- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Sierra Peaks Section
- Kern Point
12,794 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Kern Point
Kern Point is a 12,794 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Face via Shepherd Pass and Colby Pass Trail: 47 mi, 15,620 ft of gain, Class 2.
Kern Point at a glance
- Elevation12,794 ft3,899 m
- RouteSouth Face via Shepherd Pass and Colby Pass TrailClass 2
- Distance47 mi15,620 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Face via Shepherd Pass and Colby Pass Trail
From Independence, take Market Street west 4.3 miles to dirt Foothill Road and the Shepherd Pass hiker trailhead (high clearance advised). Cross Shepherd Pass, descend to Junction Meadow on the Kern River, and climb the unmaintained Colby Pass Trail up the Kern-Kaweah to near Gallats Lake. Traverse east through brush, scree and talus up the south face (Class 2). Creek crossings near Junction Meadow are serious in early season. Plan four or more days, and pair it with Picket Guard. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for the overnight trip.
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
- Remote location
- Stream crossing
- Loose rock
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Kern Point
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Kern Point
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Kern Point?
Kern Point is 12,794 feet (3,899 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Kern Point?
The South Face via Shepherd Pass and Colby Pass Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 47 miles with 15,620 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Kern Point?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Face via Shepherd Pass and Colby Pass Trail, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Kern Point?
The South Face via Shepherd Pass and Colby Pass Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 47 miles with 15,620 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Kern Point?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Kern Point reaches 12,794 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to hike Kern Point?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Kern Point 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