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Cannell Plunge (Kernville)
9 reviews
5 of 5
A long downhill with about 9,000' of descending and about 2,300' of climbing (at 8500' that's a lot of climbing). The final Plunge is over 5000' in the last 8 miles. Lots of miles of beautiful alpine meadows, and incredible singletrack. Be prepared for any and all types of trail, with lots of loose steep sections. Beginners might die along this trail
To shuttle:Go to Kernville (take highway 178 east from Bakersfield), head North out of town along 155 (I think). Keep going North along the river until you see a sign on the right for Sherman Pass. Turn right and head up to the pass. Your ride will end in Kernville so if you are lucky and got a ride have them wait for you in town. It takes about 1 hour to reach the pass from Kernville.
Summary: The second half of this trail is the most consistantly dropping singletrack in CA. In the US, I believe it is second only to the crowded Barr Trail on Pikes Peak, CO. The trail drops 5700', in 13 miles with just one dissappointing uphill hike in the middle. There's plenty of technical challenge, but alot of the trail is fairly cruisy and fast. The upper half is a mix of about 1800' of climbing and 2600' of descending on trails and some roads to a pass at 8400' then it's mostly downhill to Kernville (2700'). The bummers are: The only practical way to ride it is to shuttle ($36 in 08) from Kernville. The lower section is hot and dry in summer but the upper section is under snow in spring and there is no way to do just the lower part unless you carry your bike up the trail! The trail can get a bit soft in places, it's not my idea of the perfect trail surface. But hey, I rate it a 5, this trail is a must!
Recommended Route: The shuttle service has a map that explains the route. From the shuttle drop(9200'), climb Sherman Peak (9900') for the full ride! Sorry, I can't remember the shuttle service name but it's a rafting co. and you need to make reservations.)
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Summary: The Upper trail is one of the most beautiful trails i have ever ridden. It is also the most difficult and exhausting! If you are are not in great shape or live at sea level, be aware. The altitude changes everything.
despite the name "cannel plunge", there are 2 huge climbs at 8,000-9,000 feet elevation.
Between the miles of single track and scenery, this is an epic adventure i will always remember, even if i did think i was going to die.
Recommended Route: Mountain and River Adventures in Kernville, provided shuttle and maps.
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Summary: One of the most epic rides in the west! The trail has something for everyone, but not for beginners. The Cannell Plunge section has some of the most fun singetrack i've ever done, with world class scenery at every turn! Definately a must-do classic. There's a ton of other singletrack that im excited to check out near the top of the Cannell plunge as well (around fay creek etc).
Other recommended trails in the same area: Just Outstanding Trail to Mud Hen trail to Dutch Flat trail, Just Outstanding to Waggy Ridge Trail, Whisky Flat Trail (out & back from kernville), Portuguese Pass Trail, Kern Canyon Trail, other stuff around the Kern River Valley.
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Summary: The only word that really comes to mind is INCREDIBLE!!!
This trail has a little of everything. Nevermind, what am I thinking... This trail has A LOT of everything. Rock gardens, smoothly sweeping singletrack, banked turns, you name it, and it is there.
This was the best ride I have ever done. I will be back.
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Summary: Great trail. Not too technical single track, lots of scenery, and lots of downhill. Only one of four had dual suspension, and one had a ridgid frame and fork. He made it no problem. Two flat tires, no broken bikes or bones.
Recommended Route: We cheated by setting up camp at Big Meadow, then shuttled a car down to a day camp along the Kern River. Round trip was 31 miles, roughly half was on the road which was OK, very windy. Very little up hill and tons of downhill.
Other recommended trails in the same area: The upper Cannel Trail offers great upper elevation riding; watch out for snow drifts.
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