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Float through the thrilling rapids of the Upper Kern River on a 3-hour tubing journey. Enjoy easy access, premium gear, and unforgettable fun with friends or family in Kernville, California.
Float through the thrilling rapids of the Upper Kern River on a 3-hour tubing journey. Enjoy easy access, premium gear, and unforgettable fun with friends or family in Kernville, California.
Book with Sierra South Mountain Sports
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Sierra South Mountain Sports · Kernville, California
Experience an exhilarating tubing trip down the Upper Kern River with Sierra South Mountain Sports. This private, unguided adventure combines excitement and relaxation as you float through class II-III rapids for 2.5 to 3 hours. The rental package includes a premium-grade tube, a life jacket for safety, and shuttle service to the river’s launch point, making it hassle-free and accessible for beginners and thrill-seekers alike. Kernville’s natural beauty surrounds you, offering scenic views of rugged canyon walls and clear water as you navigate twisting channels and gentle waves. Whether you're tubing solo or with friends, this experience provides a refreshing escape from the heat, with moments of splashing fun and peaceful drifting. The journey's pace lets you enjoy the sounds of nature and occasional wildlife sightings, creating lasting memories on the water. Perfect for visitors looking to immerse themselves in outdoor fun without the need for advanced skills or guides, this tubing trip blends adventure with laid-back enjoyment under California’s blue skies.
moderate.
2.5–3 hours.
Good general fitness is recommended to navigate rapids and climb in and out of the water comfortably.
No, this trip is unguided but suitable for beginners with basic swimming skills.
You will receive a life jacket and a premium-grade tube to ensure safety on the river.
Yes, shuttle transport to the river launch and pickup at the endpoint is included.
Children should be strong swimmers and at least 12 years old; check with the company for specific age policies.
Wear water shoes, sunscreen, and quick-dry clothing; bringing a waterproof phone case is recommended.
Tubing is best from spring through fall; winter trips are possible but require more preparation due to cold water.
The Upper Kern River area was historically used by Native American tribes and later became a key spot during the California gold rush era.
Sierra South Mountain Sports partners with local groups to maintain river health and encourages Leave No Trace principles for all visitors.
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