I: Kern Volcanic Field Trip Register

Date and Time:
Fri, Jul 4, 2025; 7:00 AM (Pacific) - Mon, Jul 7, 2025 2:00 PM (Pacific)
Time is tentative.

Add to Calendar I: Kern Volcanic Field Trip

AT CAPACITY. WAITING LIST AVAILABLE. Head over Trail Pass for a fun and informative experience trip in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Day 1 we'll camp near Mulkey Meadow, and if conditions permit we'll tag Trail Peak (11,622') on the way in. The following day well hike through meadows and open forest to a campsite near historic Tunnel Meadow, by the Wild and Scenic South Fork of the Kern River. After we set up camp we will climb Red Hill, an extinct cinder cone with amazing views and a lava flow that reaches all the way to the Kern River. Day 3 we will venture across Golden Trout Creek to visit Groundhog Cone, the youngest formation in the Kern Volcanic Field and the source of the visible lava fields in the area. The streams around here are also home to the purest strains of California's state fish, the Golden trout. We will move camp to set up our hike out via beautiful Mulkey Meadow and Mulkey Pass, with a stop at picturesque Mulkey Cow Camp. Early season conditions may affect our itinerary. Approximate trip totals 32-36 miles and between 5600 and 6200 feet of gain. Priority given to WTC students needing an experience trip and I leader candidates needing Environmental Awareness Credits. This is a backcountry outing; participants will need to complete a short medical form and bring it with them to the trailheadbit.ly/scmedicalform.

Cottonwood Pass Trailhead

Webinar URL:

36.44833000,-118.17064000 Sharon Moore justslm@earthlink.net MM/DD/yyyy amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740

Organized By: Angeles Chp Wilderness Training and NSS

Location: Cottonwood Pass Trailhead

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Sharon Moore
   justslm@earthlink.net
   (562) 896-3081
David Meltzer
   dwm@sprucehc.com
   (310) 913-1230
James Hagar
   jhagar1@gmail.com
   (818) 468-6451
Paul Maurin
   pfmaurin@gmail.com
   (626) 590-8160

AT CAPACITY. WAITING LIST AVAILABLE. Head over Trail Pass for a fun and informative experience trip in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Day 1 we'll camp near Mulkey Meadow, and if conditions permit we'll tag Trail Peak (11,622') on the way in. The following day we'll hike through meadows and open forest to a campsite near historic Tunnel Meadow, by the Wild and Scenic South Fork of the Kern River. After we set up camp we will climb Red Hill, an extinct cinder cone with amazing views and a lava flow that reaches all the way to the Kern River. Day 3 we will venture across Golden Trout Creek to visit Groundhog Cone, the youngest formation in the Kern Volcanic Field and the source of the visible lava fields in the area. The streams around here are also home to the purest strains of California's state freshwater fish, the Golden trout. We will move camp to set up our hike out via beautiful Mulkey Meadow and Mulkey Pass, with a stop at picturesque Mulkey Cow Camp. Early season conditions may affect our itinerary. Approximate trip totals 36-40 miles and between 5600 and 6200 feet of gain. Priority given to WTC students needing an experience trip and I leader candidates needing Environmental Awareness credits. This is a backcountry outing; participants will need to complete a short medical form and bring it with them to the trailhead. bit.ly/scmedicalform. Please send your hiking resume to leaders; registration does not mean you are accepted on the trip.
A slope with twisted pine trees covered in red volcanic rock overlooks a forest and distant peaks.

A slope with twisted pine trees covered in red volcanic rock overlooks a forest and distant peaks.

Level: Strenuous(I)

Cost: Campsite and permit fees TBD

Signup Instructions: Email leaders Jim Hagar and Sharon Moore with your experience and conditioning. Please tell us why this trip interests you.

Signup Restrictions: WTC or equivalent backpacking experience required.

Carpool: Leader will supply a roster for participants to make carpool arrangements. The Sierra Club assumes no liability for carpools, which are private arrangements among participants.

Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.

Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather

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