Trail Overview

This trail is open year-round. It is a typical Sierra dirt-type trail with some rutting and snow left from previous years. The drive to the trailhead is easy, and coming from the west via Kernville and Lake Isabella, allows views of the Kern River and its canyon.

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Difficulty

There's nothing too difficult.

History

This is a historic route used by wagon trains and Native Americans on their way to fish. The byway is named for Civil War general William T. Sherman, who passed through in 1883. This road is to the trailhead and is paved.

Technical Rating

Ulysses Andrade

Jun 07, 2026

Open

Sherman Pass 4x4 Jeep Trail (33E48) solo in a Bronco Badlands. The first half contains several rocky sections that require line choice and attention, especially on the climbs and descents. Nothing extreme, but enough to keep things interesting and make you think about tire placement. I completed the trail without damage or scrapes. Around three-quarters of the way through I caught up with another group and finished with them. Great views throughout the route and a fun mix of terrain. I would run it solo again, but I would not recommend older or questionable vehicles unless you’re confident in their reliability. One of the more enjoyable trails in the area.

John Bengtson

Jun 04, 2026

Open

First time on the trail, a fun ride with some beautiful views. A small amount of easy to traverse water in a few places.

Brad

May 23, 2026

Open

Trail is open with some light erosion. Local Jeep group cut and cleared fallen trees from the trail in early May. Very few patches of snow near the trail. Beautiful trail with some wildlife sightings.

Kyle Kowalski

Apr 12, 2026

Open

Kyle Kowalski

Jun 08, 2025

Open

Fernando Gonzalez

May 25, 2025

Open

Couple people were driven opposite way and move downed trees..

Antonio Renteria

Apr 19, 2025

Open

Chad to turn back, about 1.5 hrs the trial there was snow up to my knees, I got suck and even if you now manage to pass all the snow there is a tree down blocking the trail.

Brent Christensen

Oct 05, 2024

Open

Did the trail from 36.02311, -118.31947 down to the paved road (down hill). There are two main options to finish and get to the paved road if you go this way. From 36.01925, -118.40299, the fork to the left (33E29) takes you to a side spur that goes up to the top of Sherman Peak and then continues down past the Embrae Cabins and the main road via a steep but easy route with beautiful views. Continuing straight at the fork takes you down the main "Sherman Pass Jeep Trail" (33E48) which is steep and technical in places - do-able in stock Jeeps or Tacomas with a good driver and off-road tires. The only really difficult obstacle on the entire trail is at 36.02301, -118.39933 which is a steep rocky hill climb where you may need to use a winch if you don't have lockers. There is a bypass at the bottom that leads up around to the right and is a bit easier but still technical enough to be fun.