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

Lost at Sea 5.10d  CA : The Needles / Kern River : ... : The Sorcerer

Lost at Sea is a totally amazing variation to the fourth pitch of Atlantis. Very much worth the time and effort if you're up there. Step off the right end of the ledge atop Atlantis' third pitch and into the obvious left-facing flake. Ascend this flake as it gradually thins and becomes more difficult, eventually arching delicately to the right. The wall is steep and blank here, and at certain points one begins to wonder if gear behi...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of The Needles / Kern River Slideshow

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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...