
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
Vehicles with stock trailers should park at the Shepherd Pack Trail parking lot.
Shepherd Pass Trail Recreation Guide (pdf)
At a Glance
Reservations: |
Wilderness permits may be reserved up to 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov |
Permit Info: |
- Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips into wilderness areas.
- Permits are issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers.
- May 1 to November 1: Overnight visitors are limited to 15 people per day.
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Restrictions: |
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Closest Towns: |
Independence, CA |
Restroom: |
No Restrooms. Bury human waste away from water sources. |
Operated By: |
Forest Service |
Information Center: |
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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 in unpaved may be quite rough.
Parking: Stock users should park at the stock trailhead, and ride the Shepherd Pack Trail the the Shepherd Pass Trailhead.
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