EISPIRATEN

I just rode the Cannell Plunge. It's an MTB route in the Southern Sierra. We took the easy way: shuttle up to Sherman Pass at ~9200ft, ride down to Kernville at ~2800ft. The route rolls a bit, and you gain 2000ft, so you lose over 8k. It's all real pretty and real fun.

We loaded up the bikes in the morning



And started riding 1-2 hours later



The trails are maintained and get a lot of bike traffic. And the geology here is different from the San Gabriels, and the mountain isn't constantly sloughing off into an adjacent abyss. The route is 20-some miles, and the initial 3/4 of it rolls, and you stay above 7k. In the trees







And in the meadows







There are cool rock formations





and a bit of steep hiking



It's technical in places, but mostly just really nice. Towards the end, you crest the lip of the mountain, and immediately descend 5000ft down to civilization. This is also decently well maintained, not too exposed, and mostly just a blast.







Recommended!

That is exactly where I went prior to Memorial day. Sherman Pass wasn't open yet but hiked Sirretta Peak and Cannell from Big Meadow.

That's cool. Got pics? Was there snow? I don't remember seeing a report.

I assume you arrange shuttle service in Kernville? Where's the pics of post-ride beverages at Kern River Brewing?

Cannell has been on my wish list for a long time.

I'm too lazy to write up most of my hikes.



From the top of Cannell Peak

Looking into the Domelands

Weird ass ladder hammered into the tree located near the summit

Sirretta Summit, nice Class 2 or 3 scramble, a little difficult to get up with all the snow on the north slopes.

Nice rock pile at Sirretta Saddle
Looking out at the Sierra from the summit towards Olancha Peak

I wanna come next time!

Uncle Rico wrote: Thu Jun 12, 2025 7:27 am I assume you arrange shuttle service in Kernville?

Yep. My friend did all the work; I just showed up.

Uncle Rico wrote: Thu Jun 12, 2025 7:27 am Where's the pics of post-ride beverages at Kern River Brewing?

Oh no. I've been criminally negligent in this report and my documentation of the trip. Please don't tell my mother.

David: Thanks for the report! I always wonder what's off trail when I do these bike things.

Now this looks like a fun bike ride! I'd love to do one of these on the easier end of things.

Damnit I wanna go