There is still a lot of snow at the higher elevations in the Sierra, but I think it may have largely melted off in the Kennedy Meadows area. (This is the KM area near Pearsonville in the southern Sierra, not the one near Sonora Pass.) I know the road in and out is tough, but I think I can handle it, slowly and carefully, both up and down. We have never been up there, even though it is much closer to home than the northeastern part of the Sierra, where we often go. My real question is this: although I very strongly support the idea that folks should be free to ride ATVs and motorcycles on forest roads, I don't really want to be around motorized vehicles when I am hiking and camping -- I like silence. The impression I get from various reports on that part of the Sierra is that there is a lot of off-road vehicle activity. Is it possible to find peace and quiet up in that area, or should I look elsewhere? Are different parts of that zone (maybe around Sherman Pass) quieter than other parts?Assuming that there is not too much motorized action up there, can you recommend some good hiking trails? My research has not turned up much -- the guidebooks don't focus on that part of the Sierra at all. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Kennedy meadows is bound to be free of snow, and May is still early in the season for ATVers (whom I support in the lawful enjoyment of the outdoors). However, kennedy meadows and the extreme southern Sierra does not have a rep for "Leave no trace" camping, and I would expect that if there were other campers there they would be of that ilk.

Also--The best hiking (IMO) is the Whitney portal and immediate south area, and it is WAY to early for that.

If you are willing to go over to the Kern River side, there is Big Meadows,Cannell Meadow, and Horse Flats off of "Cherry Creek Road. It is a LONG way back there, and that road is kind of rotten,and "Holey" but not righteous. At the 8600 ft end, is a camp with a single outhouse, and some great sounds of the Salmon Creek bubbling by. ( Cows in the meadow too!)Hiking up or down the creek, or going up the trails from there, you can hike to the top at the old forest lookout, and it is I think 11,500 ft! ( Be sure to check out the view from the door less outhouse overlooking the Dome Land wilderness!)

Steve, thanks for the tip! If we go, we will bring our snowshoes for sure -- the snow at 11,000 won't melt till late June, I'd guess.

Yes!Sometimes lots of white stuff until mid-late June!But the trails up from Big Meadow are very easy to see, and are by now almost snow free.

Question about Kennedy Meadows in Southern Sierra

greenrvgreen
Explorer
May 11, 2016
Kennedy meadows is bound to be free of snow, and May is still early in the season for ATVers (whom I support in the lawful enjoyment of the outdoors). However, kennedy meadows and the extreme southern Sierra does not have a rep for "Leave no trace" camping, and I would expect that if there were other campers there they would be of that ilk.
greenrvgreen
Explorer
May 11, 2016
Also--

The best hiking (IMO) is the Whitney portal and immediate south area, and it is WAY to early for that.
slickrock_steve
Explorer
May 11, 2016
If you are willing to go over to the Kern River side, there is Big Meadows,Cannell Meadow, and Horse Flats off of "Cherry Creek Road. It is a LONG way back there, and that road is kind of rotten,and "Holey" but not righteous. At the 8600 ft end, is a camp with a single outhouse, and some great sounds of the Salmon Creek bubbling by. ( Cows in the meadow too!)
Hiking up or down the creek, or going up the trails from there, you can hike to the top at the old forest lookout, and it is I think 11,500 ft! ( Be sure to check out the view from the door less outhouse overlooking the Dome Land wilderness!)
profdant139
Explorer II
May 11, 2016
Steve, thanks for the tip! If we go, we will bring our snowshoes for sure -- the snow at 11,000 won't melt till late June, I'd guess.
slickrock_steve
Explorer
May 11, 2016
Yes!
Sometimes lots of white stuff until mid-late June!
But the trails up from Big Meadow are very easy to see, and are by now almost snow free.
slickrock_steve
Explorer
May 11, 2016
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/siseley/camping%20and%20travels/horsefairandsequoia079.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/siseley/camping%20and%20travels/horsefairandsequoia076.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/siseley/camping%20and%20travels/horsefairandsequoia052.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/siseley/camping%20and%20travels/horsefairandsequoia044.jpg
slickrock_steve
Explorer
May 11, 2016

Some of the pics from the area I was looking at telling you about.....
Tiger4x4RV
Nomad
May 11, 2016
I have been there several times, but not since the big fires 10-15 years ago. The first time, the only tracks on the trails in June were me and the bears. One trail I wanted to hike was having a cattle drive that day, lots of trucks and mess. Wonderful area, fun to explore. The guide books, two volumes of Exploring the Southern Sierra, by Ruby Jenkins, are out of date, but still available on Amazon. Check the USFS website for updates on dispersed camping.

A nearby area to explore if the KP does not work out for you is the Western Divide.

I can't wait to see your trip report.
profdant139
Explorer II
May 11, 2016
I am getting more interested, thanks to those tips and the photos. Now if I can find some good hiking trails . . . .
Tiger4x4RV
Nomad
May 11, 2016
Sequoia NF Kern Plateau website
This site has a list of hiking trails and established campgrounds.

Sequoia NF High Country info:
link

I dug out my old trip logs last night. 1997: did a bunch of hikes. 2007: mostly driving, unable to hike due to knee issues. All of my camping was in dispersed sites. More info later today if you wish (hike names, camp locations).

The Jenkins books are confusing to use, but complete. Unfortunately, they are from 1992. I will scout around later today for more info on hikes for you.