Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Jennie Lakes Wilderness (map) in 1984 and it now has a total of 10,289 acres. All of this wilderness is located in California and is managed by the Forest Service.

Description

Three mountain peaks, including 10,365-foot Mitchell Peak, stand above a lovely and diverse mixture of lakes and streams, meadows and forests in Jennie Lakes Wilderness. Here in the central Sierra Nevada, two major lakes (Jennie Lake, Weaver Lake) mingle with many rocky outcroppings. Most of the area lies above 7,000 feet, with red fir, lodgepole pine, and western white pine composing the forests and an abundance of spring wildflowers filling the meadows. Immediately to the east, you'll find Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.

Five major trails cross the Wilderness for a total of 26 miles and receive moderate human use. Two of the trails offer loop hikes around the two major lakes, a distance of about 20 miles. These lakes, along with Rowell Meadow, are the primary destinations for backpackers. Trails also provide access from Jennie Lakes Wilderness into the park's backcountry. If you plan to enter the park, you should carry a permit, which is available from the National Park Service office.

Planning to Visit the Jennie Lakes Wilderness?

• Print a fact sheet
• General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
• Regulations
• Contact the Forest Service
• Visit the National Forest wilderness website

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Jennie Lakes Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.