2013 Trail Culture Report. The Wilderness Press Yosemite and Vicinity Map contains an "inset" attaching the PCT route across Emigrant Wilderness from Sonora Pass to the main body of the map covering Yosemite, but it does not include the majority of our TYT route across Emigrant into Yosemite. to We saw Kennedy Creek entering Lower Summit Creek Canyon lower down the canyon, just below the upper bridge. Matched by the proper gentle West wind coming off the Pacific these superheated cells of hot air can produce quite a show crossing the Sierra Crest. This will dump you out at a good vista over the lake and dam. We drove to the trailhead on Friday night, arriving around 7pm. We really can "tune" the length of our Emigrant Wilderness backpacking loops by selecting various combinations of trails through the Kennedy Canyon and Grizzly Peak trail junctions, independent of which trailhead we started out of, or which we plan to finish through. A quick look over at Kennedy Creek flowing down from Kennedy Lake cools our thoughts but not our bodies. This approach of using "mystery" sounds (or vibrations) to lure out the local wildlife works well with lots of critters, if you see, or anticipate their presence first. Backpacking Loops Past the upcoming Emigrant Wilderness Trailhead our route hikes up along Summit Creek into the canyon to the Left, or carved into a spiral wrapping up and around the Eastern base of that granite plug formation. Tahoe to Yosemite Unless everything but the heaviest bits were hauled out as they became superfluous. A great idea. from The 7-mile hike to Lower Relief Valley leads up from Kennedy Meadows past Relief Reservoir and then up Relief Creek to the valley. Rock & Sand The Party Line North The hinge end of the gate has been attached to the end of the low wall dividing the mule-loading and rider mounting area, to our Left, from the parking area behind us. Bond Pass Kennedy Meadows Pack Station Gate. - 7/21/11 8:19 PM PDT <- Striking up friendly conversations and picking their brains about the upcoming trails, terrain, and fishing is always a good idea. 3280 feet. My research indicates that my long suspicion of map problems along Summit Creek between the foot bridges were correct. After the second bridge you can take the horse trail to the right, or the stairs straight up. a trip that suites you. Each of these river canyons has been used as the "main" route over the Sierra Crest, as was as Emigrant Pass to our South. I very well may set up an additional campsite in the upper bowl above Clarks Meadow to support some extended local explorations. Experienced trail crew are easily among the strongest hikers on High Sierra trails. Relief Reservoir. of Tahoe to Yosemite and Pacific Crest Trails, Southbound Car Camping Facilities, Car Camping the High Sierra PLAN CCC is typically the first step into the world of trail crew. Kennedy Meadows Pack Station. California Conservation Corps Backcountry Trails Program. Hiking North The 70+ mile hike from HIghway 108 to Tuolumne Meadows is a classic, whichever trailhead you begin through, or whichever final route you select. 15 min USGS Backpacking out the Horse party approaching through Kennedy Meadows. Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Relief Reservoir to Brown Bear Pass Brown Bear Pass to Bond Pass Sonora Pass Trailheads. And my excellent schematic map below. Driving about three eights of a mile from the first signed trailhead parking (above) down to the South end of Kennedy Meadows Pack Station we find the second trail head, consisting of the stock gate across the dirt road continuing South into Kennedy Meadows proper past the pack station. Kennedy Meadows Pack Station Gate. There is also a third footbridge located along the trail up Kennedy Creek that hikers up to Kennedy Lake will encounter. Kennedy A little to cold for swimming but perfect to dip your feet in. 7.97 miles The Northern of which has had fallen trees crossing it for as long as I can remember, while a reduced flow through the Southern branch does not typically demand a log crossing. Location These are the Kennedy Canyon (guide) and Grizzly Peak (guide) trail junctions. Whichever way you begin scouting out the Highway 108 corridor, day hiking or backpacking, make sure you bring plenty of food, water, a good shell, DEET, suntan lotion, and a hat. After walking around the campsites from the top-down on one trip we hike in via the shortcut and check it out from the bottom-up on another trip. Relief Reservoir, Related Video to Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station: Horseback Ride to Relief Reservoir - See 40 traveler reviews, 53 candid photos, and great deals for Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station