Kennedy Meadows Trailhead

Facility · California ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Sequoia National Forest (NF) · Open Access

7,532 ft
Elevation

NOTE: This area was severely impacted by the 2015 Rough Fire; some sections were completely burnt out. Due to safety concerns, the Monarch Wilderness will be closed to the public until further notice.

Providing access to some of the spectacular hidden gems near and within the Monarch Wilderness, The Kanawyer and Evans Grove Loop Trails are in a remote section of Giant Sequoia National Monument. The Kanawyer Trail begins at the Kennedy Meadow trailhead (off the Burton Road past Quail Flat) and winds through manificient Giant Sequoias, Incense Cedars, Pines and Firs, and then down sharply into the Boulder Creek drainage past a Manzanita-covered ridge, where Yucca, Pinyon Pine and numerous wildflowers appear. The Evans Grove Loop Trail begins off the Kanwayer Trail once you enter Evans Sequoia Grove, and also via the OHV-only old 13S05 Road beginning behind Hume Lake. See if you can find the old railroad bed in Evans Grove. This isolated wilderness area offers spectacular views into Kings Canyon and serene solitude down at Boulder Creek.

Getting there

36.76710, -118.83250 · 36°46'1.6"N 118°49'57.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 79°F in Jul, down to 46°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F464648526071797973635346
Low °F262527303846535247393225
Precip in8.07.37.83.61.40.50.30.20.32.43.36.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Kennedy Meadows Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at Kennedy Meadows Trailhead?
No. Kennedy Meadows Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Kennedy Meadows Trailhead

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.