Bearpaw Meadow Backpacker's Camp and Sierra High Camp

Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp has been closed since 2019 due to heavy snow blocking the trail and damaging tent cabins. It remained closed through 2020-2022 due to the pandemic and in 2023 due to heavy snow. As of now, its reopening for 2024 and 2025 has not been announced. Hikers should check the official Sequoia National Park website for the most up-to-date information before planning a trip.

Yes, Bearpaw Meadow offers two distinct camping experiences. There is the Bearpaw Meadow Campground, a more traditional backcountry campsite with established tent sites, a bear box for food storage, and access to a shared water spigot (which requires treatment). Additionally, there is the Bearpaw High Sierra Camp, which is a privately operated, glamping-style camp featuring canvas tent cabins, hot meals, and comfortable beds. The High Sierra Camp requires reservations and has been closed since 2019.

The hike to Bearpaw Meadow Backpacker's Camp is considered moderate. It's approximately 11.5 miles from Crescent Meadow, situated at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Hikers typically estimate about seven hours to reach the camp, making it a popular first-night destination for those embarking on the High Sierra Trail.

For the traditional Bearpaw Meadow Campground (backpacker's camp), wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in Sequoia National Park. These permits are highly sought after, especially during peak season (July–September), and should be secured well in advance through the park's reservation system. Day hikers do not require a permit.

While the 11.5-mile hike to Bearpaw Meadow is considered moderate, its length and elevation gain might be challenging for very young children or absolute beginner backpackers. Families with older, experienced children or beginners who are physically fit and have some prior hiking experience may find it rewarding. The availability of a traditional backpacker's camp means you'll need to carry all your gear.

No, pets are generally not allowed on trails or in the backcountry areas of Sequoia National Park, which includes Bearpaw Meadow and the High Sierra Trail. This policy helps protect the park's wildlife and natural resources. Service animals are an exception to this rule.

At the traditional Bearpaw Meadow Backpacker's Camp, amenities include established tent sites, a bear box for secure food storage, and access to a shared water spigot. Water from the spigot must be boiled or treated before drinking. There are no full-service facilities like prepared meals or flush toilets at the backpacker's camp, unlike the currently closed High Sierra Camp.

The Yosemite High Sierra Camps (Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, Merced Lake, and Vogelsang) offer a similar 'glamping' experience to the full-service Bearpaw High Sierra Camp, providing tent cabins with bedding and prepared meals. They are located in Yosemite National Park and form a 49-mile loop. Like Bearpaw, they allow hikers to explore remote wilderness with fewer burdens. Reservations for Yosemite's camps are also highly competitive, typically secured via a lottery system.

Bearpaw Meadow serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding High Sierra. Hikers can embark on day trips through alpine meadows, past glacial lakes, and among immense granite cliffs. The High Sierra Trail itself offers stunning scenery. While specific named day hikes from Bearpaw aren't detailed, the area provides ample opportunities for exploration into the wilderness, with routes leading further along the High Sierra Trail towards destinations like Kaweah Gap.

Visiting Bearpaw Meadow in winter is generally not recommended for most hikers. The High Sierra Trail becomes impassable due to heavy snow, and the area is subject to extreme winter weather conditions. The full-service camp is closed, and even the backpacker's camp would be buried under snow. Access is severely limited, and only highly experienced winter mountaineers with proper gear and wilderness survival skills should consider such a trip.

The trailhead for Bearpaw Meadow is typically accessed from Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park. Parking at Crescent Meadow can fill up very quickly, especially during peak season (summer and early fall) and on weekends. Arriving early in the morning is strongly recommended to secure a spot. There is no public transport directly to the trailhead, so personal vehicles are the primary means of access.

Bearpaw Meadow Backpacker's Camp is situated 11.5 miles deep into the wilderness of Sequoia National Park. As such, there are no cafes, pubs, or other commercial accommodations directly near the camp. All supplies, food, and amenities must be carried in by backpackers, or, in the case of the full-service High Sierra Camp (when open), delivered by mule train. The nearest services would be back at the Giant Forest area or outside the park.