Mt Langley and Cirque Peak, looking north from the shoulder of Kern Peak
The Golden Trout Wilderness is the jewel of the southern sierra, approved by congress in 1978, it covers 304,000 acres, or nearly 475 square miles. Named after California’s state fish, it is marked by endless green meadows, wild and scenic rivers, trout-filled creeks, and towering summits such as Kern Peak, Olancha Peak, Mt Florence and the highest point, Cirque Peak at 12,899 feet. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) winds through the easternmost section of the wilderness.
The wilderness is located south of Sequoia National Park and is split between Inyo National Forest to the east, and Sequoia National Forest to the west, with the mighty Kern River bisecting the wilderness area. It can be reached from either side of the Sierra. The area is basically split between east and west for wilderness entry points. Backpackers can enter the wilderness from the east at Horseshoe Meadows (above Lone Pine, CA). From the south at Blackrock (above Kennedy Meadows). From the west at Forks of the Kern, Jerkey, or Lewis Camp, among others (near Camp Nelson, CA), as well as, from the north via Sequoia National Park at Farewell Gap or Kern Canyon. Permits are required for all overnight stays, and are avail from either Sequoia or Inyo National Forest depending on where you begin your trip. See our detailed Sierra Wilderness Permit Page.
Check out our Southern Sierra Trail Map to help you explore the Golden Trout Wilderness area.
Trailheads
Horseshoe Meadows is the best access from the east, Blackrock is best from the south, and Lewis or Summit from the west.
EASTSIDE —-
Horseshoe Meadows (10,140′)
Sage Flat (5800′)
Haiwee (5000′)
Kennedy Meadows (via PCT) (6150′)
Monache (4×4 required) (8150′)
Blackrock (8910′)
WESTSIDE —-
Forks of the Kern (5820′)
Jerkey (Fish Creek) (5925′)
Lewis Camp (7690′)
Clicks Creek (7780′)
Summit (8140′)
Wishon (4200′)
Mountain Home (6480′)
Mineral King (7910′)
Campgrounds:
Includes campgrounds within striking distance of Golden Trout Wilderness. Higher elevation camps are best in the hot summer months, but will be closed in winter.
EASTSIDE —-
Cottonwood Pass (10,140′)
Cottonwwod Lakes (10,140′)
Fish Creek (7470′)
Troy Meadows (7790′)
WESTSIDE —-
Cold Spring (7800′)
South Fork (3700′)
Shake Camp (6480′)
Moses Gulch (5500′)
Hedrick Pond (6190′)
Balch County Park (6360′)
Wishon (3910′)
Coy Flat (4720′)
Belknap (4950′)
Quaking Aspen (7020′)
Upper Peppermint (6875′)
Lower Peppermint (5250′)
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Transportation:
East Side Sierra Shuttle Service — They’ll go anywhere!
Eastern Sierra Transit — Connections for Thru Hikers
A Sierra Nevada Shuttles page — from climber.org
Go West Transportation — private trailhead shuttles from MAWS
General Links:
The best resource for Golden Trout Information! Has itineraries with maps and so much more!
Golden Trout Wilderness Recreation Guide from the USFS
Golden Trout Wilderness page from Summit Post
Golden Trout Sequoia National Forest page
Golden Trout Inyo National Forest page
Golden Trout Info from Sierrawild.gov
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