Jennie Lakes Wilderness

Jennie Lakes Wilderness

Embark on a Wilderness Journey: Discovering Jennie Lakes

Welcome to the gateway of adventure, where towering peaks, serene lakes, and lush meadows await your exploration. Nestled in the southeast corner of the Hume Lake Ranger District, the Jennie Lakes Wilderness beckons with its pristine beauty and untamed wilderness. Spanning over 10,500 acres, this rugged landscape offers a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solace amidst nature’s embrace.

A Tapestry of Natural Splendor

As you step into the heart of Jennie Lakes Wilderness, you’ll be greeted by a mosaic of alpine and subalpine forests, crystal-clear lakes, babbling streams, and vibrant meadows. Towering red fir trees, majestic lodgepole pines, and graceful western white pines paint a picture of tranquility, while a kaleidoscope of wildflowers adds bursts of color to the landscape in the spring and early summer months. At an elevation mostly above 7,000 feet, this wilderness area boasts scenic variations that captivate the senses and inspire the soul.

Mitchell Peak: A Vista of Grandeur

Rising majestically to 10,365 feet, Mitchell Peak stands as the crown jewel of Jennie Lakes Wilderness, offering panoramic vistas of the High Sierra that are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Whether you’re gazing out over the rugged terrain of Kings Canyon National Park to the east or the majestic expanse of Sequoia National Park to the south, the summit of Mitchell Peak promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless.

Gateway to Adventure

Accessing the wonders of Jennie Lakes Wilderness is as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself. From Fresno, a scenic journey of approximately 70 miles leads you through the iconic landscapes of Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. Follow State Highway 180 east into Kings Canyon National Park, passing through the Big Stump Entrance Station. Afterward, turn right onto the Generals Highway/Hwy 198 and continue for 7 miles before turning left onto Big Meadows Forest Road (14S11) for access to most wilderness trailheads. Alternatively, continue east on Hwy 198 for 5 miles to reach the Upper Stony Creek trailhead, where your wilderness journey awaits.

Embark on Your Wilderness Adventure

Whether you’re seeking a day of tranquility by the shores of Weaver Lake or an epic backpacking expedition to the summit of Mitchell Peak, Jennie Lakes Wilderness invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and rejuvenation. So pack your gear, lace up your boots, and prepare to lose yourself in the untamed beauty of this remarkable wilderness sanctuary.

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.

Trails That Lead to Adventure

Embark on a journey of discovery along 26 miles of pristine trails that crisscross the wilderness. From the Stony Creek Trailhead to the Marvin Pass Trailhead, each route offers a unique glimpse into the natural wonders of Jennie Lakes. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker seeking a challenge or a day hiker in search of tranquility, our trail network promises an unforgettable adventure at every turn.

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.

A Fishing Paradise Awaits: Explore Jennie Lakes Wilderness Fishing

Jennie Lakes Wilderness isn’t just a hiker’s paradise; it’s also a haven for fishing enthusiasts seeking the thrill of reeling in their next big catch amidst breathtaking alpine scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, the wilderness’s pristine lakes offer a bounty of fishing opportunities that will leave you hooked.

Weaver Lake: A Tranquil Retreat

Nestled at 8,707 feet elevation, Weaver Lake is a tranquil oasis just 3.25 miles from the Big Meadow trailhead. With its shallow waters, Weaver Lake is best fished in late Spring and Early Fall, when the cool mountain air sets the stage for an unforgettable angling experience. Currently stocked with Brookies, this serene lake also hosts Rainbow Trout, some surviving from past plantings. Cast your line and immerse yourself in the serenity of Weaver Lake, where the fishing is as rewarding as the views are breathtaking.

Jennie Lake: Majestic Beauty Beckons

For a more adventurous angling expedition, set your sights on Jennie Lake, perched at 9,012 feet elevation. Accessible via an 8.7-mile trek from Weaver Lake, this pristine alpine gem promises a fishing experience like no other. Stocked with vibrant Rainbow Trout, Jennie Lake also boasts a population of Brookies, with sizes reaching up to 11 inches. Traverse through Rowell Meadow and JO Pass as you make your way to this majestic lake, where the journey is as rewarding as the destination.

Stony Creek: A Hidden Gem

From the Stony Creek trailhead, anglers can discover the hidden gem of Stony Creek. Stocked with Rainbow Trout from May to July, this picturesque creek offers a tranquil setting for a day of fishing amidst nature’s beauty. While the water may thin out by August, casting your line around the campground promises an opportunity to reel in Rainbows ranging from 6 to 8 inches.

Explore the South Fork Sugarloaf Creek Drainage

Venture further into the wilderness from the Rowell Creek Trailhead and discover a network of lakes nestled within the South Fork Sugarloaf Creek drainage of Kings Canyon National Park. From Seville Lake to Lost Lake and beyond, anglers can indulge in the thrill of catching Brookies of impressive sizes while surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness.

Wolverton Trailhead: Gateway to Adventure

For those seeking a more extended fishing excursion, the Wolverton Trailhead offers access to a series of stunning lakes, including Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, Aster Lake, and Pear Lake. Embark on a 12-mile roundtrip journey through awe-inspiring landscapes, where Brookies of 7 to 9 inches await your skillful cast.

Cast Away Your Cares in Jennie Lakes Wilderness

Whether you’re casting your line into the tranquil waters of Weaver Lake or embarking on an epic fishing expedition to Jennie Lake, the opportunities for angling adventure in Jennie Lakes Wilderness are as vast as the wilderness itself. Pack your gear, lace up your boots, and set out on a fishing journey that will immerse you in the beauty of nature and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

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.