Kennedy Meadows North
Overview
Kennedy Meadows North is a lodge and resort area near Sonora Pass that provides lodging, food, and resupply options for Pacific Crest Trail hikers at the northern edge of the high Sierra region.
Key points
- Located near the Sonora Pass corridor around miles ~1,018–1,025 northbound, depending on access points.
- Reached by a short road connection from Highway 108 trailheads via hitch or arranged transport.
- Offers meals, lodging, limited supplies, and the option to receive mailed resupply boxes.
- Often serves as a key post-Sierra resupply point, marking the transition toward Northern California terrain.
- Used by many northbound hikers as a place to rest after completing the core high Sierra passes.
Details
Kennedy Meadows North is distinct from Kennedy Meadows South but serves a somewhat parallel role at the later end of the Sierra Nevada segment. Situated off Highway 108 near Sonora Pass, it functions as a combined lodge, campground, and resupply stop for hikers, equestrians, and other visitors.
For PCT hikers, reaching Kennedy Meadows North generally involves descending from the trail to a highway crossing at or near Sonora Pass, then traveling a short distance by vehicle to the facility. Once there, hikers typically access meals, lodging or camping, and a small store or mail-drop system for resupply.
Because of its position, Kennedy Meadows North is frequently regarded as the northern bookend of high Sierra logistics. Many hikers arrive here after completing the most sustained cluster of high passes and then begin to reconfigure their gear and food planning for the somewhat different conditions of the upcoming Northern California section.
Related topics
- pct-sierra-nevada-kennedy-meadows-south-to-tahoe-overview
- pct-south-lake-tahoe-echo-lake-resupply
- pct-tioga-sonora-pass-lee-vining-bridgeport-access
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Illustrative hiking footage
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