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Kennedy Meadows to Lunch Meadow

Tuolumne · Managed by Stanislaus National Forest (USFS) · Region: Emigrant Wilderness
Difficulty 45/100 · Strenuousout and back#emigrant-wilderness#stanislaus-nf#granite#solitude
Distance
19 mi
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Kennedy Meadows to Lunch Meadow is a 9.5-mile one-way hike (19 miles out-and-back) into the Emigrant Wilderness from the Kennedy Meadows trailhead (6,320 feet). Climbs through Lower and Upper Relief Valley to Lunch Meadow at the base of Brown Bear Pass. Mileages are from the Forest Service Trail Mileages publication.

Highlights

  • 9.5 miles one way to Lunch Meadow per the Forest Service mileage table
  • Granite slabs, lakes and meadows in a lightly visited wilderness
  • Free, self-issued wilderness permits
  • One-night camping limit at some popular lakes

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Kennedy Meadows Trailhead (6,320 ft) · parking: Kennedy Meadows Road off Hwy 108, 50 miles east of Sonora.
  • Water: Lakes and streams are abundant along most routes; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None — Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pinecrest are the last services.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

  • Agency: Stanislaus National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on fs.usda.gov
  • Quota: Free wilderness permits are required for overnight trips from April 15 through November 15; self-issue permits are available 24/7 at the Summit Ranger Station.
  • Reservation window: None — permits are free and self-issued.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 feet in the wilderness. A California Campfire Permit is required for camp stoves. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: June, July, August, September.

Snow: Snowpacks typically linger into June at these elevations.

Heat: Summer afternoons are warm on exposed granite; thunderstorms are common.

Bugs: Mosquitoes are thick near wet areas in June and July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • A wilderness permit is required April 15 through November 15
  • Bear-proof food storage is required — hang food or carry a canister
  • Camp at least 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails
  • Snow can linger into June; stream crossings run high in early season

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 - Trail Mileages. Stanislaus National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/media/139022. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). One-way trailhead mileage for Lunch Meadow (9.5 miles from Kennedy Meadows) and trailhead elevation (6,320 feet).
  2. 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 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Wilderness permit requirements, camping and fire regulations for the Emigrant Wilderness.
  3. Trailheads - Getting into the Emigrant Wilderness. Stanislaus National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/media/226285. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Trailhead elevations, directions and parking information.