Kennedy Meadows Trailhead

Overview

The Kennedy Meadows trailhead is located on the west side of the Sonora Pass and provides access to the Emigrant Wilderness Area from the north. The resort offers rustic cabins, bunk rooms, a supply store, a restaurant, a saloon, hot showers for rent, free public rest rooms, and they also operate a large pack station (horses/mules).

The trailhead for the Huckleberry Trail starts at the southeast end of the resort parking, at the metal gate. There is a free trailhead parking lot about 1/2 mile back towards HWY 108 on the right-hand (east) side of the road. (Look for the sign.)

You can also pay to park in the resort lot, which is closer to the gate. The current rate is $5 per night. If you pay to get packed into the backcountry on horses, they usually waive the parking fee. (Kennedy Meadows will also give you a free shower on your return if you rent horses from them.)

You are allowed to sleep 1 night at the trailhead parking lot, but you cannot pitch a tent there. (Sleep in your car or on the ground.) Alternatively, you can rent a campsite at one of 2 public campgrounds near the resort; Bakers Campground and Deadman's Campground. They often fill up on summer weekends though.

Fire at the Kennedy Meadows Resort

On October 1, 2007 a fire destroyed the historic main lodge, restaurant, supply store and 7 cabins at the Kennedy Meadows Resort. All were rebuilt and the resort reopened on June 1, 2008. The new building looks great; it's both bigger and brighter than the old building but it still retains the rustic feel and spirit of Kennedy Meadows.

Photos of the fire.

Directions

Kennedy Meadows is located approximately 57 miles east of Sonora, CA, and 32 miles west of Bridgeport, CA on Highway 108. There is a very large sign on HWY 108 that marks the road to Kennedy Meadows.

Follow the road for 2 miles until you reach Kennedy Meadows Resort.

http://www.kennedymeadows.com/home/getting_here

Accessibility

Please note that Hwy 108 is closed in winter. CalTrans normally has the road open from the west as far as Kennedy Meadows for the opener of trout fishing season the last weekend in April. Sonora Pass does not usually open until some time in May, depending on the amount of snow fall each year.

Weather Forecast

External Links

Kennedy Meadows Resort
Hwy 108 Road Conditions

Images

View Kennedy Meadows Trailhead Image Gallery - 2 Images