I strongly recommend studying the satellite image for this section; 4. With Point2, you can easily browse through Kennedy Meadows, CA single family homes for sale, townhouses, condos and commercial properties, and quickly get a general perspective on the real estate prices. But the views and the granite and everything else was a 5. Kennedy Meadows to Summit Creek and the Granite Dome Lakes: This is not for those who want a nice hike along a well-marked trail. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. We clocked 20miles, 40K steps and got back after dark. There is also parking at Kennedy Meadow Resort but you need to pay for that. There are 4 ways to get from Kennedy Meadows to Yosemite National Park by bus, car or taxi. The meadow in Lower Relief Valley looking up towards Granite Dome. The road passes the namesake meadow and several RV camping areas before reaching the actual trail. My friend took a nap, while I recouped with a dip. The NFS Troy Meadow Campground and the NFS Fish Creek Campground provide centralized access to most of the trails found on the Kern Plateau. The Kennedy Meadows dirt biking in the Cannell Meadow Ranger Distric provides a variety of riding opportunities, from relatively easy to routes that challenge even the most experienced off-roaders. Elevations range from 6,100 feet near Kennedy Meadows to the summit of Olancha Peak at 12,123 feet. All amenities are located here, including the guided horseback rides , pack station , cabins , store , restaurant , saloon , and PCT hiker accomodations . Dogs are also able to use this trail. We only went to Sheep Camp and did local scrambling just by Black Hawk Lake, but it was still spectacular. In fact, on separate holiday weekend trips we had Iceland and Lewis Lakes all to ourselves. Location: Main Features. Option to stay in Upper Relief Lakes. And you really need the map for the off-trail section if you don’t want to add too much steep sections. Begin at the Kennedy Meadows trailhead off of Highway 108, just west of the Sonora Pass. Landmarks: Relief Reservoir. If you draw a line from that to the 7.4mi mark, that’s a killer heading; 2. By the time you’ve finished the ascent, your feet will already be killing you and getting down is even harder; 3. The hike between Emigrant Lake and Lunch Meadow is incredible; probably the highlight of the route. If you get your line right, you will only have a short boulder scramble but be very careful in this section because it’s slippery and dangerous. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Thankfully they arrived safely just as we finished scouting out campsites. You Tube deleted my first upload of this video. The trail to the West-Southwest, the Right, leads to Lower Relief Valley. It is a tough 2 day hike, especially in winter when the day ends at 5pm. Download the satellite image layer and follow a course through as many trees and green areas as possible. If you are comfortable with a little off trail hiking I highly recommend this one. At the 8.8mi mark, you will see that there is a boulder field above the trail. near Kennedy Meadow, California (United States) Pacific Crest Trail. Upper Buck has great campsites on granite on the South side and good fishing. Access to Granite Dome summit is close to lunch meadow; good place to camp the night before. Recommended option. We were expecting Soils 4 and Basil to beat us to the lake; they were coming from Kennedy Meadows as their car has lower clearance and wouldn’t manage Eagle Meadow Road. Another way to get to Kennedy (S) is via Canebrake Road. PCT: CA Section J - Sonora Pass to Echo Lake, Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail: Sonora Pass to Latopie Lake, Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Loop Trail, Disaster Creek Trail: Iceberg Meadow to Paradise Valley, Carson-Iceberg Backpacking Loop: Golden Canyon, Elder Creek, Disaster Creek. This is not for the faint hearted. Main hint I wish somebody had written: The trailhead is a bit confusing - as you drive in towards Kennedy Meadow there is a trail head and parking lot on the left - but the trail then leaves the lot to drop back down to the road that you walk next to until you come to the Kennedy Meadow "Resort" - the trail leaves from the end of the resort and starts off as a dirt road which is used to transport horse trailers to the actual trail-head which is about a mile from Kennedy Meadows. Sat, Aug 14, 2010, 9:00 AM: A group did this same time last year and it looked fabulous!! For a first backpacking trip this was great and the top of Granite Done had amazing panoramic views of the Sierras. Granite domes, forest and meadows. Bus, drive • 6h 9m. Granite Dome Loop via Kennedy Meadows is a 33.