The Dome Land Wilderness is where the Sierra begins. Though the high-elevation peaks a few miles north get all the love, this seldom-visited wilderness offers splendid scenery without the crowds as well as an early-season approach to the Sierra within an easy drive of Southern California. It is the southernmost of the Sierra wilderness areas - a land of transition where the Sierra meets the Tehachapis and the desert meets the mountains.  We’ll enjoy its wildflower-filled meadows and views of its craggy granite domes and the upper reaches of the “Wild and Scenic” Kern River.

 

We’ll begin our three-day loop at Kennedy Meadows on Friday morning, camp two nights on the trail, and aim to return to L.A. by 8:00pm Sunday, June 1. This will be a strenuous backpack, covering nearly 30 miles in three days over rugged terrain at elevations up to 8,000 feet, so this trip is suitable only for experienced backpackers in very good shape. We’ll cheerfully face the possibility of thigh-high river crossings as well as ticks, mosquitoes, rattlesnakes and black bears fresh from hibernation.

 

Please sign up only if you are serious about attending.  Your signup represents a social commitment to others, who may have to take time off from work to attend this trip. The leader reserves the right to qualify participants. This is a consciously low-impact outing, so carpool participation is encouraged and participants are urged to contribute to their vehicle’s shared mileage and gas costs.

 

This trip is strictly dependent upon a favorable weather forecast. A National Weather Service forecast of rain or snow within 72 hours of our start will cancel or re-route this trip at the sole discretion of the leader. This trip will be by individual commissary, and we’re not planning any shared meals, so please plan to provide your own three-day supply of food and a bear-proof food canister.