Kennedy Meadows South
Overview
Kennedy Meadows South, around mile 702 on the Pacific Crest Trail, is widely recognized as the traditional gateway to the Sierra Nevada. It serves as a major resupply and gear transition point at the northern end of the Southern California section.
Key points
- Located directly on or immediately adjacent to the Pacific Crest Trail around mile ~702.
- Commonly treated as the symbolic end of the Southern California desert segment.
- Key location for swapping gear for higher-elevation travel, such as bear-resistant food storage where required and additional cold-weather clothing.
- Provides resupply options, lodging, and hiker-focused services in season.
- Forms the staging point for the extended high-country section through the Sierra Nevada.
Details
Kennedy Meadows South marks a major inflection point on the PCT. After many weeks traversing Southern California’s desert and mountain corridors, hikers arrive at a small community with facilities that cater specifically to those transitioning into the Sierra Nevada. The proximity of the trail to services makes it straightforward to pause and reorganize gear and food.
Because regulations and conditions in the Sierra often differ from those in previous sections, Kennedy Meadows South is where many hikers begin carrying bear-resistant food containers where required, increase insulation layers, and adjust equipment for potential snow travel and higher passes. It is also a common gathering point where hikers compare schedules and discuss upcoming conditions.
From a macro perspective, Kennedy Meadows South completes the Southern California segment and initiates the next major phase of the journey through the Sierra Nevada.
Related topics
- pct-sierra-nevada-section-overview
- pct-southern-california-campo-to-kennedy-meadows-south
- pct-walker-pass-lake-isabella-onyx-resupply
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