The High Sierra Trail: Segment 4 of 7

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Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 6.9 miles / 11.1 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: This is the fourth of a series of Guides to the High Sierra Trail, an approximately 70 mile trail that runs from Crescent Meadow on the western side of the Sierra Nevada to Whitney Portal on the eastern slope. Each segment roughly corresponds to a day on the trail. This Guide describes Segment 4 of 7: Moraine Lake to Kern Hot Spring.

For the first few miles of this stretch you'll get to enjoy easy hiking as the trail winds gradually through the woods with no steep ascents or descents. If you have a sharp eye, keep a lookout for Mount Whitney in the distance. It's not a clear view, but it's the first peek you'll get of the highest point in the lower 48 states, one you'll hopefully be standing on in a few short days.

You'll pass the remains of an old sheep herder's cabin and through a forest of burnt tree trunks. Eventually you'll hike along the southeastern edge of Sky Parlor Meadow with an unobstructed view of Mt Kaweah.

After joining back together with the other fork of the High Sierra Trail, the long, ~2500 foot descent into the Kern Canyon begins. It starts off moderate but turns into tight, rocky, steep switchbacks. Before the switchbacks, the trail passes through a dense field of ferns - this is where you need to go on rattlesnake alert. They are common here and on the upcoming stretch of trail.

Once you (gratefully) reach the the trail junction at the bottom of the switchbacks, the High Sierra Trail goes to the left. Turn right if you want to camp in Upper Funston Meadow.

About a mile up the HST you'll cross Chagoopa Creek. Given the hot and steep descent into the Canyon you'll probably be ready to fill your water bottles! Above you is Chagoopa Falls - while not visible while in this dense treecover, you'll get a glimpse of it soon.

In another mile you'll reach Kern Hot Spring. There is a basic cement tub as well as a pool that mixes the hot water with the cooler river water. You'll find lots of campsites and bear box storage here, as well as people.

Tips: Campsites
The best location for camping in the Kern Canyon is at Kern Hot Spring but you will be sharing the area with other people. There is also an established camp at Upper Funston Meadow, but this camp is often used by horse packers.

Wildlife
Rattlesnakes are common on this stretch - watch out!

Fishing
Fishing in the Kern River is great, but it also comes with some specific regulations. Check before heading out.

Points of Interest

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Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake's beauty shines at sunrise, so if camped here, don't miss it!

Fill all your water bottles here before departing. Although on paper this next stretch looks easy since it is all descent, it is very hot, dry, and exposed. There is no water access until the bottom of the canyon.

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Junction (High Sierra Trail forks)

This is where the two forks of the High Sierra Trail join back together. Take in the view at Sky Parlor meadow and prepare for the upcoming steep descent.

The upcoming terrain is friendly to rattlesnakes, so watch out!

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Junction (Kern Canyon)

After the steep descent into Kern Canyon you'll reach this trail junction. If you turn to the right you'll be able to access a campsite at Upper Funston Meadow. This campsite is overused by horse packers and not in the greatest condition.

To continue on the High Sierra Trail go through the gate to your left. It is about a mile to water.

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Chagoopa Creek Crossing

After the long, hot descent you'll enjoy this creek crossing. The trail between the junction and here has some stretches of foot-bruising and ankle-twisting cobblestone so the opportunity to soak your feet might be irresistible.

You'll hear Chagoopa Falls above you but you won't see it from here. Once you've gone a short distance and emerged into more open terrain, turn around to see Chagoopa Creek tumbling down from the ridge above.

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Bridge

The Kern River rushes through the canyon and you might wonder how you will be able to cross it. Well no fear - there is a nice bridge that crosses the river about 1/2 mile before the hot spring.

This is another easy place to get water. Enjoy the open views through the canyon - Chagoopa Falls, the granite walls, the rushing river.

It is hot in the sun-exposed areas of the Kern Canyon, but the river is a great place to cool off.

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Kern Hot Spring

The Kern Hot Spring is a natural hot spring a few feet from the Kern River. The water from the spring is 115 degree F (46 degrees C)and there is a basic concrete tub built near the source. There is a larger pool in between the hot spring and the river that allows the water to mix to a more comfortable temperature.

After a few days on the trail this is a perfectly wonderful place to stop and enjoy yourself. There is no camping at the hot spring, but a few hundred feet down the trail you'll find campsites and bear boxes. You'll also find a lot of people out here, considering the distance from the nearest trailhead. Many people use this spot as a layover day.