Sherman Pass Rock Climbing

There are two possible ways to approach the area. Ideally, the best route is coming in from the Kern River Valley. The other requires coming in from east, at the intersection of Hwy 395 and Nine Mile Canyon Rd. At this time, the route from Hwy 395 is CLOSED past Black Rock Station due to road repairs.

From the town of Kernville, drive approximately 19.2 miles on Mountain Hwy 99 to Sherman Pass Rd (Forest Road 22S05). Just before you reach Sherman Pass Road, you'll pass Brush Creek Campground on the left. This is a good landmark to reference before making a right semi-hairpin turn onto Sherman Pass Road. Sherman Pass Road is a narrow gauge "two-lane" road, which winds it way to gain 5000' elevation to Sherman Pass (9155'). Drive 15.3 miles to the pass, which is signatured by a vista area with a forest service outhouse on the right. Be sure to check out Kenu Wall and The Grandfathers on the left, a fairly new formation in development (Mile 4.7, along Sherman Pass Rd). Information on this formation is found here on MP. From the pass, drive an additional 3.2 miles to Trout Rock, one of the first formations encountered in the Sherman Pass area. Trout Rock is located just off the road on the left side and somewhat obscured by yellow pine. There is a subtle spot on the left, just off the road to park for at least three vehicle. Other formations along Sherman Pass include: Beach Meadow Rocks, Boone Rocks, Jackass Rock and Fish Creek Rock to name a few. Information regarding these crags will be listed at a later time.

The alternate "dreaded" way is to take Nine Mile Canyon Rd, just off of Hwy 395, a mile north of Pearsonville. Drive approximately 24 miles up Nine Mile Canyon and into the Kennedy Meadows area. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 22S05, passing the Kennedy Meadows Store on the right corner. Drive 12.8 miles to the three way intersection near Black Rock Ranger Station (on the right). Continue on 22S05 an additional 13 miles before reaching Trout Rock and Beach Rock areas.