Kennedy Lake Backpacking

Emigrant Wilderness

photo of Kennedy Lake, Emigrant Wilderness, California
photo of Kennedy Lake, Emigrant Wilderness, California

Kennedy Lake Backpacking

Emigrant Wilderness


Kennedy Lake

Emigrant Wilderness

Kennedy Lake has become a classic destination in the Emigrant Wilderness. Only a single-day's hike from the trailhead, it is easily done as a weekend trip. Soaring peaks cradle the lake on three sides while acres of lush meadow spread at its foot. Fishing is good in the lake and even better along Kennedy Creek. Kennedy Lake's relatively low elevation makes it a good choice for an early season trip. The trail is often open in May soon after the highway is cleared of snow.

The best campsites are among the trees along Kennedy Creek downstream from the lake. Some sites have views of the meadow and majestic Kennedy Peak. Campsites can also be found across the creek.

Kennedy Peak, Emigrant Wilderness, California

Kennedy Peak


Kennedy Lake - Key Facts


Location: Emigrant Wilderness, Tuolumne County
Trailhead: Kennedy Meadows, elevation 6,300 feet
Kennedy Lake elevation: 7,800 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Hiking Distance: 7.7 miles
Best seasons: Late spring through mid-fall
Campsites: Along Kennedy Creek
Popular activities: Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, photography, wildflower viewing, peak climbing


sign to Kennedy Lake, 7.7  miles


Wildlife

Bears have rarely been a problem in the Emigrant Wilderness, but it is always prudent to hang food properly out of their reach or store it in bear-proof canisters. Deer are hunted during season and tend to be rather shy. You may see a few if you get off trail. Rattlesnakes are rare along the trails or in campsites, but travelers should always use caution. Sharp-eyed nature watchers might catch a glimpse of a gray fox or porcupine. Mosquitoes are heavy from early summer through mid-August. Avoid camping near the meadow areas around Kennedy Lake. Look for birds in the undergrowth along Kennedy Creek and in the meadows at the mouth of the lake.


Kennedy Meadows Resort, Tuolumne County, California

Kennedy Meadows Resort

Kennedy Lake - Key Facts


Location: Emigrant Wilderness, Tuolumne County
Trailhead: Kennedy Meadows, elevation 6,300 feet
Kennedy Lake elevation: 7,800 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Hiking Distance: 7.7 miles
Best seasons: Late spring through mid-fall
Campsites: Along Kennedy Creek
Popular activities: Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, photography, wildflower viewing, peak climbing


sign to Kennedy Lake, 7.7  miles

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Kennedy Lake Trailhead:
Kennedy Meadows

Kennedy Meadows is 50 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108. The trailhead area includes Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station as well as two nearby National Forest campgrounds. Kennedy Meadows is a popular destination for vacationers, anglers, hunters, horsemen, and hikers heading into the Emigrant Wilderness.

Parking

A trailhead parking lot is located about a quarter mile before you arrive at the resort. There are restrooms and water as well as facilities to aid with horses. One-night camping is allowed at the parking area. 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.


Nearby Camping and Lodging

Two National Forest campgrounds are situated close to Kennedy Meadows - Deadman Campground and Baker Campground. Neither takes reservations. Other campgrounds are found back around Dardanelle. For complete coverage of all the best campgrounds in the area, see California's Best Camping - Sonora Pass.

Lodging is available at Kennedy Meadows Resort. They have cabins for rent. The resort includes a store and a cafe. More lodging can be found back down the road at Pinecrest Lake Resort

For complete information about camping and recreation in the Sonora Pass area, see Sonora Pass Vacations.