Jennie Lakes & Monarch Wilderness -
Sequoia National Forest
At a Glance
The Jennie Lakes Wilderness is a classic high Sierra landscape. A 10,500 acre area with a mixture of lakes, mountain peaks, forests, meadows and streams, most of which is above 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) in elevation. The wilderness contains variations of alpine and sub-alpine forest. Lodgepole Pines, Red and White Firs and White (Mountain) Pine dominate the area, while you'll also see Jeffrey Pines and a few juniper. In the summer, lovely wildflowers abound. Jennie Lake sits about 9,000 feet (2,750 meters) above sea level and Weaver Lake is slightly lower.
The summit of Mitchell Peak is the highest point in the wilderness at 10,365 feet (3,140 meters) and features panoramic views into the heart of the wilderness as well as Kings Canyon National Park.
The Lakes
In the Jennie Lakes Wilderness, there are two principal lakes, Jennie Ellis Lake and Weaver Lake - both of which offer beautiful scenery and a multitude of recreation opportunities. Both tend to be busy on weekends (especially holidays!) but during weekdays you should find some good solitude. Weaver Lake attracts a lot of day hikers as it lies close to the trailhead. Jennie Lake is often a stop for hikers coming from or going into Sequoia National Park to the south.
Please do not camp within 100' of either lake! Due to growing overuse, a Forest Order is in effect during the busy summer season to help protect the fragile riparian areas near the lakeshores.
Smaller and more remote, there is also a pond above JO Pass about a mile east of Jennie Lake and "Poison Pond" sits about a half-mile south of Weaver Lake. Both have a few campsites around them.
Download .pdf maps below to find appropriate camping areas and established fire rings near the two lakes. Good campsites are found, not made!
Weaver Lake .pdf Map
Jennie Lake .pdf Map
Trailheads
There are four trailheads that give access to 26 miles of trails as well as connecting you to the epic Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's backcountry.
There is ample parking at most of the trailheads and Big Meadow and Rowell Meadow also offer vault toilets. Please check the info boards located at each trailhead for updated Forest Service information. There are self-registration boxes at each trailhead to help us track visitor info and contacts in case of emergencies.
For more detailed information about each trail and the hikes they offer, check out the Jennie Lakes "Trails" page!