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Discover the thrill of the Cannell Plunge, a challenging 25-mile singletrack in Kernville. This shuttle-facilitated ride offers stunning mountain views and technical descents for experienced riders eager for adventure.
Discover the thrill of the Cannell Plunge, a challenging 25-mile singletrack in Kernville. This shuttle-facilitated ride offers stunning mountain views and technical descents for experienced riders eager for adventure.
Book with Sierra South Mountain Sports
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Sierra South Mountain Sports · Kernville, California
Kernville, California, serves as a prime hub for outdoor enthusiasts eager to tackle the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Among its standout offerings is Sierra South Mountain Sports' Cannell Trail MTB Shuttle, a ride that’s become legendary among local bikers and adventure seekers alike. Starting at over 9,200 feet in elevation, this 25-mile singletrack adventure descends through varied terrain, revealing panoramic views of rocky ridges, dense pine forests, and the shimmering Kern River below.
The trail’s most iconic feature, the Cannell Plunge, challenges riders with its high-speed descent, winding past natural rock formations and over root-laden stretches. Throughout the ride, you'll pass ghostly remnants of old mining operations and perhaps spot native wildlife like mule deer or peregrine falcons riding thermals overhead. This trail showcases the geology and rugged terrain that define the Sierra Nevada, making it a distinct milestone for mountain bikers craving a technical yet scenic outing.
Sierra South Mountain Sports has built a reputation for providing well-maintained shuttles, enabling riders to maximize their time on the trail without the hassle of long drives or uphill climbs. This service makes the Cannell Plunge accessible for experienced mountain bikers ready to push their limits or for those looking for an adrenaline rush amid wild landscapes. Local riders value this trail as a core part of Kernville’s adventure scene, delivering both challenge and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider seeking a technical masterpiece or a visitor wanting high-octane fun in nature, Sierra South’s shuttle service makes this trail an easy addition to your Kernville itinerary. The combination of natural beauty, historic mining remnants, and adrenaline-pumping descents makes it a must-do for mountain biking aficionados eager to experience the Sierra Nevada’s raw, unfiltered power.
challenging.
3–4 hours.
Participants should have good cardiovascular fitness and prior mountain biking experience.
Yes, Sierra South Mountain Sports offers shuttles that make accessing the trail easier and safer, especially given its high starting elevation.
This trail is best suited for riders with advanced mountain biking skills due to its technical descents and challenging terrain.
While specific rental info isn't provided, many local shops in Kernville cater to mountain bikers and can equip you for this trail.
Late spring through early fall generally offers the best conditions, but each season provides a different experience.
Due to its challenging nature, it’s recommended for experienced mountain bikers rather than families with young children.
Ensure your bike is well-maintained, bring plenty of water, wear complete protective gear, and reserve your shuttle spot in advance.
The Sierra Nevada has a long history of gold mining, dating back to the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, which shaped the region’s rugged character.
Sierra South Mountain Sports advocates for trail sustainability and encourages low-impact riding to preserve this iconic landscape.
Sierra South Mountain Sports is a Kernville, California outfitter specializing in whitewater rafting, guided kayak instruction, mountain bike shuttles, and tubing on the Upper Kern River. The company offers a range of guided and unguided experiences, from family-friendly Class II–III runs like Lickety Split and Lickety Blaster to expert-level Class IV and Class V full-day trips on the Upper Kern. Trips include options such as a Paddlers Evaluation on select advanced runs, riverside lunches on full-day trips, and shuttle service for tubing and shuttled mountain bike runs. Instructional programs include a multi-day Whitewater Kayaking 201 course that focuses on advanced river skills and provides a certificate and free kayak rental upon completion. Private full-day kayak instruction is available for small groups (1–4), with gear, transportation, and lunch included for the season. The Full Day Whitewater Merit Badge program supports scout troops with river safety, hydrodynamics, navigation training and a culminating quiz to earn the merit badge. Sierra South Mountain Sports operates on the Kern River corridor and the nearby Sierra Nevada trail network, including the Cannell Trail MTB Shuttle with dramatic altitude change. Many trips run in the spring and summer months, with specific seasonal windows for advanced Class V sections. The outfitter emphasizes clear trip descriptions, on-river guidance where noted, and logistics such as shuttles, gear and lunches when included.
Book with Sierra South Mountain Sports