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Lewis Creek Trail

Fresno · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#kings-canyon#quiet#meadows#access-route
Distance
11 mi
Elevation
3,973–6,014 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Lewis Creek is Cedar Grove's steep, quiet alternative: a hot climb from Highway 180 to Frypan Meadow's forest camp, with the wild Kennedy Pass country above. Two days of solitude in a corner of Kings Canyon the Rae Lakes crowds never see.

Highlights

  • Frypan Meadow's forested camp at 5.5 miles
  • The Lewis Creek drainage's falls and pools
  • Kennedy Pass and the Monarch Divide country beyond
  • Far fewer people than the neighboring trails

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Lewis Creek Trailhead (Hwy 180) (3,973 ft) · parking: Lewis Creek trailhead pullout on Highway 180, Cedar Grove area
  • Water: Lewis Creek and Frypan Meadow's streams; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Cedar Grove Village has a small store in season.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Lewis Creek entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-ups when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 10,000 ft in Kings Canyon unless fire restrictions are in effect. 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: Lower trail opens in spring; Kennedy Pass clears in July.

Heat: Hot and dusty on the lower climb — start early.

Bugs: Moderate along the creek.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The climb is steep and dusty — start early in summer heat
  • The 2024 Happy Fire burned parts of the upper trail; expect downed trees and tread damage
  • Bear canisters are required

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. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Trailhead and destination elevations sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Wilderness Trail Descriptions — Cedar Grove and Road's End. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/traildesc.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Lewis Creek Trail description, first allowed campsite at Frypan Meadow (5.5 miles), the 2024 Happy Fire footprint note, and difficulty following the trail north of Kennedy Pass.
  3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857. Accessed 2026-09-07. Quota season, fees, food-storage requirements, and fire rules.
  4. Wilderness Regulations and Minimum Impact Restrictions. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/minimum-impact-restrictions.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Camping and campfire restrictions across the parks.