Annual Halloween Packsaddle Cave Hike

Join us for what has become an annual event with our hiking group. Packsaddle Cave