Kern River Upper Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Cave · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

This trail follows the Kern River on its east side. Descend from Johnsondale Bridge over a metal stair to the rocky trail. The trail is always in close proximity to the river with just a few ups and downs. At 2 miles, you can see Dry Meadow Creek Falls on the other side of the river. After a little over 4 miles, the trail leaves the river and turns east up a side canyon. The trail is faint and somewhat overgrown in several places. As you ascend, the trail is carved into the canyon wall and you walk on loose scree, a slightly scary but also stunning experience. At 5 miles, you reach an old mine on your left. Shortly after, you merge with Rincon Trail.