Tag Archives: Sequoia

21S05 – Sequoia NF

the needlesThe Needles:
Forest Road# 21S05

Giant Sequoia NM

hikerFrom the small cabin community of Ponderosa, CA, continue N on the Western Divide Highway. Dirt road# 21S05 will be a right turn, a graded route that leads to a dirt parking lot for hikers.

The trailhead for the granite Needles is a favorite among rock climbers in the Southern Sierra Nevada. The easy 4.5 mile hiking trail is numbered 32E22 & leads out to a historic fire lookout tower, overseeing the Kern Canyon (& Road 22S82) below.

Needles Fire Lookout
(destroyed in structure fire 2011)

DEC-MAY: Winter road closure is common, due to snow and muddy road conditions.

Sequoia National ForestNFSlogo

bone creek
Secluded Camp w/ Waterfall on Bone Creek

camptruck

Trail of a Hundreds Giants

Balch Park, Sequoia Grove

Dome Land Wilderness

Golden Trout Wilderness

Sequoia Camping on back roads

Sequoia Campgrounds & Camping

Kern River Camping

sierra roads

nearby towns:


McKinley Sequoia Grove

McKinley Grove

McKinley Grove Big Trees

Sierra National Forest

Mc Kinley Grove is a small grouping of Sequoia trees in the Central Sierra Nevada; Located off Hwy 168 & way down Dinkey Creek Road (Sierra Rd #40). deep inside Sierra National Forest, past the Dinkey Creek Campground turn off. It’s a good stretch break and picnic stop on your way to Wishon & Courtright Reservoirs.

Located 17 miles; East of Shaver Lake CA

McKInley Sequoia

camp

Sierra National Forest Map USDA

closest campgrounds –

hikes

 

nearby destinations –

NFS

local rangers:

Sierra National Forest
High Sierra Ranger District
29688 Auberry Rd
Prather, CA 93651
559-855-5355

Sequoia campsite


Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway

chimney peak Wilderness

East of Lake Isabella and west of Walker Pass, there is a small community called Canebrake along Highway 178 Canebrake Road, a graded dirt road climbs up into pinyon pine forests. Lamont Peak (aka Lamont Pinnacles) is a decent hike & rock climbers dig it too.

Lamont Peak

Chimney Creek Campground is along the main road and has RV access (28′ max), for the motorhomes who do not mind a little dirt road driving. Easy trail access to numerous area hikes. The PCT is routed close by.

Long Valley Campground is tucked way back in the boonies with trailhead leading into the granite Dome Lands; Fishing and river access to the South Fork of the Kern.

Long Valley Loop
Long Valley Loop Road (2001)

Long Valley Loop Road circles the Chimney Peak Wilderness, which skirts the Domeland Wilderness. THE LOOP is washed out and ROAD is NOW CLOSED in one portion. See BLM web site for up to date info.

[ see the photos from 2001 ]

nearby towns –

ALTA SIERRA
LAKE ISABELLA
KENNEDY MEADOWS
KERNVILLE
WOFFORD HEIGHTS

maps of the region –

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST MAP
DOMELAND WILDERNESS MAP
HIKING MAP PCT #3 (PACIFIC CREST TRAIL)

12S01 – Sierra NF

12S01kingsriver

Kings River, Sierra National Forest
Road #12S01 – Lower Kings

Located in between Kings Canyon National Park and Pine Flat Reservoir. Graded dirt road w/ trailhead parking & camping; Primitive car camping, vault toilets, some areas accessible by small RV. Campfire permits are required.

Long, (sometimes rough) dirt road, that parallels the north side of the Kings River. Dirt road used by families, fishermen, kayakers, campers, mountain bikers, rafters and rafting shuttle buses, seasonally. May be gated and closed off to the public in wetter months of the year.

Bear Wallow Trailhead
Kings River Trailhead

kingscampsites
click to enlarge

Forest Route 12S01 crosses the river and leads to the south side of the river, near Green Cabin Flat. Mill Flat Campground is back this way.

Road 12S01 gains in elevation, turns to high-clearance, continuing up McKenzie Ridge thru a small slice Sequoia National Forest to the highway Kings Canyon National Park. 4×4 may be needed in wet/snowy weather.

flats of kings

Dirt Street

7S02 up hill

An avenue made of dirt, earthen highways, dirt trails, forest roads, fire roads, jeep road, graded roads. Dirt driving trails that lead into the middle of nowhere. No stop signs, no billboards, no stores, no one else around… for miles. Enjoy less crowds and more open space.

dirt streetsIf you are fed up with city life, sitting in traffic & need to vacate your mind among the barren hills of California (if only for a weekend), then Total Escape is your place. You seek solitude, peace, maybe a mini tailgate party & BBQ on a dry lake bed, with the heavenly stars above. Imagine the warm camp fire light reflecting off the high canyon walls, your music echoing, moonlight hikes for a few miles.

California has some awesome spots to drive on dirt, get way back in nature. Right up to the edge of the Wilderness boundary. That’s what this one silly “dirt street” page is all about… helping you get out there, the easiest & best way possible. We even got you the right maps!

Back Roads in California

The End of Dirt Roads

California OHV Maps

Most of this is just dirt road driving, graded, some hills, easy stuff. But on occasion you might come across a 4×4 required sign – or perhaps a triple black diamond trail. Having several good maps on hand will help you enjoy these roads, instead of stressing & wondering if there is a lock gate at the other end – 18 miles in.

