Packsaddle Trail

Packsaddle hiking trail is located about 14 miles north of Kernville, located in Tulare county. Parking lot for Packsaddle trail is located about 500 feet past McNally's Fairview Lodge if your heading north. Trail head starts right across the street from parking lot. Make sure you stretch and be ready to start off with a steep climb for about a mile and a half befor you get a break. When you start hiking the trail, you will come to a fork on the trail about 200 feet from the start, stay to the RIGHT. You will cross the creek about 3 times back and fourth. Be careful after stepping on water or moist soil and then stepping on rocks. Yours boots, shoes might be very slippery after stepping on water, so don't slip and fall. Trail is about 5 miles total round trip. The only part that confuses everybody is where the trail splits off again, one towards the cave and the other towards I think it's called Rincon trail. (Look at my Packsaddle pics) the trail is pretty awesome, I have NEVER seen any Mtn lions, bears, bats or Bigfoot inside the cave. I have only seen small birds flying in and out. The cave is a little dusty, so take a mask if you don't deal to well with dust and don't forget to take a flashlight. I normally explore first and then eat my snacks after. Make sure you pack back in what ever you pack out. Normally after a good hike I love to stop into Kern River brewery for some delicious beers and a delicious burger. Happy hiking.....

This hike was pretty long. We briefly skimmed the information on this hike before starting and we could not find the cave on our own. In total, we walked 6 miles (3 miles in and 3 miles out). I definitely suggest bringing lots of water because the hike is draining as a majority of the way in is a steady uphill. There isn't much to see until you get to the "end" of the trail when you reach the small river, but the trek is worth it. We saw a small waterfall and plenty of wildlife. My group stayed at the Fairview Campsite that's right across the street to the trailhead and cooled down by the river afterward. Overall, I would suggest this hike to anyone looking for a challenge, but be prepared before you start!

This is one of the locations of the NEW Star Wars Canyon. Uphill the entire 1.5 miles to the saddle. You'll need a 600mm lens to get decent shots of the jets.