Near Kern River Upper Trail
Dry Creek meets the Kern River
Near Kern River Upper Trail
Kern River
Near Kern River Upper Trail
Signage at the t intersection of the two trails
Near Kern River Upper Trail
Inside the cave looking out
Near Kern River Upper Trail

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Kern River Upper Trail

3.7 (3 Ratings)
Along the roaring Kern River
5
mi
Distance
1,175
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
CaveRiver/CreekViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.96mi
Distance
1,175ft
Elevation Gain
248ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
4,717ft
High Point
3,761ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail follows the Kern River on its east side. Descend from Johnsondale Bridge over a metal stair to the rocky trail. The trail is always in close proximity to the river with just a few ups and downs. At 2 miles, you can see Dry Meadow Creek Falls on the other side of the river. After a little over 4 miles, the trail leaves the river and turns east up a side canyon. The trail is faint and somewhat overgrown in several places. As you ascend, the trail is carved into the canyon wall and you walk on loose scree, a slightly scary but also stunning experience. At 5 miles, you reach an old mine on your left. Shortly after, you merge with Rincon Trail.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Ashley-Taylor Swenson