Some dirt streets lead to campgrounds, some to waterfalls, some to viewpoints, some have loop options & others are just dead end; sometimes at old mines. Get ready to explore with your truck or SUV. 2WD or low clearance vehicles (such as passenger cars) should be ready to turn back if the road get too nasty. Any decent precipitation can make any unpaved road much worse & may require 4 wheel drive, so have a plan B mud terrainor C as a backup idea.

Best off road areas & parks in California:

Death Valley Roads

Tooling around Goler Wash & Barker Ranch on the very edge of Death Valley

Sequoia Cabins

Sierra Cabins near Sequoia Groves

Sequoia trees naturally grow in the Sierra Nevada mountains, on the west side of the range. Several parks & forests make up what is known as “the Sequoias” – in the Southern Sierra, Sequoia National Forest; Giant Sequoia National Monument; Mountain Home State Forest; Central Sierra is home to Sequoia National Park & neighboring Kings Canyon NP; Sierra National Forest & Yosemite NP. Yep, all those areas have Sequoia groves!

See all the Sequoia & Redwood Groves in California!

California Cabin Rentals near to Sequoia groves –

Sequoia cabin rentals

TOPO MAPS of California Redwoods –

  • Sequoia Maps by NatGeo
  • Yosemite NP Maps
  • NorCal Redwoods Map
  • If you are searching for tallest species, the Coastal Redwoods located on the shores of Northern California, then you can find them over here – NorCal Redwoods

    Kern Flats Camping Free

    chamise flat

    Dispersed Camping Kern River

    boondocking
    primitive camping
    undeveloped sites

    KERNVILLE, CA

    Located north of the small community of Riverkern and south of the Johnsondale Bridge, numerous flat camp spots adjacent to the rivers edge can be found.

    johnsondale bridge @ KERNAnt Canyon Dispersed Area
    Brush Creek Campground
    Calkins Flat Dispersed Area
    Chamise Flat Dispersed Area
    Chico Flat Campground
    Corral Creek Campground
    Springhill Dispersed Area

     

    Kern River Road
    Sierra Way in Kernville travels north along the Upper Kern River & becomes Mountain Hwy 99 – which eventually connects with the Western Divide Highway in Giant Sequoia National Monument.

    California NFS Kern RVing kern campgrounds open camping

    truckcamping

    Dispersed Camping Areas along the Kern River

    Open Year Round! These FREE camp areas are called dispersed camping sites. No pavement, no picnic tables, no bathrooms, no piped water. Portable toilets & trash bins may be available in the busier summer months. Campfire permits are required for all campfires, BBQs, and camp stoves. Fire restrictions are common in extreme dry conditions. 14 day limit on camping.

    Mountain Biking Kernville kern hiking fishing Kern snow Kern

    camping, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, rafting

    Many flats are signed w/ small brown signs, while others are not. Some are actually flat and easy to access, while others are steep, eroded dirt trails unsuitable for RV travel.

    Kelly’s Hole, overgrown, unknown, well-known or burnt beyond recognition? Roads End is no more.

    Camp sites listed on this page are dispersed camping areas around the Kern River Area. Not all camp spots are listed, cuz many are unnamed. Bring your GPS to mark your favorite camp sites and you can arrive in the dark, late at night, anytime, (avoiding city traffic after work).

    chamise pre-wildfire

    Several spots known as “dirt flats” are easy accessible right off the pavement of Sierra Way. Primitive river camping, fishing spots and raft launch areas north of town. Vault toilets might be available during busy summer months, but you’re on your own the remainder of the year. Bring a shovel and take a hike, away from the water flow. And if that sounds like too much work for a potty break, maybe you are not cut out for the primitive kinda camping style. No garbage service either: pack it in, pack it out.

    Wildflowers are abundant in the Kern Canyon nearly every Spring season (April & May), which is a popular time to enjoy this region. Autumn brings minimal fall colors to this dry, desert mountainous landscape, but the fishing is decent at that time of year.

    campfiresCAMPING OUTSIDE OF CAMPGROUND means you must obtain a free fire permit from the local rangers. Sometimes these dispersed spots are fire-safe areas, and you are allowed to have camp fires. Other times campfire restrictions are in place w/ wildfire dangers too extreme and no fires are allowed, anywhere. (Not even inside a developed campground!)

    Kern RV spot

    river Kern WILDERNESS NOTE: The USDA National Forests web site states that “Camping and campfires within 25 feet of the water’s edge is prohibited due to the Wild and Scenic Designation”, but that doesn’t seem to stop some from setting up right on the fragile rivers edge. Doubtful that this rule is being enforced by the rangers, but consider yourself warned unless they start to get serious about this restriction. Many believe that the free camping along the Kern river is destroying it, so don’t be surprised if these areas get closed or barriers placed at the flats.

    Caulkins FLAT has some new boulder barriers put in place which prevent cars from reaching certain ideal camp spots (right at the waters edge). Tough luck. Now we have to hike more.

    California rivers

    kern flat camping

    Upper Kern River
    North of Kernville, CA

    all camps below listed from south to north

    ALL CAPS = developed campgrounds managed by US Forest Service, w/ links to Kern River Campgrounds. California NFS

    HEADQUARTERS CAMPGROUND (NFS)

    Both Halfway & Thunderbird used to be dispersed camps, but they were converted to reservation-only Group Campgrounds by the National Forest in 2014

    Chico Flat
    2500′ elev
    Just south of Hospital Flat Campground.
    This camp area is known as “Chico Flat Campground” on GoogleMaps.

    HOSPITAL FLAT CAMPGROUND (NFS)

    Corral Creek
    3200′ elev
    Hike to Corral Creek Beach & Picnic Area.
    This camp area is known as “Corral Creek Campground” on GoogleMaps.