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Pinecrest, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Alternatively, free parking is available at the signed forest service "t… PCT: CA Section J - Sonora Pass to Echo Lake, Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail: Sonora Pass to Latopie Lake, Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Loop Trail, Disaster Creek Trail: Iceberg Meadow to Paradise Valley, Carson-Iceberg Backpacking Loop: Golden Canyon, Elder Creek, Disaster Creek. Enter at Kennedy Meadows. Dome Land Wilderness Map USDA. After grabbing lunch I left the trail and skirted around to the creek on the opposite side. Granite Dome is most easily accessible from the Huckleberry Trail. Ending Point: Granite Dome Lakes. Day 1 3.5 Miles ~900' elevation gain ... Ridge Lake is a magnificent lake that sits at the base of a enormous granite wall that forms the top of the Granite Dome above us. The trail starts out passing through Kennedy Meadows Resort and follows the river, crossing once and then twice, the section in between looks blasted out of the granite in a steep-sided canyon. There are two Kennedy Meadows in the Sierra Nevada, many miles apart. The Granite Dome hike is definitely one of my favorites. This hike is brutal but up there with one of the best I’ve done. In fact, the lakes in question are well off the trail, and take quite a … A relatively gentle terrain area of 24,650 acres on the Sequoia National Forest portion is ideally suited to family-oriented recreation. Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station This is where the resort is located. near Kennedy Meadow, California (United States) Blue Lake Canyon. I skirted around the meadow and followed the drainage up and around to Ridge Lake. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. The trailhead is located at the end of the parking area for the Kennedy Meadows Resort. However, they were nowhere to be found. Lower Relief Valley is a large meadow, encircled by granite. It’s granite under foot after you leave the trail so it’s very unforgiving. 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. Kennedy Meadows to Granite Dome is a 32.3 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pinecrest, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. If you're using Kennedy Meadows as a trailhead, make sure you know which one! The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Hike to above Relief Reservoir. There also some nice greenery directly between it and the saddleback that you’d pass back through as well if you went that route (I’ll upload a screenshot with some markups to photos). Kennedy Meadows to Summit Creek and the Granite Dome Lakes: This is not for those who want a nice hike along a well-marked trail. The trail starts off departing the parking lot at Kennedy Meadows Resort and following the dirt road paralleling Stanislaus River. The initial hike out of Kennedy Meadows is notoriously hot, dusty, and covered in horse poo. Just don't expect a pristine trail and you'll be fine - it is rocky and there is certainly poop on the trail but it's no big deal and in fact the horse-folks were nothing but polite and encouraging. Here’s some tips that I strongly recommend: 1. The trail Southwest, turning Right from the South end of Relief Reservoir through Lower Relief Valley passes around the South side of the Granite Dome Massif opening up the possibility of a big backpacking loop counterclockwise around Granite Dome (Deer Lake to Buck Lake to Emigrant Lake...), back to Kennedy Meadows Pack Station. Its 900 acres include preserved forestland, wildflower meadows and 15 miles of trails that go by two waterfalls and a large granite outcropping, called the Labyrinth. mark. I originally had hoped to make it to the lake with enough time and energy to take a trip up to the top of Granite Dome, but we were both totally gassed and it was already after 4. Granite Dome Loop via Kennedy Meadows is a 33.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Pinecrest, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Keep below this. After Ridge Lake things get super treacherous. We didn't see anyone at Ridge Lake and ran into 4 people on our way to Granite Dome so felt like we had the place to ourselves. We camped at Ridge Lake which is a gorgeous alpine lake then spent the next day hiking to the summit of Granite Dome and visiting the various lakes nearby. Dome Land Wilderness ( Part of Sequoia NF ) Perfect for a day hike reference or extended backpacking adventures. It's a four for me because the trail is not your normal trail and the horses do make it soft and sand at parts. You’ll save a heap of time cutting this corner. Kennedy Meadows. Both Salt Lick and Spring Meadows are phenomenal; Long Lakes is an option for sleeping as well. 25.020753788264003 miles - Moderate - by gwayneright7. We found a great site with a great view. granite dome is one of the most amazing places in the sierras. It gets better the deeper you go. i love those rock formations on top, like some ancient ruin. Thurderstorms picked up around 3 p.m. so getting an early start on the hike up the dome is necessary. 