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California
10.2 mi
Distance
5,276 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Sequoia National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.
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.
Speas Ridge
~10 min drive
Moderate 6-mile ridge hike with 2,632 ft elevation gain and panoramic views.
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.
Whiskey Flat
~11 min drive
A remote 24.8-mile backcountry trek through open terrain with steady elevation gain.
Packsaddle
~10 min drive
Moderate 4.6-mile foothill climb with 1,943 ft elevation gain.
Paloma Meadow
~12 min drive
Easy 2.4-mile meadow walk with minimal elevation gain.
Tobias Creek
~11 min drive
Strenuous 10-mile backcountry trek with 3,700 ft elevation gain.