    Spring Hill
    This camping area is marked as “Upper Springhill Campground & “Lower Springhill Campground” on GoogleMaps.

    GOLD LEDGE CAMPGROUND (NFS)

    Ant Canyon
    Just north of Goldledge Campground, along the Upper Kern River.
    South of Salmon Creek; Hike to Salmon Creek Falls.

    Chamise Flatchamisespot
    12 miles north of Kernville, CA
    This camping bluff could be the most forested of all the ‘kern flat’ camping areas, but river is a short hike down a very steep cliff. Fishing is excellent in this stretch.

    Calkins Flat
    15 miles north of Kernville, along the Upper Kern River. Just south of Fairview (McNalley’s). Sign at the location reads a different spelling of “Caulkins Flat”. Kayak and rafting put-in spot. One of the best sites for large groups. Area is also known as simply “Lower Campground” on GoogleMap.

    free kern river camp

    FAIRVIEW CAMPGROUND (NFS)

    LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND (NFS)

    Brush Creek
    3600′ elev
    Just south of Sherman’s Pass Road turnoff. This place also serves as a Day Use Area, where Brush Creek meets the Kern. Kayaking put in spot. Popular fishing area. Large open dirt parking lot with a vault toilet.

     

     

    California rivers

    Lower Kern River
    Southwest of Kernville, CA

    Lake Isabella has some shoreline camping with wide open access to the lake. Paradise Cove perhaps?

    Historic Keyesville – “off-roaders camping paradise” along the river, but no swimming is allowed due to the extremely dangerous section of river. OHV trails lead (west) down river for many miles. Dirt bikes love the rugged boulder-scapes and steep hills. FREE camping; BLM Kern.

    SANDY FLAT CAMPGROUND (NFS) – Open all year long! Terraced & paved hillside with numerous camp sites and plenty of room to spread out. RV campers like this location, due to the proximity to Hwy 178. elev 2300

    HOBO CAMPGROUND (NFS)

    Remington

    Remington Hot Springs can be a zoo at times w/ the amount of people who love to stop here. A busy dirt parking lot, right across from the Remington trailhead sign. Many vehicles park here daily for day hikes, hot springs, fishing – and people also like to camp out, although camp sites are on slopes (not ideal), only a few and they fill up fast (before sunset).

    Total Escape TIP: The very best camps at Remington are actually the ones you hafta hike down to. Less than a half mile down to the rivers edge to find a private mini beach. Pack light and arrive prepared to walk several miles (back & forth, several times).

    Old Kern Canyon Road parallels Sierra Highway 178 and sits well above the river, so any flat spots you find will have great views w/ minimal river access.

    Lower Kern River
    Lower Kern River has very limited camping options.

    Horse Meadow Campground

    Kern Meadows Camping

    Horse Meadow Campground

    Salmon Creek, Kern Plateau –
    Sequoia National Forest

    horse camping National Forest Camps Mountain Biking Kern Hikes fish Trailer access camping
    Looking to stay away from the masses camping at the Kern River?

    Horse Meadow Campground can be found on the east side of the Kern River, up on the Kern Plateau. Up the infamous, steep and rugged Shermans Pass Road. How exciting!

    Steep Grades

    Climb the hill slowly and cautiously, no guardrails. Up the grade, Shermans eastbound – out of the dryness of the Kern canyon. Find Cherry Hill Road, that is also the Big Meadow turn off: Forest Road# 22S12, a long, narrow dirt road leads from paved Shermans Pass Road, 10 miles out to this ideal campground. Far enough off the main road, so you won’t see much of a crowd out here.

    22s05 sherman pass

    Hunters, horse campers and hikers really like this spot. Mountain bikers are known to frequent the region as well. Forest, meadows, trails, creeks, nature, all around. Dome Land Wilderness is close by; Waterfalls hikes, swimming holes, viewpoints. Fishing, hunting, horseback trails. Dirt roads and single track trails all over – all within the vicinity of Big Meadow.

    Kern Meadows Camping

    From the main Rd #22S12, the camp access road #23S08 will lead out to the NFS Campground – HORSE MEADOW. Located at higher elevation forests – 3000′ feet higher than the Kern River!

    Nice forested, high country camp spots in a developed campground. The long, access road is worth it for all the scenery and seclusion. Vault toilets, piped water, maybe a small fee. Open summer into autumn, closes for winter months.

    Horse Meadow Campground

    • Elevation: 7600′
    • Number of Sites: 41
    • Vehicle Access: RV 23′ max
    • Campsites Reservation: No
    • Camp Fee: Yes
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Season: June – November
    • Trailheads: Salmon Creek

    33e36trailhead
    Developed Campground @ Salmon Creek Trail #33E36. Hiking trailheads lead off to various destinations like, Salmon Creek Falls, Big Meadow, Cannel Meadows and Dome Lands.

    Sequoia Kern Map

    Sunny Campsite

    SUMMERTIME: If you are coming in from Kennedy Meadows on the EAST (or the Mojave desert US 395) – first verify that the Sherman Pass is OPEN for through traffic. Ask road conditions with local rangers ahead of time. ANY amount of snow will close this whole paved route for the winter season, up until June sometimes.

    Over 30 miles (one way) to the nearest general store for supplies. Pack ‘block ice’ in the cooler, instead of cubes.

    nearby towns:
    Fairview
    Kennedy Meadows
    Kernville
    Lake Isabella
    Mojave

    Big Meadow is closeby. Check it out!

