With its eastern edge running along the spine of Sierra Nevada range, the Emigrant Wilderness encompasses a vast diversity within its borders. The area was first protected by the U.S. Forest Service as a “protected primitive area” in 1931, named after the historical mountain pass that follows the West Walker route over the Sierra. It was then designated as Wilderness in 1975, covering an area of 113,000 acres and featuring broad sheets of glaciated granite, peaks, and ridges of volcanic rock.
To the north and east one finds terrain dominated by lava-capped summits with fields of granite spanning for miles. In the western parts of the Emigrant, though still a granite and lava landscape, there are more lakes, meadows and patches of pine.
Ever since the Clark Skidmore party crossed Emigrant Pass this area has been an important part of California’s heritage. Though eventually abandoned as a major travel route over the Sierra, the Emigrant’s water continues to make the area a vital resource for California.
GETTING THERE
The Emigrant is most easily accessible from Hwy 108, with many visitors entering from near Pinecrest Lake or Kennedy Meadows. From the south, the wilderness is accessible from Cherry Lake, along the border with Yosemite National Park.
WILDERNESS PERMITS
A Wilderness Permit is required for all overnight trips into the Emigrant Wilderness, April 1 through November 30 each year, (Why?) however, there are no quotas or fees within the Emigrant. Check out the links in the side bar for more info from the Stanislaus National Forest.
Pacific Crest Trail Long-distance Hikers
Long-distance hiking along the PCT usually requires planning many months in advance, as PCTA-issued permits and some Park and Forest Unit permits are limited. If you plan to conduct a hike along the PCT that begins on the Mokelumne and extends for more than 500 miles north, or past Tuolumne Meadows to the south, you will either need to obtain a permit from the Pacific Crest Trail Association or obtain permits covering all the National Park and National Forest Units you plan to travel through.
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE
No more than 15 people and 25 head of stock are allowed on overnight trips. (Why?)
BEARS AND FOOD STORAGE
In the Emigrant Wilderness the use of bear resistant food storage containers is highly recommended. For more info on how to protect your food (and Sierra Bears) check out the bear section.
CAMPFIRES
Campfires are prohibited above 9000 feet, and no campfires are allowed within ½ mile of Emigrant Lake.
In places where fires are allowed, make sure to always use smart campfire methods.
PETS
Pets must be kept on leash or under immediate voice control at all times and are not allowed to harass wildlife. Keeping pets on leash helps prevent them from being harmed by stock animals or wildlife.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
- One night camping limit per trip at the following lakes: Bear, Camp, Grouse, Powell, and Waterhouse.
- No holding of stock within ¼ mile of the following lakes: Bear, Camp, Deer, Grouse, Powell, Waterhouse and Wood.
- No holding of more than 4 head of stock within ¼ mile of the following lakes:, Gem, Jewelry, Long, Maxwell, Pingree, Piute and Rosasco.
Campsite Location
Visitors are required to camp at least 100 feet away from water, trails, and “no camping” posts. This protects water, wildlife, habitat, and visitors’ opportunities for solitude. There is no exception for using existing sites that are too close to water.
CONTACT
Stanislaus National Forest
Supervisor’s Office
19777 Greenley Road
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-3671
FAX (209) 533-1890
TDD (209) 533-0765
Summit Ranger District
1 Pinecrest Lake Road
Pinecrest, CA 95364
(209) 965-3434
FAX (209) 965-3372
TDD (209) 965-0488