Monache Meadows

Total Miles
9.0

Elevation

2,621.77 ft

Duration

4 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Summer

Trail Overview

Beautiful scenic valley surrounded by wilderness areas. Road follows and crosses South Fork of Kern River. Great camp spots along route and at the end. Explore, camp, fish and relax along river. Remote, secluded area. Open to green-sticker vehicles, but you must stay on existing routes at all times.

Photos of Monache Meadows

Monache Meadows
Monache Meadows

Difficulty

A few small hills and mildly rocky in places. Sandy whoop-tidos crossing Monache Meadows. River crossings usually shallow, but may be deeper in the spring. Suitable for high-clearance stock SUVs. Four-wheel drive is recommended but is not always necessary if you stay on main route.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Jesse Shedden
Jul 20, 2024
4x4
Temporarily Closed
Fire Danger
Michael Treanor
Jul 15, 2024
2021 Toyota 4Runner
Open
Normal
We spent 3 nights in the meadow, forest service came by on the afternoon of 17th, they were clearing people out because of the trout fire close by. As far as the trail I’m in a stock 4R TRD and it was pretty easy other than the trailer that I was pulling weighing down the rear end and taking away clearance. Going out to me was easier to control with the trailer. Tougher sections I just put in 4lo and just let it walk up. No need for locker or any other assistance. Without trailer this is pretty easy trail not sure what the last bit is like to get to the campsites at the end by the river.
Red Taco
Jul 07, 2024
2022 Toyota Tacoma
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Normal
Dusty
Trail is a bit more rutted, rocky, and worse off than last season but I still seen Subaru's and stock vehicles doing it.
Cameron Hillis
Jul 04, 2024
2022 Jeep Gladiator
Open
Normal
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
Trail is rocky leading up to it. Lots of roots. Only one spot that’s mandatory and down hill going in and up hill going out that’s has some pretty serious holes. I’m in a JTR on a 4” lift and had no problem but i watch a built bronco bottom out and a TRD off road have to back out and retry the hole. I could see if getting tough for people if it was wet. Jeeps likely have 0 problem with it though.

Access Description

From Kernville, take Sierra Way north about 20 miles and turn right on Sherman Pass Road. Go another 32 miles following signs to Black Rock Work Station. Continue north 3.5 miles on 21S03 and turn right on 21S36. Go another 3.6 miles and turn left on dirt road 34E38. Trailhead is on left in another mile.

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