Jennie Lakes Wilderness
The 10,500-acre Jennie Lakes Wilderness is a lovely mixture of lakes, meadows, forests, and streams. Mostly above 7,000 feet in elevation, this wilderness contains scenic variations of alpine and sub-alpine forest of White & Red Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Western White Pine, Jeffrey & Ponderosa Pine, with an abundance of wildflowers in the Spring and Summer. The summit of Mitchell Peak is the highest point at 10,365 feet. Four trailheads access 26 miles of trails within the wilderness. Several of these trails also connect to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park’s enormous backcountry.
For current Jennie Lakes trail conditions, click here.
There are four trailheads into Jennie Lakes Wilderness:
- Stony Creek Trailhead – The Stony Creek trailhead is mostly used by day hikers staying at the Stony Creek campgrounds, but it also offers an alternative route up to Jennie Lake and access to the entire Jennie Lakes Wilderness. It is a fairly steep, but moderate hike up to the junction with the Jennie Lake Trail. Along the way you’ll pass some excellent views of both Forest and Park lands.
- Big Meadows Trailhead -The Big Meadows trailhead provides numerous opportunities to explore the beautiful Jennie Lakes Wilderness. The trailhead has parking available along with one vault toilet. The info boards by the restroom give detailed information on the Jennie Lakes trail system.
- Rowell Meadow Trailhead -Off of Big Meadows Road, the Rowell Meadow trailhead offers excellent access to the entire Jennie Lakes Wilderness, as well as several routes into and out of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park. The old snow survey cabin at the meadow itself is a great stop along the way. The nearby Rowell Meadow Horse Corral offers rentals and rides throughout this area.
- Marvin Pass Trailhead– The Marvin Pass trailhead is a popular route for backpackers heading through Sequoia National Forest and into or out of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park. It is a common stock route as well for horse use and packers. From here you can easily make the day hike up to the spectacular views offered by Mitchell Peak, the highest point in the Jennie Lakes Wilderness.
At a Glance
| Fees | There is currently no fee to enter the Jennie Lakes Wilderness, however Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park charges entrance fees at the Big Stump and Ash Mountain entrance stations. There are no overnight wilderness permit fees in Sequoia National Forest, but we do ask that you fill out a voluntary registration card at the trailheads. Note: if you enter the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks via the Jennie Lakes Wilderness, you must obtain a backcountry permit from the Park Service website or in person at their permit stations (Grant Village or Lodgepole). |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | A self-registration station is located at each trailhead. Please register your group prior to entering wilderness. This information is used only to track the visitation trend of Jennie Lakes Wilderness and does not collect personal information. |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Best Season: | Summer. |
| Busiest Season: | Summer. |
| Closest Towns: | Grant Grove Village in Kings Canyon National Park on CA State Highway 180 is approximately 20 minutes from Big Meadows trailhead. |
| Water: | Numerous streams and lakes in the wilderness. Bring a water filter. |
| Restroom: | At Big Mdw, Rowell Mdw & Stony Creek trailheads. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service. |
| Information Center: | Contact the Hume Lake Ranger District office at (559) 338-2251 for updates. |
