Lower 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 Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. The Trail Directory lists several trails within the Lower Kern Canyon Recreation Area. Hyperlinks give brief descriptions on each trail. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Pacific Crest Trail and Unal Trail. No trails listed are suitable for ATVs. Except where noted in trail descriptions or above, trails are for hikers, horses, mountain bikes or motorcycles. Please be aware of others. 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:

Kern River Ranger District

105 Whitney Road

Kernville, CA 93238

(760) 376-3781

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Hiking Lower Trails Directory

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Badger Gap Trail (31E76) -

begins 1 mile north of Oak Flat Lookout Road on Rancheria Road. The trail descends Greenhorn Mountain crossing several seasonar drainages on moderate grades before a steep descent into Delonegha Creek. Just above Hwy. 178, the trail connects with Kern River Trail. The trail traverses oak woodlands and mixed brush, and provides some fine views of the Lower Kern Canyon. (10.2 miles)

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Bright Star Trail (34E34) -

starts in the Piute Mountains on Road 28S27 near Inspiration Point. This is an historic route and is not maintained for horses or motorcycles due to loose talus slopes. The route may be difficult to follow in places and a topographic map is recommended. The lower ½ mile is on private land terminating at the end of Erskine Creek Road. Historic evidence of mining can be seen along this route. (4.0 miles)

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Bull Run Trail (32E39) -

starts at the end of the Cow Creek Road, 1¼ mile north of Greenhorn Summit on Forest Hwy. 90. 4WD is required for the last ½ mile of the road. The trail descends Cow Creek and to Bull Run Creek, turns upstream and climbs gently 1½ mile into Bull Run Basin. A moderate climb up a ridge ends at road 24S35. Pine and oak line the creek with brushy slopes above. There is trout fishing in the creek, but it is not stocked. (3.5 miles)

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Clear Creek Trail (33E45) -

begins 1 mile north of the Forest Service Havilah Station. The first 2 miles are on private land; please stay on the trail and close fence gates. The trail ends in Brown Meadow after climbing Piute Mountain through grass, oaks and brush to Clear Creek, then making numerous fords of the creek on a moderate climb through oak woodland and pine forest. Spring wildflowers are abundant in the lower and middle elevations. (9.4 miles)

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Kern Canyon Trail (31E75) -

begins at Hwy. 178 and Delonegha Road. There are gradual elevation changes as the trail parallels the river through open hillsides of grass and oak. The trail ends at Keyesville. There can be excellent wildflower displays along this trail from mid-March to late April. (8.5 miles)

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Dry Meadow Trail (34E31) -

starts at the end of the Steve Spring Road (28S27B) in the Piute Mountains. The trail descends in mixed conifer forest to open pine stands at Woolstalf Meadow, turns north and climbs through pine/oak woodland before descending along a small stream to Dry Meadows. (5.2 miles)

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Hobo Fishing Trail (31E74) -

begins at Hobo Campground and follows the Kern River to Sandy Flat Campground. Gentle slopes and good fishing are accessible along the trail. (0.5 miles)

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Kern River Trail (32E49) -

begins at Hwy. 178 and Delonegha Road. There are gradual elevation changes as the trail parallels the river through open hillsides of grass and oak. The trail ends beyond China Garden. There can be excellent wildflower displays along this trail from mid-March to late April. (5.3 miles)

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Mill Creek Trail (31E78) -

starts 1½ mile east of Hwy. 178 on Old Kern Canyon Road. The trail climbs gradually along Mill Creek for 2 miles, crossing the creek several times. Open oak/grass and riparian woodlands are found here, with fine spring wildflowers. Leaving the creek, one climbs moderate to steep grades through brush fields to mixed conifer forest. The trail ends at a small spur road just north of Squirrel Meadow on Breckenridge Mountain. (6.6 miles)

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Pacific Crest Trail (2000) -

crosses Piute Mountain Road 1½ mile east of Landers Meadow as well as at the west end of meadow. This segment has moderate grades as it traverses the southeast corner of the Piute Mountains in Pinyon/Juniper, Ponderosa pine, Pine and mixed conifer forest. Mountain Bikes are not allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail. (10.4 miles)

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Patch Corner Trail (31E82) -

starts .4 miles east of Democrat Station on Highway 178 and parallels the Kern River, coming in at China Gardens. Provides access to beach areas along the river, as well as good springtime wildflower displays. (2.0 miles)

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Portuguese Trail (31E59) -

begins on Forest Hwy. 90 just south of the Girl Scout Camp and follows a series of small meadows to a ridge and then back to Forest Hwy. 90 on Greenhorn Mountain. Views of the Kern River Valley and Sierras are possible. (2.1 miles)

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Remington Ridge Trail (32E51) -

starts 1¾ mile west of Hobo Campground on Old Kern Canyon Road. The climb is moderate to steep and passes from open oak/grass woodland with spring wildflowers, through brush fields, to pine/oak forest at the O'Brien Spring Road. Views of Isabella Lake, Kern Canyon and Kern Plateau can be seen in the higher portion of the trail. (7.4 miles)

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Sunday Peak Trail (31E66) -

begins at the Girl Scout Camp parking area on Forest Hwy. 90 and climbs through mixed conifer forest on a moderate grade to the summit of Sunday Peak. Excellent views of the Kern Valley, the Plateau and high Sierra peaks may be seen on clear days. This trail is a good day hike for families, with a nice lunch spot at the summit. (1.7 miles)

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Unal Trail (31E58) -

loops along Greenhorn Summit beginning at the Summit Station. Interpretive brochure with stops highlights early Native Americans use of the area. Moderate climbing and good views. (3.0 miles)

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