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11,513 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Kern Peak

Kern Peak is an 11,513 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Kern Peak Trail and South Side: 34 mi, 8,270 ft of gain, Class 1.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
Kern Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: David Bakken, CC BY-SA 2.0

Kern Peak at a glance

  • Elevation11,513 ft3,509 m
  • RouteKern Peak Trail and South SideClass 1
  • Distance34 mi8,270 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Kern Peak Trail and South Side

From Lone Pine, take Whitney Portal Road west and turn south on Horseshoe Meadow Road to the Cottonwood Pass trailhead at its end. Cross Cottonwood Pass, descend through Big Whitney Meadow and Golden Trout Creek to Tunnel Guard Station, then take the Kern Peak Trail around Red Hill and up Kern Peak Stringer to old lookout ruins on top. It is Class 1, but the sandy upper trail fades. Most parties take three days and camp near the South Fork Kern. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required; reserve on Recreation.gov up to six months out.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (55–75 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • High altitude
  • Remote location
  • Storms
  • Spotty cell reception

Quests with Kern Peak

Peaks near Kern Peak

  1. Mount Langley

    Mount Langley

    14,032 ft · 15.1 mi away

  2. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 17.8 mi away

  3. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 18.7 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 19.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Kern Peak?

Kern Peak is 11,513 feet (3,509 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Kern Peak?

The Kern Peak Trail and South Side is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 34 miles with 8,270 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Kern Peak?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Kern Peak Trail and South Side, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Kern Peak?

The Kern Peak Trail and South Side needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 34 miles with 8,270 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Kern Peak?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Kern Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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