Wilderness Permits
A Wilderness Permits is required for an overnight trip in Kings Canyon national Park. During the Quota Period, near the end of May until near the end of September, there are trailhead quotas for each trail. There is a $15 permit fee per group plus $5 per person during the Quota Period. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks have switched to the Recreation.gov website to handle wilderness permit reservations. See the link below.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits become available 6 months in advance of your departure date.
The trail to Vidette Meadow is called the Bubbs Creek Trail. The daily quota of overnight campers permitted onto the Bubbs Creek Trail is 30. Of those, 25 slots may be reserved. The other 5 are Walk-up permits.
Make your reservation online:
Recreation.gov Wilderness Permit Reservations:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness Permits.
Walk-Up Permits
For walk-up permits, Sequoia/Kings Canyon parks explain, "While optional, creating a recreation.gov account before your trip will save time at the trailhead. Walk-up permits can be obtained starting from 1:00pm the day before your trip begins. Permits are only issued during hours of operation by trailhead rangers who provide important area information. You must arrive at the correct trailhead desk [Road's End for Rae Lakes trips] for the trailhead you are hoping to obtain a walk up permit for. Bring your entire party to the orientation. You will pay the fee of $15 per permit plus $5 per person at the issuing station. Credit cards are the preferred payment method. Trailhead rangers will not be able to make change for transactions."
Charlotte Dome from Bubbs Creek Trail
Picking Up Your Reserved Wilderness Permit
Bring your confirmation email with you to get your wilderness permit. You can get your permit the day before your hike after 1:00 PM or the day of your hike by 10:00 AM. Permits for Vidette Meadow are issued at the Road's End station located alongside the trail. Permits can only be picked up during permit station operating hours. There are no night drops.
Road's End permit station in Cedar Grove is usually open from 7:00 AM to 2:45 or 3:30 PM. Hours vary, so call ahead to confirm: (559) 565-3341.
Recreation.gov Wilderness Permit Reservations:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness Permits.
Charlotte Lake from Glen Pass Trail
Cedar Grove Pack Station
The Cedar Grove Pack Station is located near Cedar Grove Village. They can pack you and your gear up to Vidette Meadow or take you on a more extended trip around the Rae Lakes Loop. They are open from May to mid-October.
Cedar Grove Pack Station - Facebook