Kern Canyon Trail

This is a 9.34-mile, one-way point-to-point section of the High Sierra Trail, running north from the Chagoopa Plateau junction through the Kern River canyon to Junction Meadow. Allow about 4–6 hours for this leg alone; reaching either endpoint means adding a much longer wilderness approach or onward route. Treat it as a High Sierra Trail wilderness itinerary, not a roadside day hike. The park’s 9.7-mile figure from Upper Funston Meadow includes retracing the short path to this junction; the mapped section starts at the junction and leaves that backtrack out.

The route passes through a marshy stretch, then Jeffrey pine and incense-cedar forest. Look west through the trees for Chagoopa Falls. Kern Hot Springs sits along the way: a crude concrete tub with 115°F spring water, only a few feet from the cold Kern River. The park asks visitors to keep soap out of both the tub and the river. After the spring, the trail follows the floor of the glaciated Kern canyon and climbs steadily to Junction Meadow. The canyon follows the Kern Canyon fault for roughly 25 miles, much farther than this trail segment.

From Upper Funston Meadow, retrace the short connector to the Chagoopa Plateau junction and turn north. If approaching from Moraine Lake, follow the High Sierra Trail through Sky Parlor Meadow before descending into the canyon. Fill water there: the descent is long and dry. Junction Meadow is the north end of this mapped section, not the end of the larger High Sierra Trail; wilderness routes continue from there.

The canyon floor can be hot and dry in the middle of the day. Its high walls delay morning sun, while cold air drains down the canyon at night. Overnight High Sierra Trail trips require a wilderness permit; verify entry rules for the full itinerary. Pets are prohibited on park trails.