Sawmill Road to Kern River Headwaters — Sequoia National Forest High Country Spine via Sherman Pass
Southern Sierra's forgotten high crossing.
FR 22S05 — the Sherman Pass Road — is one of the highest paved-to-dirt crossings in the southern Sierra, topping out near 9,909 feet at Sherman Pass with views into the Kern River canyon that’ll stop you cold. The route links the Western Divide Highway to the upper Kern drainage, punching through Sequoia National Forest’s backcountry of red fir, lodgepole pine, and exposed granite benches. Side spurs off FR 22S12 drop into the Kern River headwaters country proper — remote, lightly traveled, and genuinely isolated. The road surface is a mix of graded gravel and rougher two-track on the eastern descent toward the river, with a few loose rock sections above the treeline.
Most of this is accessible to a well-built 2WD truck in summer, but the spur roads into the Kern drainage and dispersed camping areas demand at least moderate clearance. Best season is July through October — Sherman Pass typically doesn’t clear until late June. No permit required for dispersed camping on national forest land. Carry water; reliable sources are scarce on the high bench. Fuel in Kernville or Porterville before heading up. Cell service disappears completely by the time you’re above 7,000 feet. This is a legitimate overnight route — don’t rush it.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 52 mi / 83.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9909 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Kernville, CA |
| Land manager | Sequoia National Forest, Kern River Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Sequoia National Forest Kern River Ranger District |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this without a lift?
Yes. Stock high-clearance trucks like a Tacoma, 4Runner, or Wrangler are fine here. The surface is dirt, gravel, and occasional embedded rock — nothing that demands a lift, but low-clearance crossovers and sedans will get torn up.
When does Sherman Pass Road actually open after winter?
Typically late June to early July depending on snowpack, but the upper sections near 9,900 ft can hold snow well into summer on bad years. Check road conditions directly with the Kern River Ranger District before committing — this is not a trail you want to drive into a snowfield blind.
Do I need a permit or pass to run this route?
No permit is required to drive the route. If you're camping in Sequoia National Forest under dispersed rules, no campfire permit is needed outside of fire restrictions, but always verify current fire closures with the Forest Service before you go — Southern California fire bans can drop fast.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The trail is rated moderate and earns it — nothing technical enough to pucker most experienced drivers, but the rocky pitches near Sherman Pass summit demand attention at altitude. The bigger real-world challenge is the remoteness: 52 miles with no services, no cell service, and genuine exposure if something breaks.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there water on route?
Kernville is your last reliable fuel stop — tank up there before heading in. There are seasonal stream crossings and sources in the upper Kern drainage, but treat everything; don't count on any specific source being flowing late in a dry year.
Trail track
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