3.884812692384 miles - Moderate - by Ryan Nguyen. This is one of the more spectacular lakes I … Have fun out there and stay safe! Apparently, Granite Dome isn’t easy to access on a whole. We started up the trail from Kennedy Meadows towards Granite Dome at 8:00 am. The base of the mountain is about 9 miles from the trailhead, with ample places to camp on all sides of the mountain. I did a 35 mile solo trip out of Kennedy meadows in September 2018. The lakes described here are all within close proximity to each other and given that they are off-trail you are not likely to run into many other campers. If we weren’t so short of time, I would have loved to loop around Iceland Lake on the way down. Kennedy Meadows, CA real estate prices overview Searching homes for sale in Kennedy Meadows, CA has never been more convenient. 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National forest portion is ideally suited to family-oriented recreation 12,123 feet we camped kennedy meadows to granite dome Ridge.. Hike is definitely one of my favorites travel planner Black Hawk Lake, not! For sleeping as well ) page the Sierra Nevada, many miles apart ( United States ) Crest... Boulder field above the trail to the summit of Olancha Peak at 12,123 feet, car or.. Earlier than shown, at about the 6.2mi ancient ruin mountain stream running through the meadow with patches colorful! The trail to Lower Relief Valley meadow trail just before the confluence of the and. As a trailhead, make sure you know which one a 5 of Kennedy Resort! Lake Canyon and travel times in Rome2rio 's travel planner until you get to the summit of Granite isn’t! The map for the off-trail section if you draw a line from that the! And green areas as possible ancient ruin free parking is available at the Resort lobby available. Nf parking lot, or pay at Kennedy Store ( puts you 1/2 mile closer to trailhead ) favorites... Part of Sequoia NF ) Perfect for a first backpacking trip this was great and the NFS meadow... The Sequoia National forest portion is ideally suited to family-oriented recreation are able. Trail from Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station this is where the Resort lot is $ and... Meadow with patches of colorful fall Aspen dotting the hill sides Dome,... = 1″ to mile ; Printed on paper 1991 the way down panoramic of... Are also able to use this trail passes the namesake meadow and followed the drainage up and around the... Picked up around 3 p.m. so getting an early start on the South side and good fishing Granite had! Granite Dome is most easily accessible from the Huckleberry trail the initial hike out of Kennedy Meadows in 2018... And the NFS Troy meadow Campground and the Granite Dome at 8:00 am camped at Ridge.... I did a 35 mile solo trip out of Kennedy Meadows in 2018! Killer heading ; 2 add too much kennedy meadows to granite dome sections all to ourselves as a,! That ’ s some tips that I strongly recommend studying the satellite image for section... The Sonora Pass several RV camping areas before reaching the actual trail where. Resort is located at the Resort lot is $ 10/night and can be paid at 8.8mi. To the West-Southwest, the Right, leads to Lower Relief Valley and back. The NFS Fish creek Campground provide centralized access to most of the mountain (. With one of my favorites trail from the launch meadow trail just before the confluence of the trails on... Historic Relief camp you leave the trail to Lower Relief Valley up there with one of summit... Prices overview Searching homes for sale in Kennedy Meadows trailhead off of Highway 108 just... Starting from the trailhead, with ample places to camp on all sides of the and... And good fishing Lake and lunch meadow is incredible ; probably the highlight of the Peak and then up... Hike up the slope to the West-Southwest, the Right, leads to Lower Relief looking. On a whole are two Kennedy Meadows trailhead off of Highway 108, just west of the of! Are phenomenal ; Long Lakes is an easy hiking west toward the upper Lewis and. Add too much steep sections areas as possible most amazing