Up hill all the way to the lake without a lot of shade so be prepared with some sunscreen, hat & water. Relief Reservoir to Emigrant Lake, 9.8 miles Hike past Saucer Meadow and up a steep climb to Sheep Camp. Kennedy Meadows to Emigrant Meadow Lake, to Emigrant Lake, to Huckleberry, to Paiute Meadow and out Crabtree. Two National Forest campgrounds are situated close to Kennedy Meadows. Mid week was perfect, not a lot of people on the trail. 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. One way is not significantly better than the other. Kennedy Meadows off Highway 108 near Sonora Pass is a popular gathering place for campers, hikers, horseback riders, and anglers. Kennedy Meadows is 50 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108. The cabin was restored in 1988 by Pat Casey. We camped at a site next to the trailhead. After crossing the first bridge you will begin a steep ascent up an old construction road. Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als moderat einzustufen. It was the perfect hike to introduce a friend to backpacking. Emigrant Wilderness Topo Hiking Map The Hub of Trails radiating … - http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/sr108 <- The trail starts out simple enough. 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. We had a wonderful time. Can anyone comment on Kennedy Meadows to Emigrant Lake as a first time backpacking hike for me and my 15yo daughter? 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. The trail is easy to follow, but the lake is a little farther out than you'd think. Kennedy peak consists of red and black volcanic rock and sits at the eastern most conclusion of an alpine cirque that surrounds Soda Canyon. I like the challenge of the incline on the way to Relief Reservoir but it was still really doable. very pleasant hike otherwise. The reservoir was by far the most stunning part of our trip and we wished we could have spent more time there. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that 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. The wide meandering creek flows out of Kennedy Lake, which is pretty, but muddy this time of year. Do not take the trail towards Kennedy 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. Besides fishing the Stanislaus River in some of its wilder sections, anglers can reach Relief Reservoir in a little more than an hour. But worth the views. Worth it though! It’s uphill most of the way there, with downhill being a bit slippery in the sand on the way back. 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. Fishing is good in the lake and even better along Kennedy Creek. Day trips into the Emigrant Wilderness are convenient from the Kennedy Meadows trailhead. 1-WAY CONTROLLED TRAFFIC AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS FROM 7.8 MI EAST OF It’s a great spot for a lunch and a swim. Love the views, the river, the high Sierra environs. Day 7: This day, we will begin our 6.1-mile on-trail travel to Saucer Meadow. NO TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ARE REPORTED FOR THIS AREA. 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. Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Trail ist ein 6.1 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Pinecrest, Kalifornien. Nice steady uphill hike to lake. Emigrant Lake. 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). After the second bridge you can take the horse trail to the right, or the stairs straight up. [IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA] This page goes into more detail on the off-trail routes to each lake. On trail, we will climb 700 feet to Emigrant Meadow Lake. 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. Both Salt Lick and Spring Meadows are phenomenal; Long Lakes is an option for sleeping as well. I have made two previous trips to this area. The climb was a challenge for me but around every corner there was something beautiful to behold. . Upper Buck has great campsites on granite on the South side and good fishing. I really was impressed. 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. The Expanding Picture Backpacking South into Emigrant Wilderness . Rivers, bridges, creeks, cave, dam, beautiful reservoir . Length 6.1 mi Elevation gain 1371 ft Route type Out & back. We saw some overnight hikers but the trail is wide and it's easy to keep your distance. Find excellent fishing in the Clark Fork, Stanislaus River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and Beardsley Reservoir. It offers a much higher starting point than the nearby trailheads of Crabtree(7100ft) and Bell Meadows(6500ft). Bonus: There is a general store by the trailhead at Kennedy Meadows for a cold beer after the hike! Watch for the turn taking you up Mosquito Pass and Emigrant Lake. State Route 108 (from the Central Valley) Visit nearby geologic wonders such as Columns of the Giants and Trail of the Gargoyles. 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. The most beautiful and pristine blue water you will see. Great hike with beautiful views. Great beginner backpacking for families. 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). Click RED DOTS for Trail Guide Info: Trail Guide Index. This section went through Mokelumne Wilderness and Carson Iceberg Wilderness before droping into Northern Kennedy Meadows for a resupply. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail runs for over 26 miles within the Carson-Iceberg. I am not terribly worried about crowds. Kennedy Lake has become a classic destination in the Emigrant Wilderness. Really sandy too for much of the trail. I have made two previous trips to this area. 189 Acres at 7246' elevation. 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. Kennedy Meadows Resort. Find excellent fishing in the Clark Fork, Stanislaus River, Pinecrest Lake, Lyons Reservoir, and Beardsley Reservoir. Tie it All Up The trail follows the river out 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. Neither campground takes reservations. 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. But overall a really nice day hike! There was some streams from snow run off that you can cool off with. 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. I don’t have the best of knees so they were definitely swollen when we got back to Kennedy Meadows. Kennedy Lake Trailhead - Kennedy Meadows Kennedy Meadows is 50 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108. My first trip to the Sierras this year was on July 4th for an overnight stay in Emigrant Wilderness. For complete information about camping and recreation in the Sonora Pass area, see Sonora Pass Vacations. After Tuolumne Meadows we joined the Sierra High Route as we had already hiked the JMT/PCT in 2014 and were… 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. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible 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. Only to stumble to within a half mile from the South, the Wilderness boundary late April until early.. 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