Golden Trout Wilderness

Maggie Lakes are a series of lakes just west of Maggie Mountain. The lower of the three lakes sits at 9,020 feet. This is a very common spot to camp for most visitors to the lakes. The middle lake is the smallest and the upper lake is the largest. Both require cross country travel, but are worth checking out. Rainbow trout and golden trout hybrids live within all the lakes. Larger fish in the upper lake.

With the peak at 10,042ft, Maggie Mountain offers stunning views of the Golden Trout Wilderness. Rated as a 2nd class SPS peak, Maggie Mountain is a fun scramble for most skill levels. With Maggie Lakes just below and Long Meadow nearby, there are plenty of camping options nearby.

Photo Credit: View from Maggie Mountain – J Salazar

Grey Meadow is accessible by two trails – Lewis Camp trail and Clicks Creek trail. A great place to stop and grab some cold spring water before heading deeper into the wilderness, Grey Meadow features beautiful wildflowers and bird watching.

The trail makes nearly a complete circle, beginning at the Summit trailhead and ending at Clicks Creek trailhead. The trail is approximately 40 miles in length. Areas of interest along the trail include seven lakes, with fishing and swimming at most of them, as well as the Little Kern River. Check with the Department of Fish and Game on regulations concerning special fishing restrictions in the Golden Trout Wilderness. The trail for the most part is above 7,000 feet, and provides magnificent views of the surrounding forests.

The Farewell Gap trail connects Golden Trout Wilderness (Sequoia National Forest) with Mineral King (Sequoia National Park) to the north. A moderately strenuous hike, this trail is best enjoyed June through October.