Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
lloyd-meadow-rd.html
| VISITOR GUIDE |
| Visitor Guide Home |
|
Giant Sequoia |
| Visit A Sequoia Grove |
| Northern Monument |
| Kings Canyon Scenic Byway |
| Hume Lake |
| Big Meadows |
| Southern Monument |
| Tule Canyon |
| Wishon Canyon |
| Western Divide Highway |
| Great Western Divide |
| Lloyd Meadow Road |
| Portuguese Pass |
Sequoia National Forest |
| Greenhorn Mountains |
| Kern Plateau |
| Upper Kern River |
| Lower Kern River |
| Lake Isabella |
| South Fork Wildlife Area |
| Whitewater and Lakes |
| Wilderness |
Lloyd Meadow Road
Giant Sequoia National Monument
Here the greener, mixed conifer forests of the west side begin to yield to drier east side pine forests. This popular area provides the earliest access in the spring to the Golden Trout Wilderness and the only access to the “Forks” Run of the North Fork of the Kern, a world renowned series of class IV and class V rapids (for experienced rafters only). Access the Lloyd Meadow area along Forest Road 22S82. This paved road starts near Johnsondale where Mountain road 99 turns into Mountain Road 50.
Dispersed camping (camping with no developed facilities) is very popular in this area with many miles of trails and old roads to explore. Rock climbers access Nseedles from the Lloyd road. Several organizational camps operate during the summer months bringing a youthful and active contingent to the area.
The Kern River and nearby streams always look inviting, especially during the hot summer months, but they can be quite dangerous. Be extra careful along rivers and streams; falling in is as dangerous as swimming. Once in a river, getting out can be nearly impossible. Rocks are smooth and slippery; swift, cold water rapidly saps your strength; watch children carefully. If you chose to go into the water, use a flotation device.
Wilderness Trailheads. Visitor permits (required only for overnight stays in the Golden Trout Wilderness) are available free from Forest Service Offices near wilderness entry points or the Wilderness Permit page on this website. Group size is limited to 15 people. Jerkey Meadows and Forks of the Kern trailheads usually provide the first access to the Golden Trout Wilderness in the Spring. Popular destinations from Jerkey include Grey Meadow and Trout Meadow. Trailhead facilities include a pit toilet, potable water, and horse corrals.
Forks of the Kern trailhead is popular with fishermen and hikers. It is also the only access to the “Forks Run” of the Kern River. This class IV-V white water run is for the experienced rafter and kayaker only. All watercraft must be packed in on foot. Whitewater outfitter guides under special use permit offer visitor trip packages for the public. Trailhead facilities include a pit toilet and horse corrals.
Freeman Creek Grove and the Bush Tree. The 1,700-acre Freeman Creek Grove is the easternmost grove of giant sequoias and contains the George Bush Tree. This tree was named for President George H. W. Bush when he signed the proclamation on July 14, 1992 to protect all of the sequoia groves throughout the sierra. A beautiful trail provides a fully–accessible path past the Bush Tree; it goes from road 20S78 to road 21S99 off of 21S50 (trail 32E20).