Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,583.00 ft (1,092.10 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
18.40 mi (29.61 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Wildrose Trail (37E01) is a singletrack trail located in the South Sierra Wilderness and Sequoia National Forest. The trail runs northeast from Kennedy Meadows to the South Fork Kern River and Haiwee Pass Trail. The journey from Kennedy Meadows to the end of the Wildrose Trail (37E01) is an 18.4 mile out-and-back trek. It features Wildrose Meadow,  seasonal wildflowers, and the South Fork Kern River. The trail runs parallel to the Pacific Crest Trail and provides a fun alternative for those looking for some solitude and exploration in that area. This trail is great for trail running, hiking, backpacking and horseback riding.

From Kennedy Meadows, follow the Pacific Crest Trail south for one mile. Cross Kennedy Meadow Road (21S08) and follow signs for Wildrose Trail (37E01). The trail begins in a forest of pinyon pine and juniper trees and ascends steeply to the north. At about 4.2 miles from the start, the steep terrain gradually gives way to rolling hills until reaching its end at the junction of the Haiwee Pass Trail and the South Fork Kern River Trail (37E01). To return to Kennedy Meadows, retrace your steps along the Wildrose Trail (37E01) and the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Use caution when traversing parts of the Wildrose Trail (37E01) that pass through burn areas.

WATER

Water is infrequent along the Wildrose Trail (37E01) and visitors should plan to bring and carry what they need. 

After 9.2 miles, halfway through the route, you'll reach the South Fork Kern River, a reliable water source. 

Water that is collected from the river, or any natural source in the area, must be treated before consumption.

PARKING

Parking for the Wildrose Trail is available at the Kennedy Meadows Campground. The road leading to the Wildrose Trailhead is rugged and sandy with no dedicated parking area.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest: 1-(760) 376-3781.

Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitors Center: 1-(760) 876-6200.

Blackrock Ranger Station 1-(559) 539-2607 ext. 276

Kennedy Meadows Campground: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=81828.

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Solitude. Wildflowers. South Fork Kern River.

Cons

Goes through burn area.

Trailhead Elevation

6,138.00 ft (1,870.86 m)

Highest point

7,792.00 ft (2,375.00 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.