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Bell Meadow Trail

Tuolumne · Managed by Stanislaus National Forest (USFS) · Region: Emigrant Wilderness
Difficulty /100 · out and back#emigrant-wilderness#long-approach#solitude#granite
Distance
22.4 mi
Days
3–4
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

The Bell Meadow Trail is the Emigrant's long, quiet door: 11.2 mapped miles from the Cherry Lake side into the wilderness's deep lake country, passing meadow after meadow before reaching the granite basins near the crest. Three days of real solitude in the Sierra's most underrated wilderness.

Highlights

  • A long approach that most visitors skip — expect solitude
  • Lakes and meadows strung along the entire route
  • The Emigrant's volcanic crest views in the upper country
  • Easy logistics: free permits, no quotas

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Bell Meadow Trailhead · parking: Bell Meadow trailhead near the Cherry Lake / Eleanor area access roads
  • Water: Seasonal lakes and creeks; treat all water and confirm late-season flows.
  • Resupply: None; the Cherry Lake area has limited services in season.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

  • Agency: Stanislaus National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on fs.usda.gov
  • Quota: None — Emigrant Wilderness has no quota or reservation system.
  • Reservation window: Free self-issue permits at ranger station kiosks; permits required April 15–November 15.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 ft. A free CAL FIRE campfire permit is required below 9,000 ft; fire restrictions can be declared at any time. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: The Cherry Lake area melts early; the high trail clears by July.

Heat: Warm in the lower forest; cool in the granite.

Bugs: Mosquitoes thick near lakes and meadows in June and July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • 22.4 miles round trip as mapped — plan three days
  • Camp at least 100 feet from lakes and streams
  • Fires are banned above 9,000 ft; a free CAL FIRE permit is required below
  • Mosquitoes are thick in June and July

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Emigrant Wilderness - Highway 108 Access. Stanislaus National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/stanislaus/recreation/emigrant-wilderness-highway-108-access. Accessed 2026-09-08. License: Public domain (US government work). Emigrant Wilderness overview, trailhead list including Bell Meadow, free permits, and camping rules.
  2. Wilderness (Stanislaus National Forest). Stanislaus National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/stanislaus/wilderness. Accessed 2026-09-08. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules (CAL FIRE permit; prohibited above 9,000 ft), no-quota policy, and group size limits.
  3. Bell Meadow Trail (OpenStreetMap). OpenStreetMap contributors. https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/38803285. Accessed 2026-09-08. License: ODbL 1.0. Route geometry measured as mapped — the Bell Meadow Trail runs 11.2 miles one way to the upper lake country; round trip 22.4 miles as mapped.