    Big Meadow Kern

    22S12 – Sequoia NF

    open camping

    Big Meadow: Forest Road# 22S12 – Sequoia National Forest

    Take Sierra Hwy. N of Kernville, past Fairview & over the Johnsondale bridge; Right turn on Sherman’s Pass Road & drive up to a signed intersection (near a snow gate). NOTE: This area may not be accessible during winter months.

    Turn right on Big Meadow Road, aka Forest Service Rd# 22S12. This is a very long road which is paved for the first few miles. 22S12 becomes a graded dirt road, suitable for horse trailers; it forks off to other smaller dirt roads, as it progresses through the forests & dead ends back by Cannell Meadow. The main routes are passenger car accessible, but some of the smaller dirt roads can get quite bumpy. A truck or SUV would be advisable to explore these secondary routes. Certain areas have suffered from wildfires 2000-2002.

    Big Meadow Sequoia

    Horses & equestrian camping are very popular in this region. There is also a fair amount of backpackers heading into the Domeland Wilderness and mountain bikers looking for premium backcountry rides, away from the crowds at the Kern River.

    NFS developed Horse Meadow Campground can be found on the right via road# 23S08. Located at 7400′ elevation w/ 41 spots, in the forest. Trailhead to Salmon Creek leads directly from camp.

    SPUR – side routes include:

    • #23S14 Cherry Hill – a few camp spots near creek & a meadow with views at the very end
    • #23S41 Poison Meadow
    • #23S13 Salmon Creek
    • #22S07 Big Meadow – loop road around the “Big Meadow”. Plenty of primitive camp sites around Big Meadow, but they are the first ones to fill up during a popular summer weekend. The region is perfect for backpackers or day hikers wanting to access Manter Mdw. & the Domelands Wilderness.
    • #24S13 feeds the last stretch of road to Rattlesnake Meadow. Taylor Creek near 24S43, features numerous waterfalls leading to the South Fork of the Kern River
    • #24S12 Cannell Meadow & Pine Flat. The Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail runs thru here, from Big Meadow down to Kernville, CA.

    North Meadow

    Sequoia National Forest

    Sequoia National Forest MAP

    DOME LAND Wilderness MAP

    Nearby towns include:

    Dispersed Camping Sequoia

    bone creek

    Sequoia maps

    Open Camping in Sequoia National Forest – Forest Road Camping

    Seeking secluded campsites? This is one of the best areas to camp in pine forest w/ privacy, relatively close to Southern California. Plenty of primitive car camping on the dirt roads throughout this whole Sequoia & Kern River area.

    nfs primitive back roads mountain biking hiking mountains

    No facilities. No picnic tables, no toilet, no fees. Just a rock campfire ring & a clearing. Previously used sites have already been established usually near streams. Try to use these first, if at all possible. It takes a bit of exploring but you will find the perfect spot. Don’t even attempt to try to find these kinds of camp spots at night. They are often buried deep in the forest with no visible markers what-so-ever. But in trade, you will be lulled to sleep by your own private mini waterfall & no RV generators. Many of these back roads are closed & gated during winter months due to snow & rock slides.

    No amenities are available in this neck of the woods, but plenty of seclusion & wilderness. Check official Wilderness rules for proper knowledge of the area restrictions. You must get a free camp fire permit from the ranger station in order to build a fire outside of a developed campground. A large shovel, plus bucket w/ water are a bare minimum for the privilege of camping like this. Certain dry seasons (summers into autumn) have very strict camp fire restrictions. Check with the ranger to see the latest on building campfires on the back roads. camping

    A Sequoia Forest Service Map is highly advised for this area. There are so many dirt roads for dispersed primitive camping on the back roads. Due to weather & erosion, some roads may require 4×4 or high clearance, so come prepared with a plan B.

    Camping Checklist to make sure you’ll have what you need. The drive up from the Los Angeles area averages 3-4 hours and is well worth the trip. Once you’ve found that perfect spot, take detailed note of it, for the next time you visit the area. Then, you will be able to get there easily in the middle of the night, if need be.

    Backroad Camping Sequoia: Follow the forest road numbers with your Sequoia map to discover amazing back road camping options. Your own private stream or meadow. Secluded campsites with your own mini waterfall.

    overview

    see also –
    Sequoia Campground Camping

    monache mdw

    Long Valley Campground

    Secluded Camp Sites

    Long Valley Campground BLM

    Southern Sierra Nevada
    secluded camp, fishing & hiking trails
    (free campground, open all year long)

    South Fork of Kern River & DomeLand Wilderness

    20+ miles from the nearest paved road; a remote camp on Long Valley Loop Road, off Canebrake Road. Both are dirt roads: high clearance vehicle recommended!

    High Desert meets the Sierra Mountains

    Back in the dry pinyon hills east of Kernville, beyond Sherman’s Pass; high above the Mojave desert and north of Canebrake & Highway 178. Long dirt roads, remote campground w/ fishing & hiking trails. Wilderness access.

    hiking fishing trails horse trails back roads back roads sierra mountains

    Chimney Peak Back Country Byway
    Canebrake, California

    These dirt back roads listed above skirt the edge of Dome Land Wilderness & Sequoia National Forest winding through BLM Land bordering the Mojave. The byway networks recreation areas between Kennedy Meadows and Canebrake, east of Lake Isabella. Eastern Kern County, California.

    backpacking
    camping
    fishing
    hiking
    horseback trails
    mountain biking
    rock climbing
    stargazing
    wildflowers

    Trailheads Domeland

    People come way out here for the seclusion – the peace & the quiet. Mid-week you can have the whole place to yourself. Abundant hiking trails & fishing access. Into the Dome Land Wilderness you will find incredible scenery and diverse terrain – giant granite domes, waterfall canyons, and the South Fork of the Kern River (3 mi hike to river). PCTThe infamous Pacific Crest Trail passes close to Long Valley Campground, but Chimney Creek Campground is much closer to the PCT.

