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California
10.2 mi
Distance
5,276 ft
Gain
No conditions check on file for this trail yet — always verify current conditions before you go.
Why you'll love it
Kern River Upper
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
Kern River Upper is a challenging high-elevation trail that climbs steeply through the southern Sierra Nevada, offering dramatic alpine scenery and access to the upper Kern River watershed. This expert-level route gains over 5,200 feet across 10 miles, rewarding determined hikers with expansive views of the surrounding peaks and pristine mountain terrain. The trail traverses rugged granite slopes and high-altitude meadows, making it ideal for experienced hikers seeking solitude and wilderness immersion.
Bean Camp
~3 min drive
Moderate 7-mile hike to Bean Camp with steady elevation gain.
Elephant Knob
~4 min drive
Easy 3.6-mile summit hike with 349 ft gain and scenic views.
Durwood Camp
~5 min drive
Easy 2.6-mile forest trail with 449 ft gain to Durwood Camp.
Sherman Peak
~9 min drive
Scenic 4.2-mile peak hike with moderate elevation gain and rewarding summit views.
Needles Creek-Needles Camp
~10 min drive
Easy creek-side walk to a scenic backcountry campground.
Speas Ridge
~10 min drive
Moderate 6-mile ridge hike with 2,632 ft elevation gain and panoramic views.
Packsaddle
~10 min drive
Moderate 4.6-mile foothill climb with 1,943 ft elevation gain.
Whiskey Flat
~11 min drive
A remote 24.8-mile backcountry trek through open terrain with steady elevation gain.
Tobias Creek
~11 min drive
Strenuous 10-mile backcountry trek with 3,700 ft elevation gain.
Flynn Canyon
~12 min drive
Moderate 7.8-mile canyon hike with 2,813 ft gain and scenic ridge views.