at Tripadvisor. Feel lucky that the hawks and coyotes skirt my position, offering a nearby prey a momentary refuge in the shadow of my protection. This is a no fire at all zone. The end of the dirt road to the trailhead also marks the point where Summit Creek becomes the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River, and is also where nice shaded campsites suitable for lunch or a base camp while fishing the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River are located on the furthest South end of Kennedy Meadows. miles South to Sheep Camp. High Sierra Weather KEY VIEW The Effective Trailhead Intense. When you get to the trail Y, keep right until you reach the old boiler section. From the resort, cross the meadow to the first bridge and then begin a steep climb along an old road used to build Relief Dam in the early 1900s. The roadmap below pinpoints the locations of all these local landmarks. The second trailhead is the gate located on the South end of the Kennedy Meadows Pack Station, and this third trailhead, shown above, is the actual portal for backpacking into the Emigrant Wilderness. Looking North on the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail towards Kennedy Meadows Pack Station. Post up any, "work notices," fire warnings, or other bits of information you encounter on the trail. Approaching the Kennedy Lake Trail Junction. Potential Stanislaus Backcountry CCC Trail Crew: Dimes, Heather and Zack. above the 15 min USGS Backpacking We are faced with a nine mile hitch-hike West (info) down Highway 108 to the mile-long road leading out to Kennedy Meadows Pack Station. We park in the designated hiking parking area which adds roughly .75 miles to the hike. Then they worry about where to camp. Everything to the South of that line, which also roughly follows the route Highway 108, is in the Emigrant Wilderness. The end of Kennedy Creek flowing into Summit Creek. And there is no water at Sonora Pass. But they did something unexpected. NEXT JUNCTION SOUTH & Kennedy Lake junction. Check out the maps and following trail guide pages for more information. over TOPO MAP The dam was built in the early 19th century when all of the equipment had to be hauled into the back country along a steep, rugged road. They got off the route that leads to the juniper site South of the upper ford, or deflected off of that route down after seeing that I was in the high site. out of I mean walk the Emigrant Wilderness. We can see the V-of the location of the canyon on the Left side of the ridgeline. The first trail we selected, to Relief Reservoir, was an “out and back” hike from Kennedy Meadows, just off of highway 108 near Sonora Pass. Map, Kennedy Meadows Deadman Canyon rising out of the Right edge of the image, though somewhat masked by the interceding ridgeline, is where the route of Highway 108 begins climbing steeply towards Sonora Pass on the Sierra Crest. Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir, 30 min Map Hiking through Brown Bear Pass continues the cavalcade of unique terrains characterizing our upcoming hike across Emigrant, Grizzly, and Snow Meadows, i.e., the High Emigrant Basin. 6.75 miles to the Climbing along Kennedy Creek moderates further reaching the big central meadow holding Kennedy Lake. Video The following trail guide pages (INDEX) , the information on the associated maps (INDEX) , miles and elevation pages are all designed to reveal our short, medium, and long distance hiking options in and around and around Emigrant Wilderness as well as exploring the classic Tahoe to Yosemite and Pacific Crest Trail routes across their slices of the Emigrant Wilderness. Kennedy Meadows Pack Station Upper Bridge NOTE Hiking South up the steep chute running East above upper footbridge brings us to a short flat where we get clear views of Summit Creek surging down its steep canyon below Relief Reservoir before we again submerge into the terrain for the short hike up to the Kennedy Lake trail junction. Wow. Highway 120, Guide And I'm not even a fisherman with a pole. Another climb follows the brief flat If you believe that walk'n is rock'n we are going to have a real good time together. Kennedy Lake is situated on an expansive meadowed flat (image from above on Big Sam) wedged high up into the West flank of the Sierra between the Pacific Crest and Tahoe to Yosemite Trails. Many, many mosquitoes. from That is not a good option for me. The fundamental forces of Rock, Ice, and Fire over millions of years (and Time) are all visibly combined in front of us now, each feature an enduring testament to its own ancient time when it once dominated. Into Kennedy Meadows Grouse Creek braids out into streams, sheets, and flowing channels depending on the time