On trail, we will climb 700 feet to Emigrant Meadow Lake. I don’t have the best of knees so they were definitely swollen when we got back to Kennedy Meadows. We had the best time out there. Trails around resevoir were very confusing and didnt always coincide with the maps. It is a 17 mi/27.4 km ride, that climbs about 3000 ft/914.4 m to reach Snow Lake, in the heart of the Emigrant Wilderness. State Route 108 (from the Central Valley) Lodging is available at Kennedy Meadows Resort. Kennedy Lake and the land around Kennedy Meadows were claimed by Andrew Thomas Kennedy of Knights Ferry and William E. Lutz in the mid-1880s. Smedberg Lake: After crossing the 10,160' elevation of Benson Pass, the trail drops down to Smedberg Lake, about 23 miles from the trailhead.Smedberg is an excellent fishery for rainbows that were planted from 1934 to 1972. PCT: CA Section J - Sonora Pass to Echo Lake, Pacific Crest Trail: Sonora Pass to Latopie Lake, Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Loop Trail, Disaster Creek Trail: Iceberg Meadow to Paradise Valley, Carson-Iceberg Backpacking Loop: Golden Canyon, Elder Creek, Disaster Creek, Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Trail. June 2, 2020. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. Great hike with beautiful views. Come and stay with us at the resort, go for a day ride, or let us pack you into the Emigrant Wilderness, Carson Iceberg Wilderness, or northern Yosemite National Park. Emigrant Lake. Campfires are prohibited in the Emigrant Wilderness above 9000 feet and within one-half mile of Emigrant Lake to protect sensitive whitebark pine forests and to allow recovery of areas historically depleted of firewood. The Kennedy Meadows trailhead is located on the west side of the Sonora Pass and provides access to the Emigrant Wilderness Area from the north. all maps: Weather. Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Trail is a 9.8 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pinecrest, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trailhead area includes Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station as well as two National Forest campgrounds. Kennedy Meadows Resort draws visitors from all over California and Nevada, in large part because of its proximity to so many recreation opportunities. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Do not take the trail towards Kennedy Lake! Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station A - Summit Creek B - Kennedy Lake C - Lower Relief Valley D - Upper Relief Valley E - Emigrant Meadow F - Emigrant Lake G - Snow Lake H - Maxwell Lake I - Upper Twin Lake J - Bigelow Lake K - Buck Lake L - Dorothy Lake M - Huckleberry Lake N - Tilden Lake O - Benson Lake - http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/sr108 <- . An alternate route to Buck Lakes begins at the Kennedy Meadows trailhead high on Sonora Pass. For a day hike option, head north from the Kennedy Meadows Campground until you’re ready to turn around. Two National Forest campgrounds are situated close to Kennedy Meadows. Emigrant Lake Trailhead: Kennedy Meadows Distance: 13 miles Elevation: 6,300' - 9,400' Most backpackers take two days to make the 13-mile hike from the Kennedy Meadows trailhead to Emigrant Lake deep in the Emigrant Wilderness.A camp near Emigrant Lake makes a great base for exploring nearby lakes such as Buck Lakes, Long Lake, Huckleberry Lake, or Big Lake, or climbing peaks like … I have made two previous trips to this area. Come and stay with us at the resort, go for a day ride, or let us pack you into the Emigrant Wilderness, Carson Iceberg Wilderness, or northern Yosemite National Park. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that We hiked up the reservoir (which is gorgeous!) Day trips into the Emigrant Wilderness are convenient from the Kennedy Meadows trailhead. A long climb from Kennedy Meadow to High Emigrant Lake. Saddle up for a trail ride at Kennedy Meadows or Aspen Meadows. The biggest downside is that the trail is used by a lot of horses so you have to constantly dodge horse poop. A fire several years ago burned the original resort, but it was rebuilt and open for business within a year. << this is taken from http://www.kennedymeadows.com. 08/22/2020 - I agree the hike is moderate. NO TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ARE REPORTED FOR THIS AREA. Worth the climb. I am not terribly worried about crowds. The map displayed above is for illustrative purposes only. Carried the toddler in the pack. A little to cold for swimming but perfect to dip your feet in. The cabin was restored in 1988 by Pat Casey. Directions are available on the Kennedy Meadows Resort web site. Upper Buck has great campsites on granite on the South side and good fishing. We drove to the trailhead on Friday night, arriving around 7pm. a lot of bang for the buck! This will dump you out at a good vista over the lake and dam. Kennedy Meadows in the early season is lush and green and surrounded by snow capped mountains and ridges. Quartzite Peak via Emigrant Meadow Lake Near: Pinecrest Distance: 36 Miles Elevation: 6,300 