
Mt Langley and Cirque Peaklooking north from the shoulder of Kern Peak
The Golden Trout Wilderness is the jewel of the southern sierraapproved by congress in 1978it covers 304,000 acresor nearly 475 square miles. Named after California’s state fishit is marked by endless green meadowswild and scenic riverstrout-filled creeksand towering summits such as Kern PeakOlancha PeakMt Florence and the highest pointCirque 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 eastand Sequoia National Forest to the westwith 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 PineCA). From the south at Blackrock (above Kennedy Meadows). From the west at Forks of the KernJerkeyor Lewis Campamong others (near Camp NelsonCA)as well asfrom the north via Sequoia National Park at Farewell Gap or Kern Canyon. Permits are required for all overnight staysand are avail from either Sequoia or Inyo National Forest depending on where you begin your trip. See our detailed Sierra Wilderness Permit Page.

We offer the Southern Sierra Trail Map to help you explore the Golden Trout Wilderness area.
Trailheads
Horseshoe Meadows is the best access from the eastBlackrock is best from the southand 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 monthsbut will be closed in winter.
EASTSIDE —-
Cottonwood Pass (10,140′)
Cottonwood 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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Southern Sierra Trail Map$11.95
Transportation:
- Eastern Sierra Transit — Connections for Thru Hikers
- 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!
- Tom Harrison Map of the Golden Trout Wilderness
- Recreation Guide from the USFS for Golden Trout Wilderness
- Summit Post page for Golden Trout Wilderness
- Sequoia National Forest page for Golden Trout
- Inyo National Forest page for Golden Trout
- Sierrawild.gov info for Golden Trout
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San Diego County Trail Map$11.95 -
Southern Sierra Trail Map$11.95 -
Mt. Laguna Trail Map$6.95 -
Central Sierra Trail Map$11.95 -
San Bernardino National Forest Trail Map$11.95
