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Twin Lakes Trail (Lodgepole)

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#alpine-lakes#silliman#giant-forest#fishing
Distance
6 mi
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

The Twin Lakes Trail climbs from Lodgepole into the Silliman country: a moderately steep 3-mile push to Cahoon Meadow, then on to the Twin Lakes below Silliman Pass. It is the short, forested route connecting Giant Forest's doorstep to the high lakes.

Highlights

  • Twin Lakes tucked below Silliman Pass's granite
  • Cahoon Meadow's open camping along Silliman Creek
  • The Silliman Crest views on the upper trail
  • A stepping stone into the Jennie Lakes Wilderness beyond the pass

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Twin Lakes Trailhead (Lodgepole Campground) · parking: Lodgepole Campground, Generals Highway
  • Water: Silliman Creek and Twin Lakes; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Lodgepole store is at the trailhead.
  • 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 Lodgepole/Twin Lakes entries 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 9,000 ft in the Kaweah drainage 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: Usually clear by early July.

Heat: Pleasant in the forested canyon.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the meadows and lakes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The first miles are a moderately steep climb
  • Mosquitoes at the meadows through July
  • 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. Wilderness Trail Descriptions — Lodgepole and Giant Forest. 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). Twin Lakes Trail description, first allowed campsite at Cahoon Meadow (3 miles), and access to Silliman Pass and the Jennie Lakes Wilderness.
  2. 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 for the Kaweah drainage.
  3. Wilderness Regulations and Minimum Impact Restrictions. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). 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.