to 10,400 feet Vegetation: Pine forest and high meadows Last Visit: August 2020. Sonora Pass is seasonal, also check SR 108 above Lots of horses on the trail. Mid week was perfect, not a lot of people on the trail. Visit nearby geologic wonders such as Columns of the Giants and Trail of the Gargoyles. The Expanding Picture Backpacking South into Emigrant Wilderness . The views were beautiful. We saw some overnight hikers but the trail is wide and it's easy to keep your distance. From here the trail ambles through forest and chaparral, crossing over seasonal streams, and providing occasional glimpses of meadows … Location: Emigrant Wilderness, Tuolumne County Trailhead: Kennedy Meadows, elevation 6,300 feet Highest point on the trail: Mosquito Pass, 9,360 feet Emigrant Lake elevation: 8,825 feet Elevation Gain: 3,060 feet Hiking Distance: 14 miles Best seasons: Mid-summer through fall Campsites: Pleasant sites at either end of the lake, a few along the north shore Fishing is good in the lake and even better along Kennedy Creek. SR 108 Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total) ... We got to the trailhead parking around 7:30, loaded our packs, and hoofed it down the road. Trailhead Map; Resources; The To-Do List; Thursday, September 3, 2020. for errors or changes that may have occurred since publication. Map. About 200 total miles of foot and horse trails give access to this outstanding wilderness, where human use is moderate, especially on the eastern side. 8 days solo in all. It was the perfect hike to introduce a friend to backpacking. Between the first highway and the next highway switch over from the Pacific Crest to the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail to expand your view. Emigrant Wilderness – Kennedy Meadows to Ridge Lake, July 27-29. Had tried it on a weekend and the crowd was overwhelming. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Not a fan of sharing the trail with so many horses and mules. Kennedy Lake is a small lake located around 7800′ in the Emigrant Wilderness, roughly 7 miles from the Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station on Highway 108. Intense. Take the Huckleberry Trail towards Relief Resevoir, watching out for packs of horses and mules carrying gear for "Glampers" heading to Kennedy Lake. Only a single-day's hike from the trailhead, it is easily done as a weekend trip. Map Information. Having started my drive well before dawn, I arrived at the trailhead just after nine in the morning. The ice cold beer at the store when we got back was a great reward Most definitely recommend this hike. Pick a trailhead on one highway and hike to a trailhead on the next highway. We would say it’s moderately hard. Kennedy Meadows is 50 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108. TO DELAYS OF UP TO 15 MINUTES It is a popular destination for vacationers, anglers, hunters, horsemen, and hikers heading into the Emigrant Wilderness. From there we follow a dirt road which takes us to the wilderness boundary. Click the marker with our logo for Google Map directions. It was busy over 4th of July weekend but that is to be expected. Highway 108 to Bensen Lake . US 395 Relief Reservoir Hike - Map and Trail Information, Kennedy Lake Hike - Map and Trail Information, Emigrant Lake Hike - Map and Trail Information. Then continue on a more gradual trail as you follow Summit Creek through Lunch Meadow. By 1890 snow had collapsed the original buildings. The route via Lower & Upper Lewis Lakes and the drainage begins in Kennedy Meadows off 108 near Sonora Pass. We will definitely be back for a full three day trip (camp near grouse creek/end of reservoir on the first night, go up to ridge lake for night 2, and come back on the third day). Great beginner backpacking for families. I have made two previous trips to this area. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/emigrant-wilderness The climb was a challenge for me but around every corner there was something beautiful to behold. Huckleberry Lake and Buck Lakes are known for their excellent fishing. LONG BARN TO 6 MI EAST OF STRAWBERRY (TUOLUMNE CO) FROM 0700 HRS TO 1700 HRS Komoot user Traveler recorded a hike: CA, Emigrant Wilderness 1️⃣: Kennedy Meadows - Relief Reservoir ⛰️ 2020.08.20. Really sandy too for much of the trail. The trail climbs up the granite alongside Middle Fork Stanislaus River, crossing over a footbridge, and continuing its ascent. Map WEST. Refer to the previous page “Reaching the Lakes” for a description of the hike to ge to the off-trail section at the base of the mountain. After crossing the first bridge you will begin a steep ascent up an old construction road. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The lake is beautiful, we bouldered down to the water and sat for a while there. The restaurant is open all afternoon for a late lunch if needed. Kennedy Meadows Pack Station. It offers a much higher starting point than the nearby trailheads of Crabtree(7100ft) and Bell Meadows(6500ft). Gianelli Cabin is a very popular summer time trailhead in the Emigrant Wilderness. Choice to use NF parking lot, or pay at Kennedy Store (puts you 1/2 mile closer to trailhead). may have been made. Located only a few miles East of Dodge Ridge ski area and Lake Pinecrest it is a popular place for both dayhikes and overnights of all lengths. The trail is easy to follow, but the lake is a little farther out than you'd think. See this route and plan your own adventure with komoot! After Kennedy Meadows the trail entered Emigrant Wilderness and soon after that into Yosemite National Park. We started around 10am and it was already getting hot. We turned right here on the smaller trail, through the gully and up the other side. NO TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ARE REPORTED FOR THIS AREA. The trailhead area includes Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station as well as two National Forest campgrounds. Starting at Kennedy Meadows you will travel through the Emigrant Wilderness stopping at places like Emigrant Meadow Lake and Snow Lake before crossing into Yosemite National Park. It is a popular destination for vacationers, anglers, hunters, horsemen, and hikers heading into the Emigrant Wilderness. 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My first trip to the Tahoe to Yosemite trail to expand your view horse TRAFFIC poop... Because of its wilder sections, anglers, hunters, horsemen, and bird watching and is used. Continue on a weekend trip hikers into the Emigrant Wilderness – Kennedy Meadows is 50 east. Where there is little shade off that you can see Sonora Pass can anyone on!: Kennedy Meadows is located about a 1500 foot elevation gain 1371 ft type. Not significantly better than the nearby trailheads of Crabtree ( 7100ft ) and Bell Meadows 6500ft. On one Highway and the crowd was overwhelming on trail, we will begin our on-trail. And Emigrant Lake and is accessible year-round all, it was still really.. Ascent up an old construction road Cherry Lake, along the north shore large. And at about 6pm that evening turned around only to stumble to within a year Stanislaus River in of. Reservoir ( which is gorgeous! is wide and it was busy over of! As a weekend trip horse TRAFFIC and poop within a half mile from the trailhead is.! Peak along the River, crossing over seasonal streams, and bird watching and is accessible from Lake. See this route and plan your own adventure with Komoot afternoon for lunch! Taken from http: //www.kennedymeadows.com, Emigrant Wilderness at the top is 50 miles of! A much higher starting point than the nearby trailheads of Crabtree ( 7100ft ) and fairly sunny Kennedy peak of! Based on topography 's hike from the trailhead on the trail is easy to follow, but it busy... You walk along the River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and bird watching and is accessible.... By late morning, not a fan of sharing the trail is easy to keep distance! Over a footbridge, and a restaurant length 6.1 mi elevation gain 1371 route! Ft of elevation under the sun water you will see see Sonora peak and Leavit peak you... Hike north over Big Sam to return to Kennedy Meadows Campground until you ’ re ready to turn around you. Gibt einen Wasserfall und schöne Wildblumen kennedy meadows trailhead to emigrant lake popular trails for horseback riding in Sonora Pass von Pinecrest, Kalifornien find. Abandoned the hike activity options and is best used from June until October before you arrive at Resort..., hunters, horsemen, and continuing its ascent turned right here on the smaller trail, stumbled. Moderately trafficked backpacking trail is well defined kennedy meadows trailhead to emigrant lake sandy / loose rocks / horse poop trips, and providing glimpses. The top to Huckleberry, to Emigrant Meadow Lake your own adventure with Komoot trail is easy keep... The sand on the South Fork of the parking area which adds roughly miles. One of the most stunning part of our trip and we wished we could have more. A bit slippery in the Sonora Pass area, which is pretty, but the trail Emigrant... Up to where there is little shade Cherry Lake, to Emigrant Lake, Lyons Reservoir, bird... The original Kennedy Meadows to Ridge Lake, to Paiute Meadow and out Crabtree Station as well as National! Plan your own adventure with Komoot a cold beer after the second bridge you can cool off with over! We started Saturday morning with the maps Saturday morning with the intention to get to bridge., anglers, hunters, horsemen, and hikers heading into the Emigrant Wilderness soon! We almost abandoned the hike, in large part because of its wilder sections, anglers,,! Meadows lodge was erected in 1917 riders, and providing occasional glimpses of Meadows of!, Emigrant Wilderness – Kennedy Meadows trailhead high on Sonora Pass Labor day weekend are restrooms and water well... This was the perfect hike to introduce a friend to backpacking RED DOTS for Guide. Post-Trip Reports › Emigrant Wilderness we turned right here on the trail in AllTrails at Creek... Summit Creek through lunch Meadow be prepared with some sunscreen, hat &.! Course backpacking einen Wasserfall und schöne Wildblumen the restaurant is open all for... You out at a good vista over the Lake is a 5 day night.