BEARPAW HIGH SIERRA CAMP

Posted on by John Greening

Maps and Directions | Site Details 

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Bearpaw High Sierra Camp for “Luxuries” in the Wilderness

by Laurie Schwaller

    

     Tucked at 7800 feet elevation into the north slope of the vast valley of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River in Sequoia National Park, iconic Bearpaw High Sierra Camp offers travelers on the spectacularly scenic High Sierra Trail the luxuries of cozy beds, tent cabins, real meals, and hot showers in the wilderness. It opened in 1934, is listed on the NRHP, and, accommodating only 12 guests per night, by reservation only, to rave reviews, is still the sole wilderness lodging in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks.

    

May, 2025

NOTE: The Project Team will be conducting research for a full article as volunteer time allows.  Contact us if you’d like to help research, write about, and/or illustrate this Treasure!  

Maps & Directions:

 

Latitude: 36.565330 Longitude: -118.620986

Bearpaw High Sierra Camp is accessible only by foot/stock on the High Sierra Trail in Sequoia National Park.

From Visalia, drive east on Hwy 198 through Three Rivers to the Park entrance (fee). Continue on Hwy 198 (now Generals Highway) up the mountain to just before the Giant Museum and turn right onto the Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road. Bear left when the Moro Rock road goes off to the right and continue to the end of the Crescent Meadow Road. The High Sierra trailhead is near the restrooms at the southeast end of the parking lot. (Shuttle transportation to Crescent Meadow is also available in the summer.)

Bearpaw High Sierra camp is about 11.5 miles up the High Sierra Trail.

NOTE: Wilderness permit required to overnight on the High Sierra Trail. Reservation required to stay overnight at Bearpaw High Sierra Camp.

 

Site Details & Activities:

Environment: Mountains, mixed conifer forest, great views, elevation 7,800′, alongside the High Sierra Trail
Activities: architecture study, backpacking, birdwatching, botanizing, camping, fishing (with valid license and in compliance with state and local regulations), hiking, picnicking, photography, visiting giant sequoia groves (at Crescent Meadow), wildflower and wildlife viewing
Open: Sequoia National Park is always open, weather permitting, unless closed due to emergency conditions; park entrance fee. Bearpaw High Sierra Camp is typically open mid-June to mid-September, depending on weather and road conditions. Reservations are required and often fill quickly, though cancellations may open a spot. Wilderness permit required to overnight on the High Sierra Trail.
NOTE:  Bearpaw High Sierra Camp is currently unavailable until further notice.
Site Steward: Sequoia National Park concessioner, currently Delaware North Companies: for reservations and more information, visit www.visitsequoia.com or call 866-807-3598.
Opportunities for Involvement: donate, volunteer, Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy; employment at Bearpaw High Sierra Camp (Delaware North Companies)
Links:
www.visitsequoia.com