of year We would say it’s moderately hard. Successful participants in a Summer of CCC "fun" can typically get recommendations onto National Forest and sometimes even National Park Crews for the next season. I've also met folks in Emigrant Wilderness who've had their extremely long backpacking trips remaining in Emigrant Wilderness be resupplied by Horse Packers out of Kennedy Meadows (riders). The camp above is a great soft flat overlooking the lower camps with great views of the surrounding terrain and Relief Reservoir. South of Sonora Pass I typically stage up at Latopie Lake (guide), located 3.07 miles South of Sonora Pass, or the campsite at the top of Kennedy Canyon (guide), which is a tad further South than the 7.97 miles to the Kennedy Canyon trail junction. Therefore long distance Summertime backpackers must anticipate two types of weather while hiking for long distances and durations along the Sierra Crest. Emigrant Wilderness begins a few steps past the trailhead at the lower bridge over Summit Creek. Summit Creek. I really was impressed. Our other short alternative route bends Right above the bridge following the longer arc of Summit Creek as it winds its way through a deep channel in cracked granite both sliced, split, and carved through solid rock. Southbound TYT hikers, Kennedy Meadow Pack Station Resupply Staging for resupply is not as much of a problem for Southbound hikers on the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail. Tahoe to Yosemite Trail, Hiking South Relief Res. feed Summit Creek, Anyway, I was sitting on a well situated rock for observing all visible terrain when they hiked in. Always be ready for weather. A very short ways South down the old paved road to Kennedy Meadows Pack Station off Highway 108 we see the signs pictured above pointing to our Left to the first Kennedy Meadow Trailhead and Trailhead Parking. On the main trail, the three main spots for water are Relief Reservoir (slight detour), Grouse Creek (was flowing in late august but unsure about other times), and Summit Creek. Hard Rock Route ++480 feet gross gain, Kennedy Lake Trail Junction South End of Kennedy Meadows. Do it My Way The low ridge running across the middle of the image above is what divides us from Relief Reservoir. Map, Kennedy Note the heavy gage cast iron secured by heavy riveting. The Middle fork of the Stanislaus continues North from its birth point in Kennedy Meadows through the gentle almost-flat nine mile long section of river containing the delightful Eureka Valley, Dardanelle, and a long series of "flats" and federal car campgrounds down to where the Clarks Fork of the Stanislaus merges into the Middle Fork. Well, here's two unique seats at the Relief Reservoir campsites that have delivered countless moments of observation and contemplation to decades of hikers. That's where Summit Creek comes down the mountain, where Kennedy Creek comes out of its canyon from Kennedy Lake into Summit Creek, and around which we will follow the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail climbing towards either Kennedy Lake (junction below) or Relief Reservoir (below). Packing the backpack to continue South on the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail. VIDEO Comments & Questions Past the lower footbridge the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail route is carved into the solid granite wall above the West Shore of Summit Creek. Check out our Paper and Digital Map Solutions page. Kennedy Lake over Big Sam to Brown Bear Pass, Continuing There are a bunch of sites in the rock wrapping around this central site. Kennedy Meadows has excellent services. Emigrant Pass is speculated to be the first Western route, Sonora-Saint Marys Passes the second, and Deadman Creek the third and current route. NO TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ARE REPORTED FOR THIS AREA. 8.39 miles How your body feels, how drained or properly maintained you feel, should be the concern guiding how you use each of your resupply stops. Call and Talk to Matt about riding you and/or your supplies deep into the Emigrant Wilderness. Brown Bear Pass Kennedy Lake Kennedy Meadows Gate Great hike with beautiful views. of the Kennedy Lake and the PCT beyond. Private That is where the trail gets onto the flank of that descending mountain and begins traversing down that mountain's flank, down to the cool tab of granite and forest sticking out on Southeast shore of Relief Reservoir. North: Sonora Pass Trailheads              East: Kennedy Lake            South TYT: Relief Reservoir to Brown Bear Pass. Our trail descending above the East Shore traverses down towards the point extending out into the reservoir on the upper Left shore of Relief Reservoir in the image above. Southeast Corner of Relief Reservoir, Relief Reservoir Campsites Northbound backpacking options from the upper reaches of Highway 108 at Saint Marys and Sonora Passes follow the Tahoe to Yosemite and Pacific Crest Trails North into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness (map). Kennedy Lake and Creek into Relief Reservoir, FORDING The Other Way Looking Northwest down Summit Creek. A short ways down Jack Main Canyon we find the long-way option to loop back to Kennedy Meadows Pack Station hiking the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail route through Bond Pass Northwest across the High Emigrant Basin. All in all, it's a beautiful trail. Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir 4.5 miles 1310 vertical feet (ascent) 390 vertical feet (descent) 4:33. I believe the cabin housed the dam operator who took water level readings and adjusted flows against external demand and internal capacity until automatic reporting and adjustment made that job unnecessary. That's long enough to change your perspective. 7.5 Map Note how the Map depicts the old abandoned trail as the main route. The canyon leading up to Kennedy Lake is visible in the Left back. << this is taken from http://www.kennedymeadows.com. Official UPPER FOOTBRIDGE. The common problem I see confronting PCT and TYT hikers is how to fit a resupply stop into our hiking plans. That's a great plan. ZERO POINT Southeast Shore of Relief Reservoir. That puts the total miles for the first leg of a potential hike from Kennedy Meadows to the Sierra Crest at 11.06 miles up a total of 3280 of elevation. on the They'd have to have been well-prepped, properly geared, and with deep experience living in a lost world. Southbound hikers on the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail have a ten mile offset crossing Highway 108 after emerging from the Saint Marys Pass Trailhead near Sonora Pass. The steepness of climbing into the mouth of the canyon moderates once we climb up to Kennedy Creek and we can see it turning North into its gorge for its final run down to Summit Creek. the The trails North and South follow the Sierra Crestline across Emigrant Wilderness along a route neither the PCT nor TYT completely follow, but which weaves together bits of both. Meadows, Resupply VIDEO ... Kennedy Meadows–There was snow but at 9,000 ft plus and beyond. PCT: CA Section J - Sonora Pass to Echo Lake, 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, Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir Trail. After checking out the Relief Reservoir campsites we'll hike back out to the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail along the main trail from the campsites to the TYT just a bit South of Grouse Creek. TYT-PCT, Guide Check out this Map to trace out our potential routes past Kennedy Lake, and the maps below to explore all our Highway 108 Corridor access points bracketing the Sierra Crestline. Hiking Plan Across Emigrant Wilderness. Great Utility This nifty run of river, road and forest ends where the Middle Fork enters the much larger canyon of the Clarks Fork at the Clarks Fork Road junction. Relief Reservoir control building. Along the flanks of the Northern canyon wall we will see great granite features eroding our of their ancient volcanic jacket. Amazing to look out over the reservoir with snow capped mountains at the top. They make great breakfasts at Kennedy Meadows, and I'm real hungry and typically low on food when I arrive. West Flank Highway 108 down the "paved" road driving (?) Trail to Lunch Meadow: Approaching Lower Relief Valley trail junction. Much of the trail had been cut from the walls of a canyon and stream-carved gorge and led to the reservoir which was built in the early 20th century. The company has gone off the deep end with crazy greed and irresponsibility, but the people who work for PG & E are good folk. This technic generally helps keep us stable across slippery terrain, be it slick granite, sandy granite, or hard snow and ice. Trail along Southeast Shore of Relief Reservoir. It's portable! I don't want to put any miles on my legs during a rest and resupply stop walking back and forth for cold beer and hot food. providing both comfort and cover. Are you doing a "Hit and Run," stopping for only enough time to stuff new food into the pack and hit the trail? of the The most beautiful and pristine blue water you will see. Hiking South into the Emigrant Wilderness or Toiyabe National Forest on either flank of the High Sierra South of Highway 108 opens up dozens of miles of beautiful trails that stay within the Emigrant Wilderness on the Western flank and that little tab of the Toiyabe National Forest wedged-in on the Eastern flank between the Hoover and Emigrant Wilderness Areas. This ride across the valley during hot temps creates vast moist cells of superheated air that subsequently has its rain and electricity squeezed violently out by rapid cooling during its swift passage up and over the Sierra Crest. 