Bubbs Creek Trail

The trail starts shortly after the Bailey Bridge where Cedar Grove Southside turns right. Turn left here and cross Bubbs Creek over the boulders and logs. Depending on the season, this will require careful navigation across the rapidly flowing water. The trail then turns east and starts its demanding ascent up the canyon. The first mile is entirely made of switchbacks. As you reach more elevation, the view into Kings Canyon gets better and better, so take a break every now and then and enjoy the panorama. You get to the Avalanche Pass junction at about 1.5 miles.

The next 6 miles are steadily uphill with Bubbs Creek on your right and the southern flank of Glacier Monument and Charlotte Dome on your left. The creek is only accessible in a few spots though. You reach Junction Meadow at about 7.5 miles. This meadow is a great place for a break and also has a few camp sites. The views from here are spectacular with North Guard towering above you and West Vidette just up ahead. The last 2.5 miles of the trail are switchbacks again but the stunning views down canyon are a worthwhile reward. Reach Lower Vidette Meadow and the junction with the John Muir Trail (JMT: Segment 7 - Kearsage Pass Trail to Mt. Whitney).