The Needles / Kern River

The Needles, as viewed from Dome Rock

Description 

The upper Kern River Valley, in Sequoia National Forest, is a true outdoor paradise. The area is home to outstanding white water kayaking, fishing, mountain biking and hiking. Natural wonders include the "Grand Canyon of the Kern River" (a scenic waterway cut by the mighty Kern), the southern-most stand of old-growth Giant Sequoias and countless waterfalls, natural water slides, and plunge pools.

AND THEN THERE'S THE CLIMBING.

The area is home to the world famous Needles and several other truly outstanding formations, including Dome Rock and Elephant Knob. It has been said that the Needles themselves are home to the highest density of classic routes anywhere. This is not an overstatement. The overshadowed lesser formations are worthwhile destinations in their own right and should not be overlooked.

Getting There 

The Kern River Valley is quite large, so for directions see the description for the specific sub-area you wish to visit

The Classics

Featured Route For The Needles / Kern River

Fancy Free 5.10  CA : The Needles / Kern River : ... : The Charlatan

This is a super high quality 3 pitch route around the corner to the right of Spooky. We rapped into this route from the gully between the Charlatan and the Sorcerer. Sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.Pitch 1- Climb slippery slab to a slightly right leaning crack, then straight up to a bolted belay on a small ledge. 5.9Pitch 2- Crux. Beautiful layback/finger crack. Perfect pro. Move left into the crack via a couple of face moves and la...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of The Needles / Kern River Slideshow

Add Photo

Just past the crux. Anon.	Photo from inside the lookout showing the resupply...	My son Josh standing atop the Charlatan when he vi...
Josh and I standing atop the Charlatan, photo take...	Here I am at the Rectory...on a Herb Laeger route,...	secret swimming hole... (scan)
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, spotted near the Fir...	Needles lookout sign	The Needles
Black Bears are a common sight throughout the Kern...	Horned Lizard--another of the extraordinary creatu...