Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Kennedy Meadows Campground – Inyo National Forest
Kennedy Meadows Campground is a scenic, remote campground in the Inyo National Forest, situated in the Kern Plateau region of the southern Sierra Nevada in California. Located near Pearsonville, it serves as a popular gateway for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hikers.
Location and Access
The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 6,100 feet (1,859 m) along the banks of the South Fork of the Kern River. It is reached by exiting US Highway 395 near Pearsonville (north of Ridgecrest) and driving west approximately 25 miles on the paved Nine Mile Canyon Road. The drive transitions from high desert into the forested hills of the Kern Plateau.
Campground Features
- 37 campsites scattered among juniper and pinyon pine trees, with several sites (typically 28–37) located directly along the river.
- Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to about 30 feet.
- Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring/grate, and access to vault toilets.
- It operates on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations) and is generally open year-round, though snow can limit access from November through March.
- A small general store and pack station (Kennedy Meadows Resort) are nearby, making it a key resupply point for long-distance hikers.
The campground offers a high-desert to montane feel, with hot summers (often reaching the 90s°F) and cooler evenings. It is especially popular in late spring through fall. Activities include fishing the South Fork Kern River (home to native California Golden Trout), hiking, horseback riding, and exploring nearby wilderness areas.
Surrounding Wilderness
Kennedy Meadows is surrounded by three wilderness areas:
- South Sierra Wilderness
- Golden Trout Wilderness
- Domeland Wilderness
This makes it an excellent base for backpacking, day hikes, and stock (horse/pack animal) trips.
NOTE: The campground is physically in the Inyo National Forest, but is administered by the Sequoia National Forest. It is also known as Kennedy Meadows campground.
Kennedy Meadors
Kennedy Meadows is a scenic high-elevation mountain community and popular recreational destination in the Sierra Nevada of California. There are actually two notable places with this name, but the most well-known is the Kennedy Meadows Resort area in Tuolumne County along Highway 108 (Sonora Pass).
Location and Setting
Kennedy Meadows sits nestled at approximately 6,200–6,500 feet elevation in the Stanislaus National Forest, about 58–60 miles east of Sonora. It lies along the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River, surrounded by lush meadows, dense pine forests, granite outcrops, and dramatic mountain peaks. The area is accessible via scenic Highway 108, though the road typically closes in winter due to heavy snow.
History
The area was first settled in the late 1800s by Thomas Kennedy (and his brother), who used it as a rest stop and grazing land for travelers crossing the Sierra. A historic cabin from that era still stands. The resort itself dates back over a century, with the original lodge built in 1917. It has long served as a hub for ranching, packing, and mountain recreation.
The Kern Plateau
The Kern Plateau is a distinctive landscape at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada, characterized by vast, gently rolling forest-covered hills and mountains interspersed with lush green meadows. Unlike the sharply glaciated, rugged high Sierra to the north, the Kern Plateau features smoother terrain because it largely escaped glaciation.
This high-elevation plateau (generally 6,000–10,000+ feet) offers open, accessible country ideal for stock users, hikers, and anglers. It is renowned for:
- Abundant meadows and water sources.
- Home to California’s state fish, the California Golden Trout, which thrive in Golden Trout Creek and the South Fork Kern River.
- Expansive views from peaks like Kern Peak (11,443 ft).
- A mix of pinyon-juniper woodlands at lower elevations transitioning to pine forests higher up.
The plateau provides a peaceful contrast to busier Sierra destinations, with excellent opportunities for fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and solitude in the surrounding wilderness areas.
Overall, Kennedy Meadows Campground is a favorite for those seeking a remote, beautiful high-country experience with easy access to trails, riverfront camping, and the unique ecology of the Kern Plateau. Always check current conditions with Inyo National Forest for road status, fire restrictions, and availability.
Pumice Flat Campground – Inyo National Forest
Pumice Flat Campground is a scenic, first-come, first-served campground in the Reds Meadow Valley area of Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, California. It sits at an elevation of about 7,700 feet in a lodgepole pine forest, surrounded by high mountain peaks and adjacent to two creeks and the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.
The campground offers a peaceful, nature-immersed base for exploring the eastern Sierra Nevada, with easy access to Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, the Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. It is popular with fishermen, families, hikers, and those seeking geologic wonders and stunning landscapes. The area is known for its dramatic volcanic features, meadows, wildflowers in season, and proximity to trailheads (about 20–40 minutes from central Mammoth Lakes, depending on the exact point).
Access is via a narrow, single-lane road (Red’s Meadow Road off Highway 203) that is only open in summer, typically mid-June through early September, though conditions can vary due to snow. A forest service access/amenity fee often applies for driving into the valley.
Amenities
- Campsites: 17 individual sites (plus separate group sites nearby that accommodate 20–50 people each). Sites are generally private and well-spaced, with picnic tables and fire rings.
- Bear Safety: Bear-proof food lockers at each site and bear-proof trash receptacles (highly recommended/required due to active bear activity). All food, trash, and scented items must be stored properly.
- Restrooms: Flush toilets.
- Water: Potable drinking water available.
- Other: No hookups (dry camping); some firewood may be available. Generator hours typically limited (e.g., 6am–10pm in some descriptions). Pets allowed but must be leashed. Quiet hours 10pm–6am.
- Group Sites: Separate group camping area with large fire rings, tables, and parking for multiple vehicles.
Note: The campground may be affected by road reconstruction or seasonal closures—check current conditions.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the San Joaquin River, nearby creeks, and lakes. Popular with anglers.
- Hiking & Backpacking: Direct access to numerous trails, including those leading to Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls (via a scenic loop), Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. A shuttle often serves trailheads.
- Horseback Riding: Nearby Reds Meadow Pack Station offers rides and access to wilderness areas.
- Photography & Sightseeing: Stunning geologic features, volcanic landscapes, meadows, waterfalls, and mountain vistas (ideal for capturing dramatic Sierra scenery).
- Wildlife Viewing & Nature Study: Abundant opportunities in the surrounding forest and meadows.
- Other: Picnicking, stargazing (high elevation, dark skies), and exploring nearby attractions like Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls.
Mosquitoes can be plentiful in early to mid-summer, so come prepared. High elevation means potential for cooler nights and altitude awareness.
Wildlife in the Area
The eastern Sierra Nevada around Pumice Flat supports diverse wildlife typical of high-elevation pine forests and meadows:
- Mammals: Black bears (very active—proper food storage is essential), mule deer, mountain lions, pine martens, and pikas.
- Birds: Various songbirds and raptors common to the Sierra.
- Fish: Trout species in the rivers and lakes.
- Other: Occasional smaller mammals and insects; the area is rich in biodiversity due to its mix of forest, water, and alpine environments.
Always practice wildlife safety: maintain distance, never feed animals, and store food securely.
This campground provides a classic Sierra experience with convenient access to world-class natural attractions while maintaining a quieter, more intimate feel than some larger sites. For the latest details, reservations (where applicable for groups), fees, or conditions, check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website.
Reds Meadow
Reds Meadow (also known as Reds Meadow Valley or Red’s Meadow) is a stunning high-country destination in Inyo National Forest, located on the western side of Mammoth Mountain near Mammoth Lakes, California. Situated at approximately 7,500–7,700 feet elevation in the San Joaquin River Valley, it offers a mix of dramatic geological features, lush meadows, towering pine forests, crystal-clear streams, and access to world-class wilderness.
It is best known as the gateway to Devils Postpile National Monument (with its iconic 60-foot columnar basalt formations) and the 101-foot Rainbow Falls, along with trails into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and John Muir Trail (JMT). The area provides a peaceful, immersive Sierra Nevada experience with opportunities for day trips or extended stays, about 30–45 minutes from central Mammoth Lakes via a scenic (and sometimes winding) road.
Access is primarily via the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle bus during peak summer months (typically late June to mid-September), as private vehicle restrictions often apply to reduce congestion and protect the area. Overnight campers, resort guests, and certain exceptions can drive in (an amenity fee usually applies). Note that road conditions and construction projects may affect access—check current updates before visiting.
George Robert Johnston – The Ballarat Bandit
George Robert Johnston, known as the Ballarat Bandit, was a petty criminal who lead police on a chase access the Mojave desert. He was born around 1954 in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Little is known about his early years, but he grew up to become a drywaller by trade. He married a woman named Tommi and together they had four daughters. Johnston was described by those who knew him as a devoted family man, but his life took a tragic turn when his wife was diagnosed with leukemia. To help cover medical costs and support his family, Johnston turned to illegal activities, specifically growing and selling marijuana. This decision marked the beginning of his downward spiral into crime.
In 1997, Johnston was arrested for his marijuana operation and sentenced to eight years in prison. He served only about a year and a half before being paroled. However, his time in incarceration was profoundly damaging; he suffered a severe mental breakdown, possibly exacerbated by medication or the stress of imprisonment. This left him emotionally unstable and unable to resume normal life or provide for his family effectively. By 2000, overwhelmed and desperate, Johnston left his family, telling them he was heading to the United States to seek help from a faith healer. His family would not hear from him again for years.
Descent into Crime
After disappearing into the United States, Johnston’s whereabouts were unknown until 2003, when he resurfaced in the remote desert regions of California, particularly around Ballarat—a historic ghost town in Death Valley National Park. Ballarat, once a bustling mining supply center founded in 1897 and named after its Australian counterpart, had long since faded into obscurity, making it an ideal hideout for someone seeking isolation. Here, Johnston began a series of burglaries to sustain himself. He targeted remote cabins, campsites, and small settlements in the area, stealing an eclectic mix of items including food, tools, clothing, and notably, weapons. These thefts were not for profit but for survival, as Johnston lived off the grid in makeshift camps scattered throughout the harsh desert terrain of Death Valley.
His methods were resourceful and indicative of his deteriorating mental state. Johnston’s camps were cleverly hidden, and he used the stolen weapons for protection or hunting. Authorities later speculated that his elusive behavior might stem from military training, though no evidence supported this. Some even suspected him of being a terrorist, particularly after reports of him observing the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada—a restricted military area—leading to initial mislabeling as a potential security threat. In reality, his actions were driven by paranoia and a desire to avoid returning to prison, fueled by his earlier breakdown and family struggles.
The Manhunt: A Legendary Chase
Johnston’s burglaries soon attracted the attention of local law enforcement, sparking one of the most remarkable manhunts in modern U.S. history. Dubbed the “Ballarat Bandit” due to his association with the town, Johnston evaded capture for approximately 11 months, covering an estimated 1,500 miles through some of the most unforgiving terrain in the American Southwest, including the deserts of California, Nevada, and possibly Arizona.
The pursuit involved a massive multi-agency effort, including the National Park Service, Homeland Security, California Highway Patrol, and sheriff’s departments from multiple counties across three states. Resources deployed were extensive: helicopters (including Black Hawk models with SWAT teams), planes, K-9 units, trackers, ATVs, horseback patrols, and foot pursuits. Despite this, Johnston’s wilderness survival skills and physical endurance allowed him to repeatedly escape.
Key events in the manhunt highlight his remarkable evasion tactics:
- In one notable incident, a 30-man posse raided his camp near the base of a 9,000-foot mountain at dawn. Johnston fled on foot, sprinting five miles up and over the peak and across a valley without stopping, outpacing pursuers who came within 50 feet of him. An officer later marveled at his stamina, noting that at age 50, Johnston “never stopped once” or rested.
- Two months later, he trekked 60 miles through snow-covered hills in Nevada to evade another search party.
- Reports from the time, covered in outlets like the Pahrump Valley Times, described him using night vision gear and setting up early warning systems with mousetraps and fishing line around his camps.
The manhunt gained media attention, with Johnston’s story inspiring comparisons to old Western outlaws. His ability to survive in extreme conditions—enduring scorching heat, freezing nights, and minimal resources—cemented his legend as one of the West’s most mysterious fugitives.
Death and Identification
Cornered in Death Valley National Park near Ballarat in early 2004, with capture imminent, Johnston chose to end his life rather than face imprisonment again. He died by suicide via gunshot wound at the age of 49 or 50. His body was discovered in the desert, but due to decomposition and lack of immediate identification, he was initially classified as John Doe #39-04 by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.
For 18 months, his identity remained a mystery, despite distinctive features like a tattoo. In 2006, fingerprints were sent to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who matched them to Johnston. The news devastated his wife and daughters, who had held out hope for his return. His remains were buried in an unmarked grave in a potter’s field in San Bernardino, California.
Legacy and Media Portrayals
Johnston’s true motives—whether driven by mental illness, desperation from his wife’s illness, or a deeper psychological break—remain unclear, as they died with him. Posthumous revelations painted him not as a hardened criminal but as a tragic figure: a family man pushed to extremes by personal hardships.
His story has been featured in various media:
- A 2007 Men’s Journal article by Jason Kersten, “The Bandit of Ballarat,” detailed the manhunt and became a seminal account.
- In 2008, it was profiled on the TruTV series The Investigators in the episode “Lone Fugitive.”
- Podcasts like Dark Poutine (2019) recounted his tale, emphasizing his Canadian roots.
- YouTube documentaries and blog posts, such as those on Reddit’s r/area51, have kept the legend alive, often linking it to nearby military mysteries like Area 51.
- Ballarat itself was used as a filming location to recreate his story, and presentations like Emmett C. Harder’s 2015 talk at the Mohahve Historical Society highlighted its “heartbreaking irony.”
The Ballarat Bandit’s saga endures as a modern tale of survival, tragedy, and the human limits of endurance in one of America’s harshest landscapes.
Big Pine Canyon Group – Inyo National Forest
Big Pine Canyon Group Campground (also known as Big Pine Canyon Recreation Area group sites) is a scenic group camping destination in Inyo National Forest, near Big Pine, California. It sits at approximately 7,500–7,700 feet elevation in the dramatic Big Pine Canyon along Big Pine Creek in the Eastern Sierra Nevada.
The area is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, including views of the Palisade Glacier and Clyde Glacier—the southernmost and among the largest glaciers in the Sierra Nevada. The two group campsites, Clyde Glacier Group Site and Palisade Glacier Group Site, are named after these glaciers and offer a peaceful, nature-immersed base for larger gatherings. The sites are located along Big Pine Creek, just above Upper Sage Flat Campground, about 9 miles up Glacier Lodge Road from Big Pine.
This location serves as an excellent trailhead for adventures into the John Muir Wilderness and provides a serene setting surrounded by Jeffrey pine, aspen, cottonwood, and sagebrush. It is seasonal (typically open late spring through fall, weather-dependent) and ideal for those seeking a rustic mountain experience with access to high-country hiking, climbing, and fishing.
Amenities
- Clyde Glacier Group Site: Accommodates up to 25 people. Features paved parking for 2 vehicles up to 35 feet and 6 vehicles up to 20 feet. Includes multiple camping areas, campfire rings, grills, and picnic tables.
- Palisade Glacier Group Site: Accommodates up to 25 people. Tent camping only, with paved parking for up to 5 vehicles (max 20 feet). Also includes campfire rings, grills, and tables.
- Shared facilities in the recreation area: Vault toilets, potable drinking water, bear-proof food lockers, and trash service.
- No hookups or electrical sites; no cell service.
- Reservations are required/recommended through Recreation.gov; fees are around $90 per night for group sites.
Activities
- Hiking and Backpacking — Excellent access to trails leading to the Big Pine Lakes, Palisade Glacier, and high alpine meadows. Popular routes include the Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail.
- Fishing — Big Pine Creek offers good trout fishing (rainbow, brown, and brook trout). Nearby lakes also provide opportunities.
- Climbing — The steep, glacier-carved canyon walls attract rock climbers.
- Horseback Riding — Equestrian trails are available in the area.
- Wildlife Viewing, Bird Watching, and Photography — Prime for observing nature in a beautiful mountain setting.
- Picnicking, Stargazing, and Nature Exploration — Mountain biking on suitable trails and relaxing by the creek are also popular.
Wildlife in the Area
The Eastern Sierra Nevada around Big Pine Canyon supports diverse wildlife typical of the region:
- Mammals: Mule deer (commonly seen), black bears (food storage required), coyotes, bobcats, marmots, and possibly mountain lions or Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep in the higher rugged terrain.
- Birds: Various songbirds, raptors (including golden eagles), and species like mountain quail or chickadees.
- Fish: Rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout (and occasionally golden trout in higher waters).
- Other: Smaller mammals like squirrels, chipmunks, and pikas in higher elevations. Be cautious of bears and follow proper food storage protocols.
The area is part of a beautiful, ecologically rich zone with potential for encounters with iconic Sierra wildlife, though many species are elusive. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife distances.
Big Pine Canyon Group sites offer a fantastic base for group adventures in one of California’s most majestic mountain landscapes. Check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions, reservations, and seasonal closures (it is often closed in winter).
Upper Soda Springs Campground – Inyo National Forest
Upper Soda Springs Campground is a scenic, first-come, first-served campground in the Reds Meadow area of Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, California. It sits at about 7,700 feet elevation along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River in a beautiful pine-forested setting within the Eastern Sierra Nevada.
The campground offers a peaceful, semi-primitive experience with direct river access and proximity to major attractions like Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It is accessible via a narrow, single-lane road (Minaret Road / Reds Meadow Road) that is open only in summer, typically mid-June through early/mid-September, depending on conditions. The drive from central Mammoth Lakes takes about 20-40 minutes (campers can drive in with an amenity fee; day users often use the shuttle).
It features roughly 28-29 sites suitable for tents, trailers, and small RVs (no hookups). Sites are nestled among trees with many offering pleasant river views or proximity. This is a popular spot for hikers, anglers, and those seeking a base for exploring the Reds Meadow Valley.
Amenities
- Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring/grill, and a mandatory bear-proof food locker (typically ~48″x30″x36″) at each site.
- Water: Potable drinking water available.
- Restrooms: Vault toilets.
- Other: Bear-proof trash receptacles. Additional amenities like showers and a general store/restaurant are available nearby in the Reds Meadow Valley (e.g., at Reds Meadow Resort). Firewood may be available for purchase locally. No electric or sewer hookups; cell service is poor or nonexistent.
- Fees: Around $32 per night for a single site (plus additional vehicle fees); subject to change—check current USFS info. Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Dogs must be leashed.
- Access Note: No reservations; sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. A camp host is often present.
Important Safety Note: This is an active bear area with a history of high bear activity. Properly store all food, trash, and scented items in the provided lockers at all times. Do not leave items in vehicles overnight.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent trout fishing (rainbow, brook, brown, and sometimes golden trout) in the San Joaquin River right by the campground, as well as nearby lakes and streams. Fly fishing is popular.
- Hiking & Backpacking: Direct access to trailheads for Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, the Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and many other trails. Day hikes and longer backpacking trips are highlights.
- Wildlife Viewing & Photography: Abundant opportunities in meadows, along the river, and in the forest.
- Other: Picnicking, horseback riding (nearby pack station), stargazing (dark skies), birdwatching, and relaxing by the
- river. Nearby shuttle access to more attractions in the valley.
Wildlife in the Area
The Reds Meadow Valley and surrounding Inyo National Forest/Sierra Nevada are rich in wildlife. Common sightings include:
- Mammals: Black bears (frequent and bold—hence the bear lockers), mule deer (often seen grazing in meadows like Soda Springs Meadow, especially at dawn/dusk), coyotes (heard howling at night), and pine martens (weasel family, agile climbers sometimes spotted near the Postpile). Less common: bobcats or mountain lions.
- Birds: A wide variety, including water dippers along the river, cliff swallows, great horned owls, and many songbirds and raptors attracted to the meadows and forests.
- Fish: Trout species in the river and lakes, supporting angling.
- Other: Small rodents, squirrels, and seasonal pollinators/insects in blooming meadows.
Always practice wildlife safety: Maintain distance, never feed animals, and secure your camp to avoid attracting bears or other critters.
Upper Soda Springs offers a classic high-country camping experience with stunning scenery, river sounds, and easy access to iconic Sierra destinations. It’s ideal for nature lovers but best suited for those comfortable with basic facilities and bear-country protocols. For the latest conditions, fees, and road status, check the Inyo National Forest website or contact the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. Enjoy responsibly!