Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Greenhorn Mountains Description
| VISITOR GUIDE |
| Visitor Guide Home |
|
Giant Sequoia |
| Visit A Sequoia Grove |
| Northern Monument |
| Kings Canyon Scenic Byway |
| Hume Lake |
| Big Meadows |
| Southern Monument |
| Tule Canyon |
| Wishon Canyon |
| Western Divide Highway |
| Great Western Divide |
| Lloyd Meadow Road |
| Portuguese Pass |
Sequoia National Forest |
| Greenhorn Mountains |
| Kern Plateau |
| Upper Kern River |
| Lower Kern River |
| Lake Isabella |
| South Fork Wildlife Area |
| Whitewater and Lakes |
| Wilderness |
Greenhorn Mountains
If you are looking for a quiet campground at a higher elevation to escape the heat of summer, the Greenhorn Mountains are a convenient location to Bakersfield. Facilities are operated on a first-come, first-served basis offering limited services without a fee. Camping is limited to 14 days in any 30-day period throughout the Sequoia National Forest.
Oak Flat Lookout. This historic lookout overlooks the Kern River and is available for overnight rental by reservation at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Located at an elevation of 4,900 feet the lookout was constructed in 1934 and retired from duty in 1984. With a 360 degree view of the surrounding oak woodlands, the scenic lower Kern River and the rugged Greenhorn Mountains, the lookout provides great opportunities to view wildlife. The springtime wildflower displays can be spectacular March through early May.
Located 25 miles east of Bakersfield, take Highway 178 to Rancheria Road. Proceed 15 miles north to road FS 27S20. Take this unimproved gravel road .7 miles to the lookout. Expect a rustic experience without water or electricity. Amenities include a propane kitchen range, vault toilet, sink, and two twin beds.
Rancheria Road. Road 25S15 travels south from Portuguese Pass, over Greenhorn Summit at the intersection of Highway 155, and past Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows Ski Resort (the only downhill skiing offered in the Sequoia National Forest). The road continues across the ridge providing access to popular off highway vehicle routes, favorite horse back riding trails, and remote camping opportunities including Evans Flat. The road eventually exits the National Forest and connects to Highway 178 at the base of the Kern River Canyon.
Fire Prevention. Fire danger is very high during the summer months. Please help by making sure all campfires are extinguished with water before you leave. Carry a shovel and never leave a campfire unattended. Smoke only in cleared areas and use the ashtray in your car. Campfire permits may be obtained from the Kern River District Offices in Lake Isabella or Kernville, the BLM office in Bakersfield, or the Campfire Permit page on this website.
| Campgrounds | Elevation | Sites | Season | Max. Trailer | Potable Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alder Creek | 3900 | 12 | May-Oct | 20’ | No |
| Cedar Creek | 4800 | 10 | All Year | Unsuitable | No |
| Evans Flat | 5800 | 21 | May-Oct | 20’ | No |
| Trails | Trail # | Elevation | Miles | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badger Gap | 31E76 | 2200-4300 | 10.2 | Bicycles permitted |
| Bull Run | 32E39 | 4800-6100 | 3.5 | Bicycles and hiking permitted |
| Portuguese | 31E59 | 6800-7300 | 2.1 | Bicycles, hiking and motorcycles permitted |
| Sunday Peak | 31E66 | 7200-8300 | 1.7 | Bicycles and hiking permitted |
| Unal | 31E58 | 6350-7050 | 3 | Interpretive loop trail, hiking and bicycles permitted |
Hiking Handout: Recreation Trails In Kern River Ranger District (PDF - 149K)