    BLM Camping

    Long Valley Campground

    • Elevation: 5200′
    • Number of Sites: 13
    • Vehicle Accessibility: High Clearance Vehicle
    • Facilities: picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilet
    • Campsites Reservation: No
    • Camp Fee: None
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Season: Open all year
    • Operated by: BLM
    • Trailheads: S. Fork Kern River & Domeland Wilderness

    Bureau of Land Management
    BLM Bakersfield Field Office
    661-391-6000
    Find a BLM page w/ map & info

    Recent Domeland Wild Fires:
    Manter Fire (2000)
    McNally Fire (2002)

    Long Valley Loop
    Long Valley Loop Road (2001)

    2016 NOTE: The part of the LOOP of Long Valley Loop Road that connects this campground to Kennedy Meadows (to the north) is CLOSED due to a huge washout. The Long Valley campground is accessible from the south side, from Hwy 178 @ Canebrake – and requires many miles of dirt road driving. High clearance vehicles are recommended; 4×4 needed in wet weather or snow.

    towns nearby:

    CANEBRAKE
    KENNEDY MEADOWS
    KERNVILLE
    LAKE ISABELLA
    MOJAVE

    High Desert Sagebrush
    High Desert Sagebrush & Dirt Roads
    Wildfire Burn
    Manter Wildfire Burn Area (2001)

    Chimney Creek Campground

    campmap

    Chimney Creek Campground
    BLM Kern / Mojave

    High mountain desert camp is mislabeled on some maps as “Chimney Peak Campground” or “Chimney Rock Campground”. Pinyon pine forest on Chimney Creek, near hiking trailheads, wildflowers and Chimney Peak Wilderness. Southern Sierra ridge near Mojave Desert and California SR 178.

    peakpinyons

    Canebrake Road is a graded dirt road that makes up part of Chimney Peak Back Country Byway. This rural route is a major graded dirt road located north of Highway 178 – which connects Canebrake to Long Valley up near Kennedy Meadows. Pacific Crest Trail passes next to this campground in the Southern Sierra mountains. The campground turn off is way east of Lake Isabella Hwy 178 is (near Walker Pass & PCT) and follow dirt road north to Kennedy Meadows in the far eastern reaches of Sequoia National Forest

    Chimney Peak BLM
    • Elevation: 5,700′
    • Number of Sites: 32
    • Camping Reservations: No
    • Sites Available: First come, First serve
    • Vehicle Accessibility: RV limit 28′ max
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Water: Piped (April – Sept)
    • Toilet: Vault
    • Season: Open all year
    • Fee: No
    • Operated By: BLM
    • Closest Town: Lake Isabella, CA

    Bureau of Land Management
    BLM Bakersfield Ranger Station
    661-391-6000

    Lamont Peak
    Lamont Peak – elev 7510′

    nearby destinations –
    Camp Kern Backroads

    Chimney Peak Wilderness
    Lamont Peak
    Long Valley Campground
    Dome Land Wilderness
    Owens Peak Wilderness
    Jawbone Canyon
    Sequoia National Forest
    Sacatar Trail Wilderness
    Kiavah Wilderness
    Kennedy Meadows
    Lake Isabella
    Kern River
    Monache Meadows


    View Chimney Creek Campground in a larger map

    23S64 – Sequoia NF

    Sequoia Creeks

    Bear Meadow: Forest Rd# 23S64 – Packsaddle Creek, Sequoia National Forest

    For the more adventurous & ones seeking some seclusion, Bear Meadow is located up the dirt road a bit from Thompson Camp Spring . From Forest Road #23S16 @ Thompson Camp Spring – continue straight on the dirt road #23S64, cross over the one lane wooden bridge; within a mile, turn left into a secluded creek side camping area. Note: Bears are common here (hence the name Bear Meadow)!

    Packsaddle Creek runs thru this forest. Very primitive area with rutted dirt roads & sometimes overgrown; there are several campsites back in here for the ones who seek the wild. (Yes, bears & wild animals are very common way back here). If you continue on straight on the main dirt road Packsaddle Meadow also has camping spots & small corral. The last time we were out this way (2002-ish), the dirt road does not connect with highway to the west, as indicated on the map; due to landslide.

    Sequoia National Forest

    Sequoia National Forest MAP

    Closest small towns are:

    Sierra Creeks

    Hiking Sequoia National Forest

    Kern River Trails & Kernville Hiking

    Sequoia National Forest Trails

    Hiking Trails
    Hundreds of trails meandering throughout this forest. Granite domes to huge Sequoia trees. Most secluded areas are found in the Eastern Section in the Dome Land Wilderness.

    Dome Land Wilderness

    Golden Trout Wilderness

    South Sierra Wilderness

    Sequoia Hiking Maps, Wilderness Maps, OHV Maps

    Sequoia National Forest Hiking

    lower kern river
    the lush Lower Kern River on a misty Spring day

    Upper Kern Hiking

    Lower Kern River Hikes

    Sequoia National Forest & the Lower Sierra Nevada Mountains extend from the Tehachapi ranges to the Kings River Canyon; from the Great Central Valley to the Mojave desert.

