Mountain Bike Rides in the Kern River Valley and Southern Sierra Bull Run Creek & Smelter

Disclaimer

Facebook Twitter Instagram

A historic mining route near Bull Run Creek out of Kernville.

technical trail on Bull Run
A rough section far above on the old trail on USFS property.

BlueBlack
Black Diamond

Double Black

THE STATS

  • Old mining road/trail
  • 4+ Miles.
  • 200-400 feet of climbing.
  • 200-400 feet of drop.
  • Out 'n' Back
  • NOTE: This route crosses private land. The main route (old road) up to the pools/smelter apparently has a public easement. Respect the private land by not tresspassing and staying on the easement.
  • Map: The Kern River Sierra Outdoor Recreation Map, 6th ed shows the private property & USFS boundaries.

 

On The Trail

The Bull Run Creek area has a deep history of mining, with some trails and old roads left behind.

The old Bull Run Crossing
Crossing Bull Run Creek at Whiskey Flat Tr.

The main trail (an old road with a public easement) ascends from the Whiskey Flat Trailhead to the remains of an old Smelter (where the mineral ore was processed). The remains of rock shelters, from a dense population of miners and workers are scattered all over the area.

Above the smelter area, the land is part of the Sequoia National Forest. (There is also a small section of USFS near the trailhead).

The trail is often rocky, but is a nice gradual slope for riding. Several other offshoot trails are scattered about on both sides of the creek, but most of these are on private land and should be avoided. A hiking description of this area is here.

 

Elevation Profile for a ride to the Smelter

Elevation Profile

Trailhead

The lower Whiskey Flat Trailhead is the access point. Its located 2 miles north of Kernville at the end of Burlando Road.

cooling off
Cooling off in Bull Run Creek on USFS land.

 

Dont Get Lost!
Kernville Adventure Map

This area is depicted on the local adventure map:

Amazon.com

Buy Locally

Map Details

Now Available: Get the Digital Version of the Map on the Avenza App!

Get this map on Avenza Maps!

Nearby Activities

Current Webcam Views

Baker Point Webcam looking south and east to Kernville and surrounding areas.