The Ultimate Off-Road Guide to Kennedy Meadows, CA
Berts Mega Mall | Powersports Hub
Kennedy Meadows is in Tulare County, CA. This area is highly used and popular by outdoor enthusiasts because of how many recreational outdoor activities there are available here. Hikers, fishermen, photographers, campers, power sports enthusiasts, and more... there is something here for everyone! There are hundreds of miles worth of trails for those who like to ride their dirt bikes, ATVs, UTV’s, etc. While you can play with these fast and rowdy toys, once you’re done you can sit back and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains.
About Kennedy Meadows, CA:
How to Get There:
We will use Bert’s Mega Mall as a starting point for directions to getting to Kennedy Meadows. You will jump on the I-210 East and drive down until you reached the I-15 N and then drive up the I-15 North until the Route 395 North opens up. Take the 395 until you exit highway 395 near Pearsonville and travel west on Nine Mile Canyon Rd (paved road) to Kennedy Meadows.
Camping:
Camping at Kennedy Meadows is very simple and quite enjoyable. You can stay at the Kennedy Meadows Campground. You can choose to bring an RV or tent, there are no reservations because it is on first-come, first-serve bases. There is a $17 dollar fee to stay at this campground. Amenities that you can also find here are things like picnic tables, fire ring with grill at the campsite and vault toilets open to all campers. There are no dump stations so pack in and pack out. There are 38 sites available and it is a pet-friendly campsite on the condition they stay on their leash and attended at all times.
Terrain:
One of the main attractions in Kennedy Meadows is the Stanislaus River. The 160,000 acres of scenery that you can find here is an unexpected one and definitely one you must see for yourself. Most of the trails in Kennedy Meadows is mostly hardpack with little loose dirt. There are trees everywhere, steep hills, and some water crossings. The majority of the trails are shaded over the trees. The trails are friendly to beginner riders and there are some novice/intermediate and expert trails.
Passes:
Keep in mind to keep up with the proper permits and follow all regulations to ensure you with a great trip. Kennedy Meadows is open from June to November. You are required to have the proper stickers before riding any of your toys around here. Red sticker vehicles are permitted year-round. You can ride motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATV’s, and UTV’s/SXS. Although you can ride all of these vehicles up here dirt bikes are the most popular things to ride around because some of the trails are narrower.
What to do in Kennedy Meadows:
Jackass Creek Trail:
Jackass Creek Trail is a short trail at 5.5 miles long. It does not loop back around so make sure to have gas to return to your campsite. It is open to motorcycle/dirt bike riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. Be aware of your surroundings to keep yourself and others safe. This train is best for intermediate riders. There are steep sections on the trail that may be a little difficult for a beginner.
Rattlesnake Trail:
Rattlesnake Trail is a 10-mile long trail. This trail is not recommended for beginner or newly intermediate riders. It is best for advanced riders. On this trail, you will easily and without a doubt encounter steep slopes and several creek crossings. This trail may be a challenge, but if it's not a challenge then it’s not fun!
Sherman Pass 4-Wheel Drive Trail:
Sherman Pass Trail is a 6.8-mile-long trail. It is a narrow, very rocky, and steep road that is best suited for 4x4 vehicles. It is about eight miles from the Kern River and Mt. 99. Be prepared and knowledgeable on 4WD techniques as this is ranked at very difficult terrain. Never go alone, if possible try to have a large group.
Rattlesnake Creek Trail:
We first want to point out this is not the same trail as Rattlesnake trail. This trail runs parallel to Rattlesnake Trail and is 2.5 miles long and ties into multiple trails like Sherman Pass Road and Mahogany Creek Trail. The terrain on this trail ranges from gradual hill climbs to creek bottom riding, connecting with Rattlesnake and Beach Trails near Bonita Creek. This trail is ideal for intermediate riders and up.
Mahogany Creek Trail:
Mahogany Creek Trail is a great choice if you have little time and want to get some off-roading time in. I is only 2.8 miles long, which is very short compared to the other trails we’ve gone over so far. This trail ties into Rattlesnake Creek Trail (different from Rattlesnake Trail) and also provide access to other campgrounds in Kennedy Meadows. It has been said to be challenging for beginners.
Grumpy Bear Retreat:
The Grumpy Bear Saloon is the only restaurant in town. They are open only Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. Their breakfast menu is a little limited, but their lunch and dinner menu does open up to several different options. Typical items like, pizza, burgers, and chicken wings can be found here. There are several appetizer options also. They serve beer, wine, and sodas. A great option if you need something immediately because it is right in town. This restaurant also offers “hikers amenities”, something unique that other restaurants may not even offer.
Conclusion:
Kennedy Meadows is a great place to plan out your off-roading weekend. It is a little farther from other off-roading destinations but with this destination, you get beautiful mountains views. Shaded trails are more common than too bright and sunny ones. With so much to see and do here, we believe you’ll never run out of adventures, especially if you love the outdoors. Kennedy Meadows mixes many activities to make your weekend a jam-packed one and you’ll be craving to come back!
Related:
-The Ultimate Off-Road Guide to Johnson Valley
-The Ultimate Off-Road Guide to Rasor Road
-The Ultimate Off-road Guide to Randsburg, CA
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