Review Date
June 7, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: lutexas ,  Downhiller

Summary:
After doing Cannel plunge you will consider that all your previous trails are nothing compared to this.
This is a long trail (24 miles starting from Sherman pass, 17 miles starting from Big Meadow) that will require 5-8 hours of riding.
From Sherman pass to Pine flat the trail has 2000 feet of vertical difference from 9000' to 7000' and many uphill and downhill sections but nothing compared to the plunge itself. From Pine flat to Kernville is where the plunge starts. It has 4500 feet of vertical difference and many sections where a fall to the 50 degree slope on the side of the trail can cause yor death (no joking here as there is one reported death). The plunge has also sections of unconsolidated sand, switchbacks and one steep climb where you need to walk with your bike.
You will need to bring 4-6 liters of water and a windproof jacket as it may snow in June at elevations above 8000 ft.

Trail facts:

Start position (sherman pass): 6453477.20, 2547038.36
start height: 9140.44 ft.
maximum elevation: 9422.99 ft
end position (road to kernville): 6432987.48, 2468615.51
end height: 2783.831 ft
straight line distance: 15.35 miles
vertical difference (start to finish): 6356.6 ft

Recommended Route:
you can start from Sherman pass road and take the bike shuttle in Kernville.
Also you can start from Big meadow but you may need to take your own car there and after you finish the trail go back to pick up the car.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Mount pinos in Frazier park has a similar terrain (granite) but it is only 1 hour long and doesn't have the dangerous 50 degree slope on the side of the trail.

Review Date
March 27, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: bpressnall ,  Cross Country Rider

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.)

Review Date
August 1, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: lazybeaner ,  Weekend Warrior

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.

Review Date
December 17, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: soulriderx ,  Downhiller

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.

Review Date
February 8, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Visitors rate this review
3.50 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: CalPolyClimber ,  Cross Country Rider

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.