Let’s Ride Again: Mountain Bike & Camping Weekend at Kern River’s Edge!
- Kern River's Edge Team
- Sep 6
- 5 min read
Hey friends – we’ve missed you.
It’s been a while since the last time we all gathered with dusty bikes, gorp snacks, and stories around the campfire. If you remember the good old days of our Kernville Mountain Bike festivals – the epic rides, the laughter, the camping vibes – then we’ve got some exciting news…
We’re getting the gang back together!
📍 Where: Kern River’s Edge Campground, Kernville, CA
📆 When: October 17-19, 2025
🚵 What: A casual, DIY-style weekend of mountain biking, camping, and reconnecting
Why We’re Doing This
We used to run an adventure company that brought together an incredible community of riders and outdoor lovers. While the business has changed, the passion never left – and neither did our amazing trails.
The trails in Kernville are just as epic, fast, flowy, and fun as you remember (maybe even better), and we thought: Why not bring the crew back for a weekend of riding, camping, and catching up?
There’s no official schedule, no fuss, no pressure – just good people, good rides, and good times. Bring your bikes, your tents (or camper vans), and your sense of adventure.
What to Expect
Group Rides: From mellow river trail runs to rowdy singletrack descents – ride at your pace, join group rides, or venture off with your own crew. We'll share suggested ride routes and meet-up times.
Camping at Kern River’s Edge: Book your site early! We'll have a base camp area for riders to hang out, share meals, and tell tall trail tales.
Campfire Evenings: Bring a chair, a drink, and your best stories. We’ll fire up the campfire and keep the stoke high.
BYO Everything: This isn’t a commercial event – it’s a community reunion. Bring your gear, your food, and your friends.
How to Join
Reserve your campsite at Kern River’s Edge Campground – spots fill up fast!
Book your Cannell Trail shuttle with Sierra South. Shuttle options include paid shuttle, self-shuttle, or, we can help you find a driver for your vehicle.
Let us know you're coming – drop a comment below or shoot us a message.
Spread the word – tag your old riding buddies and help us bring the tribe back together.
4. We can’t wait to see familiar faces and fresh tire tracks on the trails. If you were part of the old festivals – or always wanted to be – this is your chance to ride with the crew again.
5. Let’s make some new memories and share come epic campfire tales, together.
Cheers, John Stallone
👉 Book your campsite online now. We’ll see you soon—on the Kern!
Read more: Top mountain bike trails near the Kern River
Trails to Ride
🚵♂️ Whiskey Flat Trail
Distance: 1–15+ miles, mostly first 4 miles for mtb, extra loop options
Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
Terrain: Single-track with elevation changes, rocky/sandy sections, water crossings
Why Ride It: Whiskey Flat is a local classic. This scenic trail ride follows the Kern River and features rolling climbs, creek crossings, and mountain views. The first 4 miles are predominately the most accessible for mtb.
Trail Access:
Trailhead: At the north end of Kernville, at the end of Burlando Road.
Advanced Route: Shuttle from Fairview or McNally’s Restaurant and ride back toward Kernville. Avoid Summer riding here, or go very early in the AM.
Parking: Free parking at trailhead or along the road (arrive early on weekends).
Restrooms: Public restrooms at Riverside Park in Kernville. No facilities on-trail.
🏔️ Just Outstanding Trail
Distance: ~5 miles with options (shuttle ride)
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Terrain: Rocky, technical, pine forest single-track
Why Ride It: The name says it all—Just Outstanding delivers one of the best rides in the region, featuring flowy forest terrain and long, technical descents. Ideal for shuttle runs.
Trail Access:
Top Trailhead (Shuttle Start): Typically access off Rancheria Road from the Alta Sierra Ski Resort parking lot, about 30 minutes from Kernville.
Bottom Connection: Via Dutch Flat Trailhead or Wagy Flat Road.
Parking: Small pullouts at both top and bottom.
Restrooms: Porta-potty @ Greenhorn Summit, near Ranger Station.
Shuttle Tip: Ask local shuttle shop for shuttle info.
⛰️ Cannell Trail ("The Plunge")
Distance: 1–20 miles (shuttle)
Difficulty: Advanced
Terrain: High-altitude single-track, long descents, rocky technical sections
Why Ride It: Cannell is the crown jewel of Kernville mountain biking. Most riders shuttle to the top (Sherman Pass) and ride down “The Plunge,” an epic descent with dramatic views, fast flow, and serious challenge. Don't let this epic descent fool you, there is still 2,000' of climbing on this one!
Trail Access:
Top Trailhead (Shuttle Start): Off Sherman Pass Road, ~1 hour drive from Kernville.
Bottom Trailhead: Cannell Meadow Trailhead, just north of Kernville on Sierra Way.
Parking:
Top: Limited paved parking near Sherman Pass.
Bottom: Free dirt parking lot near Cannell Trailhead.
Restrooms: Porta-potty.
Caution: Trail can take 3–8 hours. Carry water, layers, tools, a headlamp, snake bite kit, and check weather/elevation conditions.
🧰 What to Bring: Kernville MTB Essentials
Kernville has no official Bike Shop so you need to arrive prepared. There are a couple of local shops who carry some bike supplies, so be sure to reach out if you find yourself needing emergency repairs or supplies. We recommend bringing these biking essentials:
🚲 Bike: Full-suspension recommended for most trails; tuned and ready to ride
🪖 Helmet: Mandatory—trails can be rocky and technical
💧 Water: Hydration pack is ideal
🍫 Snacks: Energy bars, fruit, trail mix
🩹 First Aid Kit: Compact and easy to access
🧢 Sun Protection: Sunscreen, SPF gear, sunglasses
🔧 Bike Tools: Pump, tire levers, patch kit
👕 Clothing: Moisture-wicking clothes, padded shorts
📱 Backcountry Messaging Device: InReach or Spot
🚴 Trail Difficulty by Experience Level
🟢 Beginner
Whiskey Flat (first 1–3 miles)
🟡 Intermediate
🔴 Advanced
Full Whiskey Flat or Just Outstanding extensions
🌲 Local Tips & Trail Etiquette
☀️ Weather: Summer temps soar mid-day; bring water and layers
🐻 Wildlife: Watch for bears, deer, snakes, and wild turkeys
🚷 Etiquette: Yield to hikers, be respectful of other trail users
🛠️ Trail Info: Use All Trails, Trailforks or MTB Project for navigation and updates
🌟 Why Ride in Kernville?
From scenic riverside routes to epic forest plunges, Kernville delivers unmatched variety for mountain bikers. With fewer crowds, epic views, and welcoming locals, this hidden gem is a must-ride destination just a few hours from LA, Bakersfield, or Fresno.
🚗 Plan Your Visit
📍 From Los Angeles: ~3.5 hrs
📍 From Fresno/Bakersfield: ~1–3 hrs
👉Reserve your Cannell Trail shuttle with Sierra South Mountain Sports
🏕️ Stay Options: Campgrounds, cabins, Airbnbs, and inns
🚵 Bike Shops & Rentals: Check out local shops in Kernville
🎒 Ready to Ride?
Gear up, hit the road, and discover the mountain biking trails of Kernville. The Sierra is calling. 🌄
👉 Book your campsite online now. We’ll see you soon—on the Kern!
Looking for more camping tips and tricks?
Then we’ve got you covered! Check out some of our additional resources to learn more about camping along the Kern River and how to camp like a seasoned pro!
Additional Resources:
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