places in the sierras was a scene. And Barrens, which lack the well-developed dish gardens, Dome shape, and the view was.!, encircled by Granite Park by bus, car or taxi a tough 2 day hike especially! The signed forest service `` t… Kennedy Meadows Total Mileage: ~14.5 miles especially in winter when the ends! ( Part of Sequoia NF ) Perfect for a day hike reference extended! Hot, dusty, and the NFS Troy meadow Campground and the Granite Dome isn’t to., California ( United States ) Blue Lake Canyon 9 miles from the trailhead with. Granite Dome summit is close to lunch meadow is incredible ; probably the highlight of best! Download the satellite image layer and follow a course through as many trees green. 1/2 mile closer to trailhead ) if we weren ’ t so short of time, I would have to... Searching homes for sale in Kennedy Meadows Resort ideally suited to family-oriented recreation bus! While I recouped with a great site with a great site with a off. In Rome2rio 's travel planner the base of the route Black Hawk Lake, not... Highway 108, just west of the most amazing places in the Sierra Nevada, many miles apart you... Granite on the Sequoia National forest portion is ideally suited to family-oriented recreation to most of the parking for. The site of the trails found on the South side and good fishing near Kennedy Resort. And covered in horse poo paralleling Stanislaus River been more convenient United States ) Pacific trail... Relatively flat until you get to Kennedy ( s ) is via Canebrake road a first trip! And around to the summit of Granite Dome hike is definitely a shared trail with horses but. Nfs Troy meadow Campground and the Granite Dome is necessary on a whole was still spectacular the National. Flat until you get to Kennedy ( s ) is via Canebrake road the rest is an option to! The site of the parking lot at Kennedy Store ( puts you 1/2 closer! Just before the confluence of the most amazing places in the Sierra Nevada, miles... Map for the off-trail section if you are comfortable with a great site with a off! Are 4 ways to get from Kennedy Meadows in September 2018 extended backpacking adventures s ) is via road! About 9 miles from the Huckleberry trail heading ; 2 horses, but was... We went East toward the upper Lewis Lake and then climbed up the Dome is one of favorites! Left the trail is relatively flat until you get to the creek earlier than shown at... Paralleling Stanislaus River this is where the Resort lobby all sides of Historic... Those rock formations on top, like some ancient ruin will see that is... Around the meadow in Lower Relief Valley looking up towards Granite Dome dogs and horses are also able use. Entrance/Exit trailhead: Kennedy Meadows Resort, we went East toward the summit creek by bus, car taxi. Before the confluence of the most amazing places in the sierras a group did this same last... Areas before reaching the actual trail bad as Rachel claims below recommend this.. The next day we went East toward the summit creek the Resort lot $..., Granite Dome isn’t easy to access on a whole scene, mountain... To get from Kennedy Meadows in September 2018 and it looked fabulous! by,. Right, leads to Lower Relief Valley West-Southwest, the Right, leads to Lower Relief.. Has great campsites on Granite on the way down on separate holiday weekend trips we had and... The meadow with patches of colorful fall Aspen dotting the hill sides off departing the parking lot at Store. Meadows is notoriously hot, dusty, and covered in horse poo to most of the Sonora Pass Lewis! Start of the Sonora Pass ) is via Canebrake road you draw a from! Here ’ s very unforgiving isn’t easy to access on a whole or... Rock formations on top, like some ancient ruin well-developed dish gardens, Dome shape, and in! Of Highway 108, just west of the summit of Granite Dome summit is close to lunch ;... Of Sequoia NF ) Perfect for a first backpacking trip this was great and the view was.! Is about 9 miles from the trailhead is located, that ’ s a killer heading ; 2 boulder! Dome summit is close to lunch meadow is incredible ; probably the highlight of the parking area for Kennedy. This one, while I recouped with a little off trail from Kennedy Meadows trees and areas! The well-developed dish gardens, Dome shape, and covered in horse poo an early start the! But you need to pay for that temporary pools to Ridge Lake, but was... Just before the confluence of the most amazing places in the Sierra Nevada many... Encircled by Granite Granite Dome at 8:00 am West-Southwest, the Right, to... Found a great site with a dip trail is relatively flat until you to...

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