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Kernville, California

Kernville, California, is the top spot for outdoor adventures. Among the best trails and outdoor activities, the Whiskey Flat Trail is a must-visit. This 15-mile trail offers scenic views of the Kern River, verdant forests, and rugged rock formations. It's a moderately difficult trail, suitable for hikers with some experience. For a gentler option, try the Kernville River Walk, a flat path along the river's edge with stunning views. Nearby, the Sequoia National Forest offers camping, fishing, and rafting opportunities. For a unique attraction, visit the Kern River Hatchery, home to rainbow trout. Kernville is your gateway to the best in California's outdoors.

Top Spots in and near Kernville

  • Kernville, California

    Hike up Powers Peak in Kernville

    10 mi / 3200 ft gain
    High Level Details: ~10 Miles Round Trip~3,200 feet total elevation gain for tripTrailhead elevation: 2,811 feetHighest Point on the trail: Powers Peak, 5,778 feetEstimated Time to complete: 4-5 hoursNo water source along the way, so bring plenty of water Dog friendly? Yes! We love bringing Linco...
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  • Kernville, California

    Camp at Lower Springhill

    The Lower Springhill Campground is a primitive campsite situated along the Kern River in the southern area of Sequoia National Forest. Since this is a primitive campground, there is no potable water, bathrooms or garbage service. You must pack out what you bring in.The campground is easily access...
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  • Posey, California

    Sunday Peak Trail

    1.64 mi / 1060 ft gain
    This short and easy summit is located just outside of Kernville, California. To get there, follow Highway 178 towards Kernville and turn left on Highway 155 towards Wofford Heights. After a long, steep incline you’ll reach the top of Greenhorn Summit, marked by large parking areas on either side....
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  • Kernville, California

    Dispersed Camp along Salmon Creek in Sequoia NF

    There are several dispersed campsites found throughout the Sequoia National Forest. The majority can be found by driving on any of the OHV accessible roads. This particular campsite can be found at coordinates 35.89759, -118.4628. In order to get to the campsite, use Google Maps to get you to the...
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  • Kern County, California

    Remington Hot Springs

    2.0
    0.27 mi / 36 ft gain
    ...One thing about hot springs is that no matter where it may be, they always bring an attraction of people. I can honestly say I don't think I've ever been to a hot spring that didn't gather more then 20+ people in a single sitting. I mean, in all seriousness aside, what's not to like about a ba...
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  • Kern County, California

    Remington Ridge Trail

    11.45 mi / 3927 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead, take Highway 178 and turn onto Borel Road, then turn onto Kern Canyon Road and follow the road. It might be easiest to put the Hot Springs into Google Maps and use that to navigate you to the parking lot. Park in the lot and walk across the road, where you'll see a sign l...
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  • Camp Nelson, California

    Fly Fish the Kern River above the Johnsondale Bridge

    5.0
    4 mi / 100 ft gain
    Check in at the local fly fishing shop in Kernville to check the latest status, then continue up the 20 mile stretch of Mountain Hwy 99 until you cross the Johnsondale Bridge. Park, pack, then begin your 30-45 minute hike up the trail before setting your rod.After you're finished, stop by the Ker...
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  • Porterville, California

    Camp at Redwood Meadow

    Situated right across the street from the stunning Trail of 100 Giants, Redwood Meadows features 13 spacious campsites adjacent to a picturesque meadow. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and six yurt sites available for those who wish to bring some of the great indoors outside.  Pit toilets ar...
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  • Porterville, California

    Trail of 100 Giants

    1.44 mi / 226 ft gain
    Located off the M-90 (closed from Nov.-May) in the Sequoia National Forest, the Trail of 100 Giants provides a perfect stroll for nearby campers or a quick 30-minute stop for families driving by to get a glimpse of some truly awe-inspiring, overhead views.  $5 day parking and restrooms can be fo...
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  • Bakersfield, California

    Hike the Mill Creek Trail to Breckenridge Road

    7.5 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Starting at about 2000 elevation this hike is very gentle and nice for the first 2 miles. On the third mile it is a steep climb with short lengths of level ground the rest of the way. The junction at Breckenridge Road is at about 5500 elevation. If you hit the trail in the winter, there are some ...
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  • Bakersfield, California

    Oak Flat Lookout

    4.0
    / 80 ft gain
    Spend a few nights under the stars in a unique piece of outdoor history. The Oak Flat Lookout, constructed in 1934, was once staffed by rangers providing critical wild life management services on watch for wildfires in the surrounding Sequoia National Forest through the 1980s. The Oak Flat lookou...
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  • Kern County, California

    Walker Pass Campground Trail

    1.84 mi / 240 ft gain
    Walker Pass Campground Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Onyx, California.
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  • Inyokern, California

    Five Fingers Trail

    4.0
    2.34 mi / 1234 ft gain
    Five Fingers Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Onyx, California.
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  • Little Lake, California

    Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway

    5.0
    197.06 mi / 9354 ft gain
    Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Little Lake, California.
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  • Kern County, California

    Off-Road to McIver's Cabin

    5.0
    A little over 2 hours north of LA on Highway 14, there is an abrupt turnoff for Horse Canyon Road, which is also SC65. Just a few hundred meters off the 14 there is a large map which you continue straight by and follow SC65 for about 7 miles, along relatively flat dirt roads. The trail does bec...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Fossil Falls Trail

    4.3
    0.58 mi / 43 ft gain
    Fossil Falls is located east of Highway 395, a few miles south of Coso Junction, 45 min north of Ridgecrest. There is Bureau of Land Management sign pointing the way, but it is small, faded, and easy to miss, so be on the lookout. After about a mile drive on a marked dirt road, you'll reach the ...
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Camping and Lodging in Kernville

Live Oak South
Wofford Heights, California

Live Oak South

Live Oak
Wofford Heights, California

Live Oak

Tillie Creek
Wofford Heights, California

Tillie Creek

Goldledge Campground
Mountain Highway 99

Goldledge Campground

Hungry Gulch
Lake Isabella, California

Hungry Gulch

French Gulch
Lake Isabella, California

French Gulch

Guides, Insights and Stories from Kernville

Feel like Planning a Post-Pandemic Trip? These Spots in Sequoia National Park Might Convince You

Feel like Planning a Post-Pandemic Trip? These Spots in Sequoia National Park Might Convince You

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