Walk-Up5/10
Emigrant Crabtree Trailhead permit
Primary access to Emigrant Wilderness....
Walk-UpOvernightModerate Demand
Kennedy Meadows Trailhead Permit
Kennedy Meadows access.
How to get Kennedy Meadows
Stanislaus National Forest hands this one over a counter, not off a calendar. Its wilderness permit page says so outright: "There are no quota or reservation systems for the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg or Mokelumne (except for the Carson Pass Management Area)." You still need the permit — "A Wilderness Permit is required for all overnight trips to the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg, and Mokelumne Wilderness Areas" — you just pick it up on the way in: "Sugar Pine Ranger Station (Hwy 108) will be issuing permits in person during office hours. If the Ranger Station is not open you can self-issue your permit at the kiosk in front of the Sugar Pine Ranger Station." Nothing is sold online, so there is no calendar to watch. Read live 2026-09-08.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get Kennedy Meadows
Stanislaus National Forest hands this one over a counter, not off a calendar. Its wilderness permit page says so outright: "There are no quota or reservation systems for the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg or Mokelumne (except for the Carson Pass Management Area)." You still need the permit — "A Wilderness Permit is required for all overnight trips to the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg, and Mokelumne Wilderness Areas" — you just pick it up on the way in: "Sugar Pine Ranger Station (Hwy 108) will be issuing permits in person during office hours. If the Ranger Station is not open you can self-issue your permit at the kiosk in front of the Sugar Pine Ranger Station." Nothing is sold online, so there is no calendar to watch. Read live 2026-09-08.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
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Kennedy Meadows Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelModerate5/10
Max Group Size15 people
This permit is not bookable online
Stanislaus National Forest hands this one over a counter, not off a calendar. Its wilderness permit page says so outright: "There are no quota or reservation systems for the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg or Mokelumne (except for the Carson Pass Management Area)." You still need the permit — "A Wilderness Permit is required for all overnight trips to the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg, and Mokelumne Wilderness Areas" — you just pick it up on the way in: "Sugar Pine Ranger Station (Hwy 108) will be issuing permits in person during office hours. If the Ranger Station is not open you can self-issue your permit at the kiosk in front of the Sugar Pine Ranger Station." Nothing is sold online, so there is no calendar to watch. Read live 2026-09-08.
Official permit page →Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level5/10
LocationCA
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
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84°
60°
Mon
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86°
56°
Tue
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93°
64°
Wed
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93°
63°
Thu
☀️
90°
61°
Fri
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91°
63°
Sat
☁️
93°
65°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
How this permit is issued
Stanislaus National Forest hands this one over a counter, not off a calendar. Its wilderness permit page says so outright: "There are no quota or reservation systems for the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg or Mokelumne (except for the Carson Pass Management Area)." You still need the permit — "A Wilderness Permit is required for all overnight trips to the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg, and Mokelumne Wilderness Areas" — you just pick it up on the way in: "Sugar Pine Ranger Station (Hwy 108) will be issuing permits in person during office hours. If the Ranger Station is not open you can self-issue your permit at the kiosk in front of the Sugar Pine Ranger Station." Nothing is sold online, so there is no calendar to watch. Read live 2026-09-08.
2
Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
3
Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
Learn More
Rules & Regulations
- •A Wilderness Permit is required for all overnight trips to the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg, and Mokelumne Wilderness Areas.
- •There are no quota or reservation systems for the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg or Mokelumne (except for the Carson Pass Management Area).
- •Maximum group size is 15 people for day or overnight use; stock is limited to 25 head per group.
- •Affiliated groups must camp and travel separately, always remaining at least one mile apart.
- •Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and trails, or where posted.
- •Want a campfire? You need a separate campfire permit from CAL FIRE.
- •Starting at a trailhead inside another national forest or park? That agency issues your permit, not Stanislaus.
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Kennedy Meadows
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
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Safety & Planning
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Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Kennedy Meadows.
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Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Kennedy Meadows FAQ
Do I need a reservation for an Emigrant Wilderness permit at Kennedy Meadows?
No. Stanislaus National Forest puts it plainly on its wilderness permit page: "There are no quota or reservation systems for the Emigrant, Carson-Iceberg or Mokelumne (except for the Carson Pass Management Area)." A permit is still required for every overnight trip. There is just nothing to book ahead, and nothing to be shut out of.
Where do I get an Emigrant Wilderness permit?
In person, on the way in. "Sugar Pine Ranger Station (Hwy 108) will be issuing permits in person during office hours. If the Ranger Station is not open you can self-issue your permit at the kiosk in front of the Sugar Pine Ranger Station." The Calaveras Ranger Station on Hwy 4, Lake Alpine, the Groveland Ranger Station on Hwy 120 and the Supervisor's Office in Sonora issue them too.
How big a group can an Emigrant Wilderness permit cover?
Fifteen. The forest caps it at 15 people for day or overnight use, and 25 head of stock per group. Affiliated groups have to camp and travel separately, at least a mile apart, so splitting a bigger party into two permits does not get you around it.
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Trail Conditions
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Kennedy Meadows trip
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