Trail Overview
To get to this trail, you will first need to come down Black Gulch Jeep Trail heading West from Hwy 155. You will continue driving until the pavement turns to dirt at the last public restroom, which is a great place to pull over to stretch and air down or up. Once back on the trail, you will eventually come to a fork where you will have to stay to the left and head downhill. This is the beginning of Kern River Getaway (27S30), which offers a scenic off-road experience along the Upper Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest. This moderate dirt trail winds through pine forests and granite-lined terrain, with river access points ideal for fishing, camping, and swimming. It's perfect for a peaceful nature escape. 4WD is recommended, but depending on the time of the year/season, you might be able to run this trail in 2WD... but always go with at least 1 other vehicle for safety. At the bottom, there is a sandy hill that you have to drive down, but there is also a bypass to avoid the sandy hill if you're not able to make it back out. Once to the bottom, the trail opens up to a Dispursed Camping Area (about 5+ solid sites). You can camp right on the Kern River and soak in the heat & water. There are no facilities, so please Tread Lightly and if you pack it in, pack it out. Take only photos and leave only footprints & tire tracks.
Difficulty
This is a pretty easy trail. For new drivers, just take your time and mind the steep grades. It's a little uneven but not bad. There are rutted spots with enough room to drive around them. Rocks are small, and a high clearance 4x4 shouldn't scrape much, if at all. As for the water crossing, it's usually just a puddle if it's even there. That part is dry most of the year.
