Powers Peak is a 10.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Kernville, California that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and mountain biking and is best used from April until March. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
FIRE CLOSURE: As of February 2021 there are closures in this park or area due to wildfire. For more information, please call ahead and visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sequoia/alerts-notices Hikers report that this trail is considered moderate until the final push which is rated as difficult.
April 8, 2021difficult trek uptrail with little shade. Bring your sunscreen! parts of the trail have loose sand. trail not well marked so we had a hard time finding the summit. the views on the way were sweeping!
April 7, 2021what an awesome hike! would definitely do this hike again. the half mile before the summit was killer but I made it!
March 27, 2021March 19, 2021Very challenging trail. View is great. Agree with others that the last 1/2 mile is difficult.
March 6, 2021February 21, 2021Always great trail to start the season
January 24, 2021It was an intense uphill hike. Just so you know though, the payoff was well worth it
January 17, 2021Gorgeous trail, but make no mistake--the last half mile to the top is HARD. Super worth it, but HARD.
January 9, 2021January 5, 2021Only saw one other person on the trail. There was about half a mile of snow and ice, but normal hiking shoes worked just fine. You could also get by without hiking poles, but I was very happy I brought them for the downclimb from the summit. You only get one pair of knees!
January 2, 2021It was EZ...You’ll get the joke when you do the hike. It was really lovely. The last 1/4 mile was really steep and slippery because of mud and snow but the view was definitely worth it.
January 2, 2021The first 5 miles is all uphill. Most of the trail is moderate and the last half mile is pretty much straight up! I had to stop every few minutes to catch my breath but the end was definitely worth all the sweat and steep hiking! Gorgeous views of Kernville, the river, lake and mountains! There was snow on the trail in places but wearing good hiking boots we didn't have any trouble. I would definitely recommend bringing hiking poles and plenty of water and snacks. We recommend this hike but you should be in good shape and used to hiking uphill. Going back was all downhill and fairly easy except the very steep half mile from the top to the intersection at the saddle.
December 31, 2020Great day!
November 27, 2020Relatively easy hike except for the last 1/3 of the trip. You will have steeper grades, but they’re usually followed by a nice flat break. The last .5miles is literally straight up. The trail kind of dies off at the top, but you’ll see a large cairn to your right. Take a left and continue until you see the metal box behind the big rock and you’re there! There’s not a lot of shade at first, but towards the end that’s all we had. However, we went from noon to sunset. Bring extra water if you’re going in the AM. Overall pretty good views of the valleys and lake at the top and throughout the hike in general.
November 14, 2020Great hike!
November 6, 2020Really great hike! Definitely a trek at the end and the map was a little weird but we made it!
November 6, 2020I would qualify this hike as hard. The last half mile is steep and slippery. The views from the summit are worth it - a full 360 view of the Kern River Canyon. There is no shade on the trail, so try to do this hike in cooler weather. We went on a Friday and didn’t see anyone else until we were halfway back to the trailhead
October 18, 2020July 24, 2020May 27, 2020My girlfriend and dog hit the trail at 5:40AM to beat the heat and were back just after 11AM. We stopped at the top for a quick bite and to enjoy the views of the Lake. Definitely worth bagging this peak! Trail is definitely rocky and I felt it in my calves and ankles the next day for sure. I wouldn’t recommend the trail in the heat as there’s also very little shade available.
