- Region
- CA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- A wilderness permit is required for overni…
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest
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Photos of Emigrant Wilderness
How to get there
Highway 108 is the northern access corridor for Emigrant Wilderness. Named entry points include Crabtree, Gianelli, Kennedy Meadows, and Sonora Pass. Select a trailhead before arranging the drive and check road, trail, and weather conditions with Stanislaus National Forest. The Sugar Pine (formerly Summit) Ranger District office is at 1 Pinecrest Lake Road in Pinecrest; its phone number is (209) 965-3434.
- Crabtree
One of the designated access points for Emigrant Wilderness. Use the forest’s trailhead map and mileage information to select an itinerary from this entrance.
- Kennedy Meadows
An Emigrant Wilderness access point. Kennedy Meadows Resort also offers guide services under a Forest Service special-use permit.
- Sonora Pass
An access point along the Highway 108 corridor at the wilderness’s northern edge. Check current conditions before planning an entry here.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
CA, USA · United States
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
Granite basins and volcanic high country
Emigrant Wilderness occupies roughly 113,000 acres on the upper western slope of California’s central Sierra Nevada, within Stanislaus National Forest. Yosemite National Park borders it to the south, while Highway 108 runs along its northern edge. The landscape changes across the wilderness: volcanic ridges and peaks dominate the northeastern third, while much of the remaining country consists of sparsely vegetated granite ridges, lakes, and meadows shaped by glaciers. Elevations rise from below 5,000 feet near Cherry Reservoir to 11,570 feet at Leavitt Peak. Water drains toward the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers. More than 200 miles of trails, including part of the Pacific Crest Trail, provide options for backpacking and horse travel; lakes and streams also offer fishing. Me-Wuk and Piute peoples occupied this country for thousands of years before emigrant crossings. Congress designated the wilderness in 1975, following earlier protection as a Forest Service primitive area.
Snow, storms, and summer conditions
Snow is the main constraint on early-season planning in Emigrant Wilderness. About 80 percent of its average 50 inches of annual precipitation falls as snow, and snowpacks commonly remain into June or later after very wet winters. Choose timing and daily mileage around actual conditions rather than assuming a summer calendar means clear trails. Summers are generally dry and mild, but afternoon thundershowers occur, and nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing at any time. Carry rain protection and sleeping insulation suitable for cold nights, and leave room to adjust plans when storms develop over exposed ridges. Mosquitoes can be thick around wet areas during June and July, making insect protection useful around lakes and meadows. Some areas retain cattle grazing allotments, so visitors may encounter cows or their signs from July through September. Bring drinking water for the approach and a treatment method for backcountry water; potable water is not provided at this recreation site.
Permits and low-impact camping
A wilderness permit is required for overnight visits. Permits are free and can be obtained in person at ranger stations or the Supervisor’s office in Sonora; Summit Ranger Station has a 24-hour self-issue station. Check current conditions and fire restrictions before departure. Groups may not exceed 15 people, and bicycles, carts, and motorized equipment are prohibited. Set camps at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, and trails. Dispose of human and canine waste and wash water more than 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Pack out all trash rather than burning it. Camping at Grouse, Camp, Bear, Powell, and Waterhouse lakes is limited to one night per trip. Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 feet and within half a mile of Emigrant Lake. Store food so wildlife cannot reach it; a bear canister is the most effective method. Dogs must remain under direct control, and Tuolumne County has a leash ordinance.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Emigrant Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 38.1743, -119.7437
- Latitude (DMS)
- 38° 10′ 27.5″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 119° 44′ 37.2″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Emigrant Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Emigrant Wilderness is located on the upper western slope of the central Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and is contiguous with the Yosemite Wilderness to it's south, the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness just...
Key takeaways
- Region: CA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 38.174, -119.744
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Emigrant Wilderness
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Animals around Emigrant Wilderness
Granite basins and volcanic high country
Emigrant Wilderness occupies roughly 113,000 acres on the upper western slope of California’s central Sierra Nevada, within Stanislaus National Forest. Yosemite National Park borders it to the south, while Highway 108 runs along its northern edge. The landscape changes across the wilderness: volcanic ridges and peaks dominate the northeastern third, while much of the remaining country consists of sparsely vegetated granite ridges, lakes, and meadows shaped by glaciers. Elevations rise from below 5,000 feet near Cherry Reservoir to 11,570 feet at Leavitt Peak. Water drains toward the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers. More than 200 miles of trails, including part of the Pacific Crest Trail, provide options for backpacking and horse travel; lakes and streams also offer fishing. Me-Wuk and Piute peoples occupied this country for thousands of years before emigrant crossings. Congress designated the wilderness in 1975, following earlier protection as a Forest Service primitive area.
Snow, storms, and summer conditions
Snow is the main constraint on early-season planning in Emigrant Wilderness. About 80 percent of its average 50 inches of annual precipitation falls as snow, and snowpacks commonly remain into June or later after very wet winters. Choose timing and daily mileage around actual conditions rather than assuming a summer calendar means clear trails. Summers are generally dry and mild, but afternoon thundershowers occur, and nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing at any time. Carry rain protection and sleeping insulation suitable for cold nights, and leave room to adjust plans when storms develop over exposed ridges. Mosquitoes can be thick around wet areas during June and July, making insect protection useful around lakes and meadows. Some areas retain cattle grazing allotments, so visitors may encounter cows or their signs from July through September. Bring drinking water for the approach and a treatment method for backcountry water; potable water is not provided at this recreation site.
Permits and low-impact camping
A wilderness permit is required for overnight visits. Permits are free and can be obtained in person at ranger stations or the Supervisor’s office in Sonora; Summit Ranger Station has a 24-hour self-issue station. Check current conditions and fire restrictions before departure. Groups may not exceed 15 people, and bicycles, carts, and motorized equipment are prohibited. Set camps at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, and trails. Dispose of human and canine waste and wash water more than 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Pack out all trash rather than burning it. Camping at Grouse, Camp, Bear, Powell, and Waterhouse lakes is limited to one night per trip. Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 feet and within half a mile of Emigrant Lake. Store food so wildlife cannot reach it; a bear canister is the most effective method. Dogs must remain under direct control, and Tuolumne County has a leash ordinance.
Route options
- Crabtree-entry backpacking itinerary
Build a backpacking itinerary using Crabtree as the entry point. Select destinations and daily stages with the wilderness map and official trail mileages, accounting for lake-specific camping limits.
- Kennedy Meadows-entry trip
Use Kennedy Meadows as the starting access point for a wilderness trip. Confirm the intended trail sequence and conditions before departure; guide services are available through Kennedy Meadows Resort.
- Pacific Crest Trail section
Part of the Pacific Crest Trail passes through Emigrant Wilderness. Use a detailed map to choose entry and exit points and establish the section length before committing to an itinerary.
Sample itineraries
- Crabtree day hike · 1 day
Use Crabtree as the access point for an out-and-back hike. Choose a turnaround using a wilderness map and current trail conditions rather than committing to a particular lake. Allow time for lingering snow and return before afternoon storms develop.
- Kennedy Meadows backpacking overnight · 2 days
Start from Kennedy Meadows with an overnight permit. Select a mapped route and legal campsite suited to the group's ability and current snow conditions; return the following day. Carry food storage, water treatment and sleeping gear for freezing nights. Confirm trail mileage before setting the destination.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Before the summer snowmelt
Snow dominates trip planning: about 80 percent of annual precipitation falls as snow, and snowpacks typically linger into June. Do not assume trails are clear. Check access and conditions before choosing an itinerary.
Summer
June and July mosquito period; snow may linger into June or later
Generally dry and mild, with periodic afternoon thundershowers and possible freezing nights. Mosquitoes are thick near wet areas in June and July. Cattle or their signs may be encountered on grazing allotments from July through September.
Fall
After summer, before winter snow accumulation
Plan for freezing nights and check weather and access before departure. The elevation range makes conditions highly dependent on the chosen route. Do not treat summer's generally mild conditions as a guarantee.
Winter
Snow season
This is a snow-dominated mountain landscape, reaching 11,570 feet at Leavitt Peak. Winter travel requires snow-travel skills, navigation and cold-weather equipment. Confirm access and current conditions rather than assuming summer trailheads remain reachable.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Before the summer snowmelt | Snow dominates trip planning: about 80 percent of annual precipitation falls as snow, and snowpacks typically linger into June. Do not assume trails are clear. Check access and conditions before choosing an itinerary. |
| Summer | June and July mosquito period; snow may linger into June or later | Generally dry and mild, with periodic afternoon thundershowers and possible freezing nights. Mosquitoes are thick near wet areas in June and July. Cattle or their signs may be encountered on grazing allotments from July through September. |
| Fall | After summer, before winter snow accumulation | Plan for freezing nights and check weather and access before departure. The elevation range makes conditions highly dependent on the chosen route. Do not treat summer's generally mild conditions as a guarantee. |
| Winter | Snow season | This is a snow-dominated mountain landscape, reaching 11,570 feet at Leavitt Peak. Winter travel requires snow-travel skills, navigation and cold-weather equipment. Confirm access and current conditions rather than assuming summer trailheads remain reachable. |
Permits, fees & closures
A wilderness permit is required for overnight visits. The listed permit season is April 15–November 15; confirm requirements outside that period. Obtain permits in person at a ranger station or the Supervisor's office in Sonora. Summit Ranger Station has a 24/7 self-issue station.
Fees: Wilderness permits and campfire permits are free.
Official source: Stanislaus National Forest | Emigrant Wilderness - Highway 108 Access · Verified October 24, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Lingering snow can affect routes into June, or later after very wet winters. Check conditions before committing to a route.
- Periodic afternoon thundershowers can interrupt travel on sparsely vegetated granite ridges and volcanic peaks. Plan exposed travel around the forecast.
- Nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing at any time, including summer.
- Mosquitoes are thick near wet areas during June and July.
- Potable water is not available at the site. Carry water and a treatment method for backcountry sources.
What to pack for Emigrant Wilderness
- Wilderness map and trail-mileage information
- Compass or offline navigation
- Overnight wilderness permit
- Current weather and access information
- Insulating layers and rain shell
- Sleeping system suitable for freezing nights
- Mosquito repellent and head net
- Snow-travel equipment when conditions require it
- Water containers and treatment
- Bear canister for effective wildlife-resistant food storage
- Trash bags
- Waste-disposal supplies
- Camp stove for cooking where campfires are prohibited
Emigrant Wilderness FAQ
- What terrain and access should be expected?
- Emigrant Wilderness lies in Stanislaus National Forest, south of Highway 108 and north of Yosemite. Granite ridges, lakes and meadows dominate, with volcanic terrain in the northeast. Access points include Crabtree, Gianelli, Kennedy Meadows, Bell Meadow and Sonora Pass. Elevations extend from below 5,000 feet near Cherry Reservoir to 11,570 feet at Leavitt Peak.
- Where can camps be placed?
- Camp at least 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails. Grouse, Camp, Bear, Powell and Waterhouse lakes have a one-night-per-trip camping limit. Dispose of human and canine waste and wash water more than 200 feet from water, trails and campsites. Pack out all trash.
- Are campfires allowed?
- Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 feet and within half a mile of Emigrant Lake. Check current fire restrictions before departure; additional restrictions may apply. Do not burn trash.
- Are dogs allowed?
- Dogs must remain under direct control. Tuolumne County maintains a leash ordinance that applies within its jurisdiction. Dispose of canine waste more than 200 feet from water, trails and campsites.
- What group and equipment restrictions apply?
- Do not camp, travel or gather in groups larger than 15 people. Mechanized and motorized vehicles and equipment, including bicycles, carts and chainsaws, are prohibited. Hiking, backpacking, fishing and horse riding are recreation options.
- Do food-storage rules change across wilderness boundaries?
- In Emigrant Wilderness, food must be inaccessible to wildlife; a bear canister is the most effective method. Bear canisters are required in Yosemite National Park and Hoover Wilderness. Check the rules for every jurisdiction on a cross-boundary itinerary.