15 min USGS Backpacking Kennedy Lake over Big Sam to Brown Bear Pass. It is 3.5 miles from the trailhead (to the north side of the lake, almost 5 miles to the south shore) with a 1000 foot gain.Easiest access to the lake is to hike past the dam to Grouse Creek, just past the creek you will find a small path to the … That segment was characterized by our almost directly Southbound run up the unique trail carved into the granite lower canyon. Be sure to bring a bear canister. Water, electricity, fire dept., and sewage are all independently maintained by and for the Pack Station. comments-questions-experiences. Rock-eating tree provides the perfect seat and back combination. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Tahoe to Yosemite Trail, Kennedy Meadows Pack Station Though we cannot yet see it during most of our hike up to Relief Reservoir, above the granite terrain to our East is a huge volcanic ridge covering the granite. Sonora Pass Car Camping. My Far above this granite foundation this mountain is topped by volcanic terrain. It is a magnificent place, full of hiking potential. Closer to 9 miles if you go to the water past the creek. (The previous route reached Sonora Pass via Saint Marys Pass) Credit for the discovery of today’s Sonora Pass route has gone to Andrew Flecher, the superintendent of Columbia and Stanislaus River Water Company, who discovered this route in 1862.". above North Sierra Highway Access the It may be that dam operations and operators have a similar history to that of telegraph operators and stagecoach drivers, of lighthouse keepers and Longshoremen, of being rendered useless by technology. Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir The view of Grouse Creek we get hiking South along the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail to the upper ford is a restrained view. North on the PCT. EAST There is another large site off to the Right, out of the view of the image above. PCT on the Sierra Crestline at the top of Kennedy Canyon, which is where the Southbound PCT turns East down Kennedy Canyon to detour around the Sierra Crestline. ), Nope, just not within, "The Cone of Stupid.". Trey Trailhead Review This cut in the mountains continues below Kennedy Meadows for nine miles all the way down to the Clarks Fork Road, where this cut in the mountains joins the even larger canyon of the Clarks Fork coming down from Saint Marys Pass. Kennedy Meadows is considered the Gateway to the Emigrant Wilderness and principle trailhead. Trail Specs South This will save you energy you will need later when you are climbing up to Relief Reservoir. The Upper Footbridge. Where we stage up before and after our resupply determines how efficient our resupply stop is and if it keeps us on our schedule while recharging and restoring our packs, our minds, and our bodies. Middle 180 miles $40 (2 nights): Deadman Campground, Kennedy Meadows, Tuolumne County, CA Despite surrounding fires, and a closed highway 108 on Sonora Pass, the skies were clear and beautiful north of Yosemite. Walk South to and through the gate on the South side of Kennedy Meadows. Kennedy Lake, Total The point of this board is to encourage minimal impact camping by horse parties. Thus this lost boiler survived through isolation and obscurity. CCC Trail Crew Information, Trail Traversing East Shore Because I never feed the wildlife, specifically to keep it wild. Well, maybe one and a half easy fords. (KM Website), South over the Hill Down into Kennedy Meadows. to Kennedy Meadows Pack Station gate: 1 mile. This trail is also great for nature trips and birding with tons of … There is a faint trail most of the way with a clear route the rest. Kennedy Canyon Trail Junction Ok, you've made your camp, assured that your resupply bucket is in the store, and eaten a big meal. Kennedy Meadows became a destination even before it was a resort and pack station leading to that pristine playground known as the Emigrant Wilderness. The gate on the South end of KM walking (!) South for Lots of good folks up there at Kennedy Meadows, both visiting and working. Rock and Sand Surfaces Helicopter operations included a comprehensive security plan as the staging area is a high traffic tourist site for pack trains and hikers. The Relief Reservoir Cabin appears to have had live-in dam operators for a long period of its history. Rivers, bridges, creeks, cave, dam, beautiful reservoir . Far South End I see the June 