    Sequoia National Forest MAP

    Dome Land Wilderness MAP

    Golden Trout Wilderness MAPS

    Kern River Valley communities include:

    Sequoia Mountain communities include:

    Lower Kern Camp

    Sequoia Sierra

    Sequoia Parks, an overview by Total Escape.Sequoia sierra

    As if the government wasn’t confusing enough, now they have named so many areas of the Sierra Nevada “Sequoia” that it confuses people even more. For Pete’s sake, all we wanna do is see some big trees, hike, fish, camp and really relax.

    The largest trees in the whole wide world are grounded right here in Cali, deep in the forests of the incredible Sierra Nevada mountains. The giant Sequoia groves are found in several parks in the Sierra, and are not specific to just the parks boundaries. You can find them as far south as the Western Divide Hwy, up past California Hot Springs – in the newest Giant Sequoia park, and you can find them as far north as Gold Rush Country.

    These massive Sierra redwoods are not be be confused with the tallest trees – the California Coastal Redwoods, which are found along the Pacific Ocean, from the canyons of Big Sur to rocky shores of Crescent City. The oldest living trees are the Ancient Bristlecone Pines, east of Bishop CA

    ancient trees

    Big, Tall, Old Trees

    A break down of all the redwood parks by geographic regions, so you can find exactly what you are looking for, without the confusing name games.

    Wikipedia: an excellent list of Giant Sequoia Groves

    Sequoia Area Maps:

    Kern River Hot Springs

    Kern Hot Springs

    Kern River Hot Tub

    From Lake Isabella down to Bako, along Hwy 178, numerous natural hot springs can be found in this lower Kern river canyon. Old Kern Canyon Road has plenty of primitive spots to camp along the road, way above the Kern River. This Southern Sierra Nevada scenic route, a 20 mi winding narrow paved road, is the old highway that leads up to Bodfish CA.

    At least a dozen dispersed camp sites can be found along the Old Kern Cyn Rd, some spots with views over canyon, some hidden & shady, many spots are level & large – suitable for RVs. No facilities, no fees, just a flat, dispersed site. Campfire permits are required for fires outside of developed Campgrounds & fire restrictions are often high, so no fires are allowed much of the year. Most of the gates on the Lower Kern are now locked & only accessible by Forest Service personnel, ranchers or local rafting companies with permits.

    2 developed Lower Kern Campgrounds are located on the Old Kern Canyon Road, which parallels the 4 lane portion of the highway: Hobo Campground & Sandy Flat Campgrounds, if you really need a picnic table & bathroom. You can reserve camps by clicking the links.

    Miracle Hot Springs – next to Hobo Campground. This hot tub park is closed for good. A few portable bathrooms, picnic tables & trash bins, the hiking trails clear; 2 shallow pools partially filled. Maybe enough room to soak your butt, but not fully submerse yourself. Someone really needs to renovate this place! Update 2012 – the signs for Miracle are now completely gone.

    Remington Hot Springs

    This one is by far the most popular now that Miracle is gone. The hike-in only access doesn’t deter people much and many choose to set camp overnight close by. The local authorities are always making the rounds to double check on the area – which is good for security and bad for the 2 AM party animals.

    Kern recreation

    Democrat Hot Springs

    private resort now open? Heck, I dunno. (2017, democrathotsprings.com is down. They might be trying to promote a River Festival held in May.)

    The hotel and cottages were constructed to accommodate guests that came in stage coaches to dine and relax during the early 1900’s. Five springs on the property flow at 115 degrees into large soaking tubs and a swimming pool. Closed to the public for more than thirty years, the resort is once again ready to be brought to life for groups and private events only.

    Kern recreation

    The hot springs listed below are Private Property, so don’t get caught – and don’t get shot:

    Delonegha Hot Springs

    Concrete tubs were built by homesteaders, later a hotel and boarding house were constructed. Stage coaches from the San Joaquin Valley took 2 days to get visitors to this area. The hotel closed in 1912, when more accessible areas of Democrat and Hobo were built. Remaining cement tubs run along a rock peninsula overlooking the Kern River; water temperatures average 112 degrees. This private property is fenced.

    Scovern Hot Springs

    Also known as the Hot Springs House. 1902 mud baths were being offered and the wooden tubs were replaced by galvanized tubs. A swimming pool and bath houses were added when the Scoverns bought the property in 1929. Bath house burned to the ground in 1971 and only a vacant lot remains. Steam can still be seen in the fields across from the springs, where water runs at 140 gallons a minute @ 115 degrees.


    NEARBY TOWNS –

    ALTA SIERRA CA

    KERNVILLE CA

    LAKE ISABELLA CA

    WOFFORD HEIGHTS CA

    MAP OF THE KERN RIVER –

    Sequoia National Forest Map

    Kern Hot Springs

    Mineral King Camping

    DSCN0019

    Mineral King is a magnificent canyon in the southern portion of Sequoia National Park, east of  Visalia, CA. So magical indeed that Disney tried to purchase the rugged scenic lands for a wilderness ski theme park in 1960. Thankfully that project never happened, due to strong opposition from preservationists. Mineral King became part of Sequoia National Park in 1978.

    Mineral King is the Great Western Divide, where high peaks separate the foothills from the taller Eastern Sierra range. Upper Kern River Canyon lies beneath as the main south drainage from the very tallest peak, Mount Whitney @ 14,494′

    sierra topo maps

    Mineral King Road is a paved off shoot from Highway 198, just to the east of the town of  Three Rivers, CA. The road is steep and curvy and 25 miles long. No gasoline at all. No RV motorhomes or trailers are permitted to travel this scenic and amazing back road. Certain portions of the road are dirt and usually graded, but most of the route is paved.  Snow closes the road in winter months – NOV-MAY.

