Sentinel Peak Rock Climbing

From the town of Johnsondale (near the M99/M50 junction, 24 miles North of Kernville), take the lower Kern River Road north (aka 22S82). 2.6 miles down Lower Kern River Road on the right hand side, is a gate at the entrance to Camp Whitsett Boy Scout Camp. The well-traveled path up to Sentinel begins across the road, approximately 50 yards down the road past the camp entrance. The trail begins near the second pedestrian sign (the one that faces east--you'll be looking at the back of the sign as you drive up).

The trail is generally well traveled and easy to follow. Half-way up the ridge, you will come across a large rocky outcrop. Scramble up and right from the point where the tail meets the outcrop. Scramble up over slabs (class 2-3 with moderate exposure) until you regain the hiking trail on the back side.

In all, the hike covers 1,400 feet of elevation gain over 1.5 miles of trail. When you reach the summit block, the easiest way up is a short 5.4 pitch up the exposed northwest corner of the block (only 20 feet of climbing, but the landing is bad). This pitch can be lead with a single medium TCU and a 2-inch piece. Belay (and rappel) from bolts on top.