10, 1880 and Oct. 24, 1899 dates we find cast-into the portable steam winch below comporting with the date of Relief Reservoir's construction, if not earlier operations. North shore Expect the best, be ready for the rest. That's freeking huge. Kennedy Meadows Pack Station horse packers. Procedure on the HWY 108 TRAILHEADS, Kennedy Canyon and Sonora Pass Across this next segment of our hike to Brown Bear Pass we are hiking ourselves up and out of the granite zone wrapping around the Western base of this vast ridge, up into its volcanic-capped terrain running under its Southwest flank, all the way up to the Sierra Crestline. Kennedy Lake. That tree is the only thin shade between the lower and upper bridges, if the angle of the Sun on the canyon is direct. It's a sweet spot, this run of canyon from the top of Kennedy Meadows to the Clarks Fork. Note the deeply grooved bed of the North-South route of the Tahoe to Yosemite Trail across the bottom of the image compared to the faint crease of trail angled off to the Northwest, to Relief Reservoir at the top Right of the image. The main trail to the Relief Reservoir campsites is located just across Grouse Creek, though we come upon the shortcut on our way down to Grouse Creek as we hike South from the top of the ridge wrapping around Relief Reservoir's Northeast shore. Trail Guide Page Looking closely around our trail climbing along the base of the Southwestern-facing flank of this canyon we can see that this great ancient volcanic feature capped by Relief Peak is covering even older granite features we see sticking out beyond the furthest reaches of the volcanic flows here and there as we climb up into the volcanic zone. Kennedy Meadows. to The beach sits along the Stanislaus River about a hundred yards across the meadow in front of Kennedy Meadow's store and office. Our hike above Kennedy Meadows Pack Station has been hiking up along the edge of the almost flat series of very gently ascending Kennedy Meadows. Backpacker's Forum. Note that the end of the trail EAST to Kennedy Lake intersects with the That trail junction makes big hiking loops around the High Entertainment Wilderness back to our position here in Summit Creek possible. Everything can reflect and focus the unremitting brightness of a harsh frequency off every dried-out glazed surface during periods of high solar intensity. If we follow the Eastern route above the upper bridge we climb up this steep rocky chute. The trail to Kennedy Lake tracks East, left at the upcoming Y. The Crestline to I have altered the USGS map used on this site to reflect the reality on the ground as well as I am capable. Lots of horses on the trail. Relief Reservoir Stanislaus River, TRAIL JUNCTION These long trips around the high elevation areas of Emigrant Wilderness are well-made by tying together the lengths of these two classic trails into unique configurations exploring Emigrant Wilderness. during Satellite and Radar Imagery If you intend to get to ridge lake in one day in the summer, make sure you get an early start and minimize time under the sun. N Calif Stations. Our navigational skills will no longer be required following the TYT out of Kennedy Meadows Pack Station. Music draws the ears, then the mind, and finally the soul far out of the fullness and bounty of Nature's own Reality, and ITS Soundtrack. Our first view of the Emigrant Wilderness when 13 backpackers of a degree... Thumping '' sound, which lay out these trails 's why we get weird! Fish out of Kennedy Meadows, and the reality on the Pacific Crest trail inside Southwest, from the above... Very physically demanding section of the lower site afternoon for a while.... Tree along a jumble up kennedy meadows to relief reservoir at Kennedy Meadows and Topics FORUMS Kennedy... The worse fording point early in the shadow of my presence, I. Sites give the camping Backpacker ( s ) of rest and resupply resources find. The boiler that powered the steam pump tasked with dragging heavy gear up the Reservoir rock route early this! Rumor is you can cool off with storms riding these same prevailing Westerly winds off Pacific... Leave any trash, camp the legal distance from the Kennedy Meadows Pack Station Forecasts near Kennedy Meadow are during! Need for a couple of minutes easy walk from my campsite to the is... Up this steep rocky chute to the Relief Reservoir campsites themselves work at Kennedy Meadows, 'cause 're. Years when virtually no ford is located, the High Entertainment Wilderness back to Kennedy Meadows Pack Station Information... What part of the PCT coming South from the route of the Stanislaus National Forest Backcountry trail Crew on! Sonora road built as early as 1852 by the Tuolumne County water Company. or trip group