    We usually get less than a half year to enjoy this special place, so make plans in advance to fit this destination into your schedule JUNE-JULY-AUG-SEPT.

    And do not even think of trying to cram spectacular Mineral King into an already packed Sequoia Park weekend trip. The Giant tree Sequoia groves, Hume Lake and Kings Canyon are over an hour north (hwy 198), to other side of the park.

    If you have a full week to hang out in the Sequoia National Park area, then obviously Crystal Cave and Mineral King should be on the list, but keep in mind taht each destination will take a full day to drive to and explore.

    Driving the distance on Mineral King Road, the wonders abound on every curve. Wildlife, waterfalls, water flowing and the dense forests.

    Atwell Mill Campground is located at an old wood mill site and has a good hike to a footbridge at Kaweah River. There is a small cabin community called Silver City which caters to summer crowds and family campers. Only open during the warm season.

    At the very end of Mineral King Road is the gravel parking. Step out into high elevation (7830′ above sea level), breathe deep and enjoy the granite bowl of alpine bliss with creeks, meadows, wildflowers, picnic spots, hiking trails and scenery everywhere. Mid day sunshine can be bright. Black bears and marmots are very common.

    Cold Springs Campground is the last developed campground, located next to a raging creek. The hike-in sites are the best choice for seclusion at this camp.

    South Fork Campground is the smallest of the campgrounds in this area; located in the foothills at 3600′ elevation, open all year. From Highway 198 (W of the town of Three Rivers), take South Fork Drive 13 paved miles to camp.

    KaweahFalls

    mineral king backpacking

    Mineral King is a favorite destination among backpackers as it gives instant access to many high country trailheads with mostly paved road driving. Located deep in the forest at end of a long road, near the center of the Sierra Nevada range gives ample hiking in every direction. The hikes are steep and challenging, but the rewards are solitude, true wildness and grandeur scenery. Although inviting, these steep passes might not be adequate for beginner backpackers, so please keep that in mind when planning. Fishing lakes, day hikes, horseback trails, waterfalls, creeks, and jagged mountain peaks.

    From Mineral King you can access the these popular spots – PCT, the Great Western Divide, the Golden Trout Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon High Country, Keasarge Pass, John Muir Wilderness.

    top maps for the region –

    Jennie Lakes Wilderness

    horse meadow trails

    Sequoia / Kings Canyon / Mitchell Peak

    outta print

    USDA MAP may be out of print 2017

    Jennie Lakes Wilderness is located in between two popular National Parks, via the paved back roads off Sequoia Generals Highway 198. Monarch Wilderness is north of Jennie Lakes, bordering Kings Canyon.

    10,500 acres
    26 miles of trail

    Two lakes, Jennie Ellis Lake and Weaver Lake, set among granite outcroppings. Majority of the wWilderness is above 7,000 feet w/ red fir, lodgepole pine, and western white pine forest near treeline; abundance of spring wildflowers fill meadows. The two main lakes and Rowell Meadow are primary destinations for most backpackers wanting to camp overnight.

     

    Sequoia National Park

    Kings Canyon National Park

    Monarch Wilderness

    Impressive granite canyons, super steep. LOts of rugged rocky terrain, lower elevation to peaks of 11,000′. KINGS RIVER – Longest raging river in the Sierra, headwaters originating near Mount Whitney.

    Road#14S11 – Big Meadows Road

    National Forest & Wilderness Permits –

    USDA Sequoia NF

    More Wilderness Info & Links –

    sierrawild.gov/wilderness/jennie-lakes
    summitpost.org/jennie-lakes
    Jennie Lakes Wilderness Wiki

    Marvin Pass trailhead
    Marvin Pass trailhead, 12 miles down Rd#14S11

    Another Big Meadows?
    Indeed, southern SEQ NF, on the East Kern Plateau.

    Dome Land Wilderness

    Southern Sierra Nevada Mountain / Domeland / Dome Lands
    Kern Plateau, Sequoia National Forest

    Dome Land Wilderness

    130,081 acres

    55 miles of trails (hiking & horseback)

    Located at the southern end of the Kern Plateau about 20 miles east of Kernville, granite domes give this area its name. Domeland Wilderness is a unique geologic area with semi-arid to arid mountainous regions. Elevations ranging from 3,000′ to 9,730′ – it is surrounded by National Forest, where the Sierra mountains meet the North Mojave Desert. The Wilderness is the southernmost habitat for the Golden Trout. The South Fork of the Kern and tributary streams attract many fishermen. Vegetation is mostly mixed conifer and piñon (pinyon pine).

    The Domeland Wilderness is located at the southern end of the Kern Plateau. This land was first protected by the Wilderness Act of 1964 as a 62,695 acre wilderness and was later expanded to 130,081 acres in 1984 to include the delicate transition ecosystems that meet to the east, south, and north of the original wilderness. These new additions, now jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Sequoia National Forest, are rugged and dry.

    Though it is considered within the Sierra range, the Domeland Wilderness includes the overlap of several ecosystems to form unique plant and animal communities. The banks of the South Fork of the Kern River offer important riparian habitats of cottonwoods and meadows which stand in sharp contrast against the characteristic smooth domes and bold granite outcroppings. Domes that range from the size of a cottage to football fields across and spear-like jagged spires can be found in the Domeland. This range is one of the driest in the Sierra with the semi-arid mountains of the north and east crumbling into desert.

    Notable Wildfires: Dome Fire 1996. Manter Fire in 2000.

    Dome Land trailhead locations:

    East side access near Rockhouse Meadow and at the Long Valley Campground (BLM). Access is via Nine Mile Canyon Road (J41) from US Highway 395 or Chimney Peak Road (graded dirt road) via State Highway 178 , the main route that passes Lake Isabella.

