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Outdoor Life: Camping and riding in the mountains
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Posted by rdtusmc Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments Several readers have asked me to share information on trail conditions in the Sequoia National Forest. Due to above normal precipitation, some trails and roads are still closed in the higher elevations until the soil can dry out a little.  It would be a good idea to check with the Forest Service regarding specific areas and whether they are open to the public for the summer season.
You can obtain this much needed info from several sources in our area.  Maps are available for a nominal fee so you can have the latest version in your mitts while you’re searching for a particular trail.  Remember, weather conditions can change quickly, so be prepared for cold even in the summer.  
The current trail conditions and maps for areas of the Kern River Ranger District (which is a new district formed when the Cannel Meadow and Greenhorn Ranger districts were combined recently) are available at the following locations:
Kernville Office (also known as the log cabin)
105 Whitney Road
Kernville, Calif.  93238
760-376-3781

Lake Isabella Office (near the infamous dam)
4875 Ponderosa Drive
Lake Isabella, Calif.   93240
760-379-5646

Bakersfield Visitor Center
3801 Pegasus Drive
Bakersfield, Calif.  93308
661-391-6088

Open Mon. - Fri., 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (Don’t try to get in at 4:16 p.m. It won’t happen)

You can also download maps by visiting the following Web site:  www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/maps/
A friend of mine told me on June 13 that the Forest Service had mentioned the Sherman Pass Road out of Kernville was closed, but you could access the Kern Plateau area via 9 Mile Canyon Road through Kennedy Meadows.  Most road and trail closures this time of year are to protect them from damage from too wet soil conditions.
It pays to be a good trail visitor by respecting trail closures and not driving off the trail to try and get past an area you shouldn’t be hiking or riding in anyway.  Driving or hiking through muddy areas simply messes up the trail and can result in aggravating trail closures while the damage is repaired.  And this can take a while to get budgeted.
The Troy Meadow Campground is currently closed due to a major remodeling project and is expected to reopen in 2007.  The campground is being upgraded with new picnic tables, fire rings, and parking upgrades at camp sites to accommodate today’s RVs.  New water systems and restrooms have already been installed.  
I’ve found the vast majority of Forest Service personnel to be very helpful but keep in mind that sometimes temporary help or someone who doesn’t have a ton of knowledge gets assigned to work the counter and that can be an exercise in frustration so be patient.  I’ve also encountered a chowderhead or two who probably should not be assigned to a position that has any contact with the public.
The majority of OHV trail opportunities in the Sequoia are for motorcycles, but there are some ATV trails.  As usual, OHV requirements include current red or green sticker registration, 96 decibel-compliant muffler, USFS approved spark arrestor, and safety course certificate for riders 16 and under on an ATV, or be accompanied by an adult with such a certificate.
Cheryl and I are headed to our secret undisclosed riding and camping area in the mountains this weekend for a getaway from the Bakersfield heat.  Ah yes, walking outside our camper on a June morning wearing a flannel shirt and a hot cup of Joe.  That’s what I’m talking about. Happy Trails!
E-mail Dick at: rddtusmc@msn.com

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