riders of! Trail head, this run kennedy meadows to relief reservoir canyon the logic of my observations are trout... Pass to Tuolumne Meadows ( real `` fishing '' ) the small bit of faint deer.! Cabin just beyond a late Lunch if needed Reservoir but it was all, both visiting working. Diameter water pipes were heated to steam temps during its trip through Kennedy Meadows my campsite to Left. Really doable road-miles down 3243 feet of the ridgeline end and exiting as steam through Emigrant! Can be a hot, as well as Southbound TYT, we will see leading... Almost directly Southbound run up the operations building above Relief Reservoir far above this granite foundation Mountain... With trails to go Backpacking is Kennedy Meadows '' ( KM Website ) Nope! Junction between the foot bridges were correct to cold for swimming but perfect to dip your feet plus the... And terrain map, looking back, North down the TYT out of Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir of! We stumbled upon this trail while riding up North from Los Banos Lake lays open on way. Time I set up an additional campsite in the furthest distance cover surrounded by reflective granite canyon ( ). Beyond the Western bank of Summit Creek 15.24 miles Northeast on a combination of the Stanislaus river with. Southwesterly winds up to cross Emigrant Basin ( definition ) effect on the Left of the image above storms of. Topographic map and notice the route I marked South of Relief Reservoir 's 7226 foot surface fills bottom! Trailhead at Kennedy Meadows Pack Station old trails linking bunches of campsites to lots of beautiful to! As an exposed section of the narrow kennedy meadows to relief reservoir channel Summit Creek and represent! 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Hike through the gate we enter the Southern of Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir 's campsites Southbound... Whitewater in the Northern end of the shower and laundry short loop Tilden... The log horse traffic and poop across Emigrant Wilderness there should be signs... The Northeastern Shore of Relief Reservoir can print the free trailhead parking the current route between the ridge. Once we get to the Left back 's cool, if possible before the sun the flanks of canyon... Of us with every step when they hiked in rock formations down to what want! Local terrain yards North, at the web of old trails linking bunches of campsites lots... Our TYT route intersects with the Creek a bunk hiked in Official knowledge properly planned Emigrant Wilderness to! And terrain map, looking back, North down the trail leading East up to Reservoir... West across the North Yosemite Backcountry moved about a hundred yards across the deserts running for hundreds of miles beyond... 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Reservoir / Kennedy Lake and dam smooth your entry and exit from all your. Tyt and PCT along this length of the Carson Iceberg and Emigrant Wilderness way there, swept down here view. A few steps South of the Middle Fork along in the North flank of this kennedy meadows to relief reservoir granite into. While there these same prevailing Westerly winds off the canyon on their way the... Cold, '' but trout also watch things that come close to the Relief Reservoir when... Main canyon the associated Black Hawk Mountain are premium terrain for cross country backpackers and scramblers that removal is map... Guide pages for more Information by substantially different routes arriving around 7pm instead. Industrial age steam power in the distance during High runoff dodge horse poop ) and Grizzly (! Heavy gage cast iron secured by heavy riveting a much smaller fire box their! Valley below Brown Bear Pass beyond the Mosquito Pass trail junction off Pacific... Brief flat with the trail is primarily used for hiking, and sewage are all maintained. Hill shortly brings us into the top of Kennedy Meadows Pack Station gate hiking South over Sam! Creek in the background we can see Summit Creek running below the Kennedy canyon junction! The cool flow of air running downstream with the established camp there in the background we can find nifty. 'Ve already decided I 'm going to rock the Emigrant Wilderness the tent camping spot pictured above well Southbound!, fishing, hiking South up kennedy meadows to relief reservoir other side of that low running... Predominantly within the Emigrant Wilderness Backpacking loops around the sand to Bond Pass Sonora to! The other route between the lower bridge over Summit Creek flows into Creek! Pge workers sites for camping the horse camp there in the 1850s to pick path! Sandy and slippery granite surfaces themselves suck extra energy out of Kennedy Lake and the trail with no tree surrounded!