    West side trailheads are at Big Meadow and Taylor Meadow. Two trails from Big Meadow can be reached from Kernville via Tulare County Road M99, Sherman Pass, and Cherry Hill Roads. Leading to Manter Meadow, the upper Big Meadow Trail is a rugged hike while the lower Big Meadow Trail follows more gentle terrain. The trail from Taylor Meadow (southeast of Big Meadow) also leads to Manter Meadow. North side access is available from the Blackrock/ Sherman Pass Road via the Dark Canyon and Woodpecker trails.

    dome land mapManter Meadow is popular along with other camp sites located at Little Manter Meadow, Woodpecker Meadow, Rockhouse Meadow, and in the Bartolas Country at the south end of the Wilderness.

    Dome Land Wilderness Map USDA

     

    surrounding lands & forests –

    Sequoia National Forest
    Ridgecrest Desert BLM

    nearby towns –

    National Forest & Wilderness Permits –

    USDA Sequoia NF

    More Dome Land Wilderness Info & Links –

    sierrawild.gov/wilderness/domeland
    summitpost.org/domeland-wilderness
    Dome Land Wiki

    Golden Trout Wilderness

    Golden Trout Wilderness Area

    granite Upper Kern River is Mount Whitney snow melt
    • 303,511 acres
    • elevation range 1,000′ – ­13,000′
    • pine forest, chaparral
    • granite walls, domes
    • 379 miles of trail
    • summers are busy
    • snow in winter
    • best in early spring
    • wood fires may be restricted
    • portable stoves permitted
    • water plentiful
    • rock climbing & mountaineering
    • fishing
    • backpacking
    • primitive hot springs
    • waterfalls, swimming holes
    • wilderness permits required for overnight
    Golden Trout Wilderness surrounds the mighty gorge of the Upper Kern Canyon, south of Mount Whitney.
    Inside

    TULARE COUNTY

    bordering

    Inyo National Forest

    Sequoia National Forest

    Eastern Sierra Interagency Center
    760-876-6200

    Golden Trout / South Sierra Wilderness Map USDA

    Golden Trout Trail Map

    Located in the South Sierra Nevada mountains alongside the Southern Sierra Wilderness. Inside the remote rugged peaks of a deep, granite crevasse known as the Upper Kern River with ancient Sequoia forest to the west and to the eats, some of the tallest peaks in the Sierra range. This wild land area is home to the California golden trout and is the main water flow southward from the tallest peak in the lower 48  – Mount Whitney on the Eastern Sierra front.

    Sequoia National Forest
    Monache Meadows
    Inyo National Forest
    Mountain Home State Forest
    Sequoia National Park
    Mineral King

    Golden Trout Wilderness

    Roads, campgrounds and trailheads surrounding Golden Trout Wilderness

    Eastern Sierra –

    Horseshoe Meadows Road (paved) leads up to high elevation meadows from the high deserts of Lone Pine, CA. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) access; Mount Whitney and John Muir Wilderness are to the north. Equestrian corrals and horse trails. Camping is limited to a one night stay at any of the 3 campgrounds up here.

    Golden Trout Trailhead Campground: elevation 10,000′ / 12 walk-in sites / closed winter
    Horseshoe Meadows Campground: elevation 10,000′ / 18 walk-in sites / closed winter
    Cottonwood Equestrian Camp: elevation 10,000′ / 10 horse corrals / closed winter

    Forks of  the Kern –

    Fork of the Kern / Loyds Meadow Road #22S82 – This main paved road connects the Kern River (Sierra Hwy Road #99) to the lower elevation, granite slopes of the Western Divide, and the route dead ends at Jerky Meadow parking lot. Camp 1-6 are primitive camp areas located on dirt side roads and 4×4 might be required on some of them. Obtain a campfire permit from rangers in Kernville. Fishing, camping, waterfalls and swimming holes are popular in this region. The big developed camp along this road, is located 10 miles up, in a pine filled valley on Peppermint Creek on the west side of the street and is within the Giant Sequoia National Monument.

    Lower Peppermint Campground: elevation 5300′ / 17 camp sites / open year round

    Lloyd Meadows @ Sequoia Forest Road# 20S67 – is the Forks of the Kern Trailhead & the dirt road that accesses it, is very popular among equestrian campers.

    Western Divide Highway –

    Road #20S79 leads from Western Divide Hwy to Lewis trailhead.
    Road #20S50 leads from Western Divide Hwy to 2 hiking trailheads.

    Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers, CA –topo maps

    South Fork Road leads up Kaweah River at Southfork trailhead.
    Mineral King Road is only open seasonally, access to high country lakes and trailheads.

     

    SEQUOIA AREA MAPS –

    Golden Trout Wilderness Maps
    Sequoia National Forest Map USDA
    Inyo National Forest Map USDA
    Mineral King Map
    Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP Map
    NatGeo Sequoia Kings Map

    Golden Trout Wilderness trailheads:

    east side –
    Cottonwood Trailhead (near Lone Pine)
    Blackrock Trailhead (Monache Mdws)

    south side –
    Jerky Trailhead
    Forks of the Kern Trailhead
    Lewis Camp Trailhead (Western Divide)
    Summit Trailhead (Western Divide)
    Clicks Creek Trailhead (Western Divide)
    Camp Wishon Trailhead (Western Divide)

    west side –
    South Fork Trailhead (Three Rivers)
    Atwell Mill Trailhead (Silver City)
    Franklin Pass Trailhead (Mineral King)

    List of nearby towns: