Upper Kern Canyon Hiking Trails

Information & Maps provided by US Forest Service / Department of Agriculture

| Hiking Info | Trail Directory | Additional Info |

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Hiking Trail Information

Many trails are available to explore on the Cannell Meadow Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. The Trail Directory lists several trails within the Upper Kern Canyon Recreation Area. Hyperlinks give brief descriptions on each trail. Pick a trail that matches your ability. Strenuous hikes should be undertaken only if you are in good physical shape and an experienced hiker. When hiking we suggest...

• Have the proper clothing - weather can change rapidly.

• Wear good hiking boots, not sandals, and break in your boots before a long hike.

• Always carry plenty of water.

• Also carry a first-aid kit, map & food to suit your needs.

• REMEMBER TO PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN!

• During the spring and summer months, when hiking on trails from 3000 to 6000 feet in elevation, watch out for snakes.

• Pets are permitted on trails. They must be under the control of the owner so as not to disturb wildlife and other hikers.

• Wildfire is always a danger in the mountains of Southern California Campfire permits are required in trail camps. Permits may be obtained from the Ranger Stations.

• Please don't smoke while hiking. Take the time to sit down, clear a fire safe area of all flammable material 3 feet in diameter, before smoking!

• DRINKING WATER - Visitors should not drink from creeks, springs or the river without properly treating the water. Recommended treatment is to bring clear water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes or use a filter/purifying system.

• Enjoy your trip - please remember to make sure your fires are OUT before leaving!

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Kernville Ranger Station

PO Box 6

105 Whitney Road

Kernville, CA 93238

(760) 376-3781 (Voice/ext. 202 TDD)

Lake Isabella Visitor Center

PO Box 3810

4875 Ponderosa Drive

Lake Isabella, CA 93240

(760) 379-5646 (Voice/TDD)

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Hiking Trail Directory

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WHISKEY FLAT TRAIL (32E35) -

Starts at the north end of Burlando Road in Kemville, paralleling the Kem River, and ending at the Fairview foot bridge. Along the trail are gradual elevation changes (still paralleling the river) with numerous short steep stretches in and out of side drainages to the Kem River. Views during the summer months might include glimpses of whitewater enthusiasts roaring through the rapids. The area abounds with mixed chaparral brush species, with occasional digger pine and oak trees. There are lots of good fishing spots along this trail. Short day hikes are recommended during summer starting from either trailhead. Trail provides little shade and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

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CANNELL TRAIL (33E32) -

Begins at the horse corrals, 2 miles north of Kemville on State Mtn. 99. The trail starts out at a gradual climb, becoming more steep as you reach Pine Flat. The trail affords magnificent views of the Kem River Valley during the trip. As the trail climbs into higher elevations, it gets into a mixed pine and fir forest. At Pine Flat the trail parallels the south side of Forest Road #24S12 and crosses Cannell Creek two different times before reaching the Cannell Meadow Forest Service Cabin, built between 1904 and 1909. Trail is considered moderate to strenuous in difficulty, is very open and exposed, provides little shade.

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RINCON TRAIL (33E23) -

Starts approximately 10 miles north of Kernville on State Mtn. 99 across from Ant Canyon, and proceeds north following the Rincon fault to the Forks of the Kern River. The trail ascends and descends in elevation, in and out of drainages, passing through flats of Jeffrey and digger pine, cedar and chaparral. Salmon, Brush and Durrwood Creeks are crossed offering good fishing and some nice undeveloped camping spots. This trail intersects with the trail to Packsaddle Cave and further north a tie-in section of trail connects this trail to the River Trail. It is considered moderate to strenuous in difficulty.

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PACKSADDLE CAVE TRAIL (33E34) -

Begins 16 miles north of Kemville on State Mtn. 99. The trail is a moderate, occasionally steep incline to a cave that has long since been robbed of some of its stalactites and stalagmites, yet is still worth seeing. Along this incline one will see deer brush. manzanita, live oak, digger pine and sagebrush. Bring a flashlight to explore the cave.

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FLYNN TRAIL (32233) -

Begins at the Fairview foot bridge, 16 miles north of Kernville on State Mtn, 99. Crossing over the bridge, the trail climbs up a small hill, then proceeds to a moderate climb up Flynn Creek drainage. The last half mile of trail is a very steep, strenuous hike up to Speas Ridge. At the ridge, you can tie into a 1½ mile trail to Johnsondale #32E32 or tie into Forest Service Road #23S33. Larkspur, wildrose, gooseberry and brewer's oak abound in this area. Watch for poison oak!

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TOBIAS TRAIL (32E34) -

Starts ½ mile up the same trailhead as Flynn Trail - forking off at the top of the hill, then descending a short way into Tobias Creek. Here the trail will follow Tobias Creek 1½ to 2 miles. For the next 2-3 miles the trail climbs to the top of Speas Ridge. The trail is in close proximity to the creek bottom, through mixed chaparral and riparian habitat. The trail offers good fishing along the way. Like the Flynn Trail, during summer months, it's quite hot and dusty going! Trail is considered moderate to strenuous in difficulty.

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RIVER TRAIL (33E30) -

Begins 19 miles north of Kernville on the east side of the Johnsondale Bridge off State Mtn. 99. This trail follows the Kem River, proceeding north from the bridge amid chips of metamorphic rock eventually intersecting with the Rincon Trail. The trail climbs to a gentle to moderate grade over riverside bluffs, then descends to interspersed riverside terraces. Digger Pine, live oak, incense cedar, manzanita and pine dot the areas as well as high boulders creating cave-like campsites. Parts of this trail may be submerged at the height of spring run-off. Good access for fishing on the North Fork of the Kern River. Trail suitable for day hikes or overnight backpack trips and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

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