Emigrant Wilderness - Camping & Backpacking

Review

Intro

Located just north of Yosemite National Park, the Emigrant Wilderness in the Stanislaus National Forest offers an incredible array of natural environments and terrain. From short overnight fast-packing getaways to a week-long trek with a loaded pack, the 113,000-acre Emigrant Wilderness may not be as popular as Yosemite, but it is definitely worth the trip.

What Makes It Great

Visit the bluffs above Cherry Creek or camp in the shadows of 11,570-foot Leavitt Peak. Your journey will take you to alpine lakes, steep canyons, granite cliffs and spectacular vistas. Even if you're camping just a few miles from the trailhead, you're still going to feel truly surrounded by wilderness. This isn't for the first-time camper. Take your time to pick a trip and route that matches your time and skill level. From the Crabtree trailhead, one option is a 14-mile hike to Camp Lake, Piute Meadow and Grouse Lake. The Emigrant is most easily accessible from Hwy 108, with many visitors entering from the popular nearby Pinecrest Lake or Kennedy Meadows. From the south, the wilderness is accessible from Cherry Lake, along the border with Yosemite National Park. Click here for more information.

Who is Going to Love It

Campers looking for an adventurous outing will love the peace and isolation of the wilderness here. It's geared towards those looking for a bigger outing

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The Emigrant is most easily accessible from Hwy 108 past the town of Twain Harte with many visitors entering from near Pinecrest Lake or Kennedy Meadows. From the south, the wilderness is accessible from Cherry Lake, along the border with Yosemite National Park. A wilderness permit is required for camping, you can learn more here.