Colby Pass Trail

Colby Pass Trail is an 18.85-mile, one-way backcountry route from Junction Meadow on the High Sierra Trail to the Roaring River side of Kings Canyon. It crosses Colby Pass on the Sequoia–Kings Canyon boundary, climbing about 3,800 feet to roughly 12,000 feet, then dropping about 4,500 feet. Plan around 20 hours of hiking over at least two days. One itinerary gives 17.2 miles for the same Junction Meadow–Roaring River link; the connected trail line measures 18.85, so plan for about 19.

At Junction Meadow, the route leaves the clearer High Sierra Trail for a rougher, less distinct wilderness path. The first major decision is the braided Kern–Kaweah drainage crossing. It can mean several channels rather than one simple ford; one trip account describes fast water, sand bars and downed timber. Water levels change, so assess the crossing carefully before committing. After the river, the route climbs toward the high basin below the pass.

The pass is a rocky saddle at about 12,000 feet, right on the boundary between the two parks. From the top, you can look into both the Sequoia and Kings Canyon sides. The descent follows a long series of steep switchbacks, then eases toward Colby Lake. Take a breather at the pass and look both ways; the view is the point of the climb.

Below the pass, the route reaches Colby Lake, drops below treeline and passes through Big Wet Meadow and Cement Table Meadow. Big Wet Meadow is the standout lower stretch: it opens a view of Whaleback, whose ridgeline looks like a fin above the meadow. The change from bare rock at the pass to lakes, trees and open meadow gives this long crossing a real sense of progression.

This is not a roadside trail or a sensible day hike. Junction Meadow has no road access; reach it on foot from Crescent Meadow along the High Sierra Trail, and plan the onward backcountry route from Roaring River before setting out. There is no quick exit if the crossing or high pass gives you trouble. An overnight wilderness permit is required, and pets are prohibited on park trails. Bring the experience and time for a remote, high-elevation crossing rather than trying to squeeze it into a single push.