Shepherd Pass Trail

Some sections of the Shepherd Pass trail were washed out by a flash flood on July 22, 2013.

The Shepherd Pass trail climbs a demanding 6,000 feet from the Owens Valley to 12,000-foot Shepherd Pass. Then, it enters Sequoia National Park and joins the John Muir Trail near Tyndall Creek. Due to a persistent snowfield, steep terrain and talus, the Shepherd Pass trail is frequently impassable to stock above about 10,800 feet.

Common Destinations: Mahogany Flat, Shepherd Pass, John Muir Trail

Download area map for trail names.
To purchase more detailde maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org

Vehicles with stock trailers should park at the Shepherd Pack Trail parking lot.

Shepherd Pass Trail Recreation Guide (pdf)

At a Glance

Current Conditions:
  • Flood damage on lower portions of the trail. It is not currently recomended for stock and caution is recommended for all users.
  • Food storage lockers available at trailhead. No other services. 
  • Weather
Reservations: Reserve up to 6 months in advance at www.Recreation.gov
Permit Info:
  • Wilderness permit required year round for overnight trips.
  • Day use does not require a permit.
  • May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limited to 15 people per day.
Restrictions:
Closest Towns:
  • Independence, CA (food, gas, lodging)
  • Lone Pine, CA (full service, hospital)
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center:  

General Information

Parking:

Low clearance vehicles and vehicles with trailers should park at the Shepherd Pack Trail. Then, Visitors can reach the Shepherd Pass Trail via the 1.4 mile long Shepherd Pack Trail.


Directions:

From US Highway 395, in Independence, CA:

  • Turn west on Market Street. Travel 4.3 miles to Foothill Rd.
  • Turn south on Foothill Rd and travel 2.8 miles to the Shepherd Pack Trailhead.
  • Approximately 1/2 mile past the Shepherd Pack Trailhead, turn west on a small, rough dirt road.
  • Follow the main track approximately 1.3 miles to the Shepherd Pass Trailhead. This road is unpaved and may be quite rough.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Backpacking

Permit required?: Y

Horse Riding

General Info:

Parking

Stock users should park at the stock trailhead, and ride the Shepherd Pack Trail the the Shepherd Pass Trailhead.


Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
36.7269

  Longitude : 
-118.2789

  Elevation : 
6,300 ft. at trailhead - 12,000 ft. at Shepherd Pass