The Early Years at Kennedy Meadows
The earliest establishment at Kennedy Meadows was built around 1917 by Charles Ledshaw, who had been hunting mountain lions in the area.
Around 1930 Frank and Lurene Kurzi took over and built the first real resort, a single story structure. In 1940 two men became stranded while trying to drive over Sonora Pass in the snow. They took refuge in the vacant resort and attempted to start a fire in the wood-burning stove. They didn't know that a can had been placed over the top of the chimney. Flames burst out of the front of the stove, setting the lodge on fire.
The next summer the Kurzis began work on the new lodge, the one that stood until a 2007 fire.
The Kurzis sold the resort in 1945 to Lou Bitner. Then Kennedy Meadows passed through several hands before being purchased by Reno and Geraldine Sardella.
Willie Ritts bought the Kennedy Meadows Resort from the Sardellas in 1970 and owned it for 30 years. He had begun working there as a teenager after graduating from high school in 1963. Ritts eventaully sold the resort to its present owner, Matt Bloom.
Little House on the Prairie
Back in the 1970s they filmed several episodes of Little House on the Prairie at Kennedy Meadows. A group of teenage backpackers came through when they were filming the episode about fishing and camping in the meadow. In the story Laura and her sister fell into the river.
Michael Landon was very gracious with the teenagers. He interrupted filming to talk to them briefly and to allow them to take pictures of him with them.
Sonora Pass Vacations
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Winter Activities
Kennedy Meadows Resort
Horseback Riding, Fishing, Hiking, Relaxing
Kennedy Meadows Resort has been a popular destination for mountain visitors for 90 years. Located 57 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108, Kennedy Meadows Resort is open from the third Friday in April (just in time for fishing season) through the Columbus Day holiday. At an elevation of 6,000' it offers a pleasant mountain climate in the summer. The resort is spread along the banks of the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River.
The Kennedy Meadows Resort store sells basic groceries, camping supplies, and fishing supplies.
The Kennedy Meadows Restaurant offers charming caf+ style dining. Portions are large and prices are reasonable. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered 7 days a week from Mothers Day weekend until Columbus Day Weekend in October. Reservations for dinner are recommended on weekends.
The Saloon at Kennedy Meadows sells beer, wine and liquor. They have a jukebox loaded with old country music, and the dancing floor makes for a good time. The Saloon is open 7 days a week from 11:00AM until closing time.
Cabin Rentals
The Kennedy Meadows has an eclectic collection of cabins ranging from simple sleeper cabins to two-story structures that can sleep up to 11 people.
Sleeper Cabins
Small cabins with bathrooms and most with kitchenettes (a small refrigerator and microwave), linens supplied. Sleep 3-4 people. No dishes or utensils. Prices range from $95 to $110 per night.
Furnished Cabins
The furnished cabins at Kennedy Meadows have bedrooms, bath with shower, and kitchens (stove, refrigerator basic dishes and cooking utensils). All linens and towels are supplied and replaced weekly. There is also a fire ring outside for evening campfire enjoyment. The cabins sleep from 4 to 11 people. Some are two-story, some are close to the river, most come with wood stoves. There is a 5 night minimum stay for most furnished cabins. A cozy 4-person cabin rents for $115 per night, while the rest range from $175 to $215. Discounts are given for longer stays.
Kennedy Meadows Pack Station
Kennedy Meadows Pack Stations offers day rides and extended pack trips into the Emigrant Wilderness.
2021 - Horse Camp
A 5 or 6-day horse camp for youths with minimal riding experience or with riding camp experience from previous years. Improve riding skills, learn about packing mules, wilderness cooking, and back country camping.
2021 Schedule
Camp A - For those with minimal riding and camping experience or are younger than about 13 years old: June TBA, 2021. Includes an overnight camp out.
Camp B - For those who have been to camp before or have a lot of horse experience, June TBA, 2021. The camp includes a 2-night overnight trip to a backcountry lake.
Find all the Horse Camp details at Kennedy Meadows Resort and Packstation.
Kennedy Meadows Activities
Hiking trails lead directly from the resort into the Emigrant Wilderness. The trail leads up the river canyon along a crude road that was used to haul equipment up to build Relief Dam in the early 1900s. Within a day's walk are destinations such as Relief Reservoir and Kennedy Lake.
Kennedy Meadows Trailhead Day Hikes and Backpacking Trips
Kennedy Meadows to Emigrant Lake, 14 miles
Kennedy Meadows to Kennedy Lake, 7 miles
Kennedy Meadows to Lower Relief Valley, 7 miles
Kennedy Meadows to Relief Reservoir, 4 miles
Kennedy Meadows is located in the heart of great fishing country with the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River at the doorstep and the Emigrant Wilderness next door. The river is regularly stocked with rainbow trout.
In the fall Kennedy Meadows is a favorite base for hunters in the D-6, X-12, X-8, and D-5 zones.
Contact by phone between 8 am and 7:30 pm:
Summer:
(209) 965-3911
(209) 965-3900
Winter:
(209) 965-3900
Website: Kennedy Meadows Resort
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