Wilderness Area : Sequoia National Forest

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When did we do this route? August 2022

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Transportation: We parked at the Johnsondale Bridge parking lot and walked up the highway to the trailhead. This adds some mileage and is a bit dangerous. The better thing to do is to have two cars, park one at Johnsondale Bridge and park the other by the trailhead in the turn-out.

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Water: We brought a water filter.

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Leave-No-Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all of your trash. 

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Flora Considerations: None

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Fauna Considerations: None

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Gear: 200ft of rope (or equivalent) for the group and per person: climbing helmet, belay device, 3 locking carabiners, 2 non-locking carabiners, prusik, personal anchoring system, wetsuit.

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Trail Specific Considerations: Always check the weather before you go, slot canyons can flash flood if there is a thunderstorm upstream. The approach can be incredibly hot during the summer. Be sure to check the flow rate of the Kern River prior to going. After the last rappel, you must ford the Kern to get back to the trail on the other side. Dream Flows is a good resource to check the flowrate. Less the 300CFS makes for an easier time. You *must* get across the Kern relatively quickly as there is Class V whitewater downstream.

 

This is a Class III technical canyon. You will need to do at least 3 repels but possibly more depending on the water levels of each teacup.  You should not jump from any rocks unless you know how deep the water is below you and that its safe to do so. Rescue will take a very long time should you injure yourself. The rock is slick when wet. Some of the repels are tricky, understand what each one entails. Rope Wiki is a good resource and often has a recent trip reports that mention conditions.

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Despite the hot air temperature, the water is still cold and spending the entire day in the water will be very cold without a wetsuit. Our group had a mixture of full 3mil suits or farmer john style.

 

Like any wilderness trip, you accept a certain amount of risk when going on your hike. You are responsible for assessing how comfortable you feel with that risk and understanding your own physical abilities.