Paradis Valley to Golden Bear Lake

This remote and rugged 35-mile out-and-back route begins on the well-traveled Paradise Valley Trail and leads into some of the Sierra Nevada’s most spectacular and isolated alpine terrain. Starting from Road’s End in Kings Canyon National Park, this route takes you deep into the high country via maintained and unmaintained trails, offering access to Golden Bear Lake, Junction Pass, and nearby peaks like Mount Bradley, University Peak, and University Crags.

Begin at Road’s End and follow the Paradise Valley Trail east as it climbs gradually alongside the South Fork of the Kings River. Enjoy classic Sierra scenery, granite cliffs, cascading water, and shady pine forest, as you make your way into Paradise Valley.

At Woods Creek Junction, head southeast onto the Bubbs Creek Trail. This section gains elevation more steadily as you follow Bubbs Creek upstream, eventually intersecting with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) near Vidette Meadow.

Continue south on the PCT for a few miles. Keep an eye out for the Junction Pass Trail, an unmaintained and less-traveled route that branches off to the east. Navigation and route-finding become significantly more difficult from here, expect faint tread, talus, and possibly snow depending on the season.

The trail climbs steeply toward Golden Bear Lake, a stunning alpine lake sitting below Junction Pass (13,105 ft). From this base, you’ll have access to several scrambles or mountaineering objectives, including University Peak (13,589 ft), Mount Bradley (13,270 ft), and the University Crags. These peaks are not on marked trails and require good route-finding and familiarity with Sierra alpine terrain.

After exploring the area around Golden Bear Lake, retrace your steps back to Road’s End.

You’ll pass through montane forest and into high-alpine environments. Expect to see lodgepole pine, foxtail pine, and wildflowers depending on the season. Wildlife includes marmots, pikas, mule deer, and potentially black bears. Golden eagles and Clark’s nutcrackers may be spotted at higher elevations.

Camping & Permits

• Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips and can be reserved through Recreation.gov.

• Bear canisters are required.

• Popular campsites include Paradise Valley, Vidette Meadow, and near Golden Bear Lake (practice Leave No Trace and avoid camping too close to water).

Safety & Considerations

• The Junction Pass Trail is unmaintained and suitable only for experienced backpackers comfortable with off-trail navigation, talus travel, and exposure.

• Water sources are available along most of the route but should be treated or filtered.

• Be prepared for rapid weather changes, particularly near the pass.

• Snow may persist into early summer.

Getting There
Start from Road’s End Trailhead, located at the end of Highway 180 in Cedar Grove, Kings Canyon National Park. Overnight parking is available, but arrive early during peak summer months.