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Kennedy Meadows - Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) extends over 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, passing through California, Oregon and Washington. Thousands of hikers and equestrians enjoy the PCT each year. Some travel a few miles, while others may complete the entire trail in a single season.
Kennedy Meadows is the entry point for beginning the Sierra Nevada section of the PCT. The section from Kennedy Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite is the longest roadless section of the Sierra Nevada.
Beginning in South Sierra Wilderness, the first few miles follow the South Fork of the Kern River in arid pinyon and juniper woodlands. The trail gains elevation and enters forests of Jeffrey and foxtail pines. Although the PCT is generally well maintained, other trails in the area are primitive and may be difficult to locate. Water sources may be scarce after leaving the Kern River. North of Olancha Peak you enter Golden Trout Wilderness, continuing northbound are Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, John Muir Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness and Yosemite National Park.
Common Destinations: Sierra Nevada section of the PCT, Kennedy Meadows to Horseshoe Meadow, Templeton/ Monache loop, Kern Wild and Scenic River, Wildrose loop.
Download area map for trail names.
To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org
Kennedy Meadows - Pacific Crest Trail Recreation Guide (pdf)
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | PCTA Trail Conditions Weather |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Reserve up to 2 weeks in advance at www.Recreation.gov |
| Permit Info: |
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| Restrictions: |
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| Closest Towns: |
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| Water: | Natural water sources should be treated before drinking |
| Information Center: |
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General Information
Directions:From US 395, north of Ridgecrest, CA, exit highway 395 near Pearsonville and travel west on Nine Mile Canyon Rd (paved road) to Kennedy Meadows.
General Notes:
Exiting at Haiwee Pass trail is not recomended. Wildfire and flood events resulted in mud and debris damage to the old trail.
For eastside exit use Olancha Pass or Trail Pass.
Activities
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Horse Riding
Note to Stock Users:
Haiwee Pass Trail is not recommended for stock travel. It was subject to a wildfire and flood events. As a result, mud and debris cover the old trail and there are steep gullies where there used to be a trail. An alternative trail for an eastside Sierra exit is the Olancha Pass Trail.
Summer Grazing of Stock
Meadows and other vegetated areas, if grazed too early in the summer, can interrupt the necessary growth stages of grasses. If these grasses are grazed too early, their ability to re-seed is hindered. This can reduce the amount of stock feed available to backcountry users throughout the summer season. Grazing in these areas too early, even once, can have lasting impacts. In addition, areas grazed too early may be particularly susceptible to trampling and chiseling by hooves, due the high soil moisture content. These impacts by stock hooves can also alter the natural growing process.
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PLEASE GRAZE YOUR STOCK ONLY AFTER THE RANGE READINESS DATE. Prior to the range readiness dates, you should feed pellets, cubes or grain and avoid grazing to protect the meadows. Another option is to reschedule your trip for a later date. Contact your local Ranger Station to inquire about the current range readiness date. This date is generally available by mid-May of every year.
- Weed-free Hay: Using weed-free hay helps reduce the spread of noxious weeds. Weed-free hay fed to stock a minimum of 72 hours prior to, and during your trip into the wilderness, will avoid the introduction of noxious weeds to the backcountry. Noxious weeds can out-compete native vegetation, and this can have lasting effects on wildlife health and diversity. The presence of weeds may also interfere and replace the native grasses used for stock grazing.
- Portable Electric Fences: If you are using an electric fence please rotate the fence on a daily basis or in accordance with the condition (wet or dry) of the meadow. Do not overgraze any one area—spread out your stock use when grazing in meadows.
Holding Stock in Camp
The use of high lines, pickets and hobbles are practices that will cause the least amount of impact to the wilderness. High lines are the preferred method for restraining stock in camp because it prevents horses from trampling the root systems around trees. High lines should be located in an area of rock or dry, hardened ground. Avoid tying horses to trees. If tying to trees only do so for a short period of time. Horse lead ropes can girdle trees and hoof pawing will create unnatural dishes at the base of trees.
For information about modern stock packing ethics, and the history of packing in the Sierra Nevada, view the video above.
General Info:
General NotesNote to Stock Users:
Do not exit at Haiwee Pass Trail. It is not recommended for stock travel. The Haiwee Pass trail was subject to a wildfire and flood events in 2010. As a result, mud and debris cover the old trail and there are steep gullies where there used to be a trail. An alternative trail for an eastside Sierra exit is the Olancha Pass Trail.
Summer Grazing of Stock
Meadows and other vegetated areas, if grazed too early in the summer, can interrupt the necessary growth stages of grasses. If these grasses are grazed too early, their ability to re-seed is hindered. This can reduce the amount of stock feed available to backcountry users throughout the summer season. Grazing in these areas too early, even once, can have lasting impacts. In addition, areas grazed too early may be particularly susceptible to trampling and chiseling by hooves, due the high soil moisture content. These impacts by stock hooves can also alter the natural growing process.
-
PLEASE GRAZE YOUR STOCK ONLY AFTER THE RANGE READINESS DATE. Prior to the range readiness dates, you should feed pellets, cubes or grain and avoid grazing to protect the meadows. Another option is to reschedule your trip for a later date. Contact your local Ranger Station to inquire about the current range readiness date. This date is generally available by mid-May of every year.
- Weed-free Hay: Using weed-free hay helps reduce the spread of noxious weeds. Weed-free hay fed to stock a minimum of 72 hours prior to, and during your trip into the wilderness, will avoid the introduction of noxious weeds to the backcountry. Noxious weeds can out-compete native vegetation, and this can have lasting effects on wildlife health and diversity. The presence of weeds may also interfere and replace the native grasses used for stock grazing.
- Portable Electric Fences: If you are using an electric fence please rotate the fence on a daily basis or in accordance with the condition (wet or dry) of the meadow. Do not overgraze any one area—spread out your stock use when grazing in meadows.
Holding Stock in Camp
The use of high lines, pickets and hobbles are practices that will cause the least amount of impact to the wilderness. High lines are the preferred method for restraining stock in camp because it prevents horses from trampling the root systems around trees. High lines should be located in an area of rock or dry, hardened ground. Avoid tying horses to trees. If tying to trees only do so for a short period of time. Horse lead ropes can girdle trees and hoof pawing will create unnatural dishes at the base of trees.
Related Links
Location
