Stony Creek Trailhead

Day Hiking

Many people hike up to Jennie Lake from here, but this can be a long day hike! For strong and experienced hikers, however, it makes for a good day on the trail. There are other day hikes available closer to the Stony Creek campground areas as well.

Backpacking

A fairly steep, but beautiful hike up from Stony Creek campground, this trail is generally only used by day hikers. It is about 4 miles up to Poop Out Pass and the Jennie Lake Trail, but most overnight hikers enter through the easier Big Meadow trailhead. Climbing through manzanita brush and Fir tree forests lower down, you’ll see some Jeffrey and Mountain Pines higher up as you hike right alongside the National Park boundary for most of the trail. There are some excellent vistas looking west and north when you arrive at a rocky clearing about halfway up the trail. There are a few small creeks on the way up to the junction but make sure to bring plenty of water for the 3-4 hour hike to Jennie Lake.

Recently cleared of most downed trees, the trail is in better condition than it has been in several years, but there are a some rock, water bar, brush and washout issues in small sections. Particularly as you climb in the approach to Poop Out Pass, it can be a steep and strenuous hike in sections. Along the rocky sections, the trail can be difficult to follow so pay attention as you hike. There are usually rock cairns guiding the way through this area. If you are planning an overnight trip to Jennie Lake, many backpackers enter at Big Meadows TH to the north. But this is a good hike and will get you to the same spots!

Horse Riding

This is a popular area for horseback riding, and some folks go into the Jennie Lakes Wilderness from here. Please stay on established trails as you ride through the wilderness.