Backpacking to Jennie Lake in Sequoia National Forest

Jumping into Jennie and Weaver Lakes in Sequoia National Forest

Yvonne Leow

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http://www.bewilder.club/experiences/sequoia-national-forest-jennie-lakes-wilderness-jennie-weaver-lakes

Last updated

August 3, 2024

Trip · 3-day backpacking trip

For · Friends and first-time backpackers

Vibe · Challenging and hard

Distance · 17.5 mile loop and 2,992 feet of elevation gain

Permits · Register at the trailhead and apply to a CA Campfire permit online!

Drive · 3.5 hours from SF and LA

Ideal dates · April (after the snow has melted) to July

Pets · Welcome at camp and on trails!

Named after Jennie Ellis, a mountaineer's wife, Jennie Lakes Wilderness in Sequoia National Forest has 10,500 acres and 26 miles of hiking trails, with four of those routes venturing south to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. This place is blooming with wildflowers, alpine lakes (Jennie Lake being the largest) and pine forests. The neatest part is that you don't need a wilderness permit to camp in the backcountry. Trails will get busy on warm, summer weekends, but plan a visit during the spring and you'll get to experience a classic Sierra landscape, a high-altitude adventure & tranquil getaway all in one trip.

Official Forest Service Website

Directions to Trailhead

Main image credit: N/A

Prep Itinerary Gear Food

Itinerary

Day One

Jennie Lakes Wilderness. Credit: Timothy Brox

Leave LA as early as possible

Last pit stop · Valero - 35468 East Kings Canyon Road in Squaw Valley

Drive and park at Fox Meadow Trailhead

t's a bumpy dirt road to Fox Meadow Trailhead so if the weather gets bad or if your car's not up for the off-road adventure, you can also park at Big Meadow Trailhead, which is accessible via paved roads. It does add about a mile and 400 feet of climbing to the trek.
You don't need a permit, but register yourself at the trailhead so park rangers know you're in the backcountry!

Hike Weaver Lake Trail towards Jennie Lake

It's a 5 mile hike with 1,127 feet of elevation gain to Jennie Lake
At the Weaver Lake Trail junction, stay right and climb up the hill towards Jennie Lake
Reach Poop Out Pass, which is accurately named if you haven't had a chance to acclimatize yet, but it's essentially a gentle, steady climb to reach the Pass. Take your time if you're feeling out of breath!

Set up camp at Jennie Lake

Huzzah! Congrats on making it to your first alpine lake of the trip! Take a break, eat some snacks and set up camp on the northern or western sides of the lake.
Jennie Lake is a popular wild trout fishing spot so don't be surprised if you find anglers trying to hook Rainbow and Brook trout

If you're feeling ambitious, climb to the peak above Jennie Lake

At the summit, find 200 degree views of the lake

Relax, unwind, and cook up dinner

Spend the rest of your evening chilling and swapping stories!

Car to camp: 5 miles - 1,127 feet of elevation gain - 3 to 4 hours

In 1953, Sada Coe, the daughter of Henry Willard Coe, gave her family's cattle ranch to CA. It became the park we have today.

Day Two

Make brekkie, pack up, and hike to Weaver Lake

Fill up on water (at least 2L per person), pack snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, bug spray, and your lunch!
It's about an 8.5 mile gradual, downhill hike to Weaver Lake
Once you reach JO Pass, wander around the ridge and soak up some spectacular views of the area, before you take a left towards Weaver Lake
At the JO Pass, Weaver Lake, Rowell Meadow junction, turn left towards Weaver Lake. Keep an eye out for a good lunch spot because you're around the halfway point of the trek.

Reach Weaver Lake and set up camp!

There are actually 15 designated campsites with fire rings on the northern and western sides of Weaver Lake. Fire restrictions are in effect, but the campsites are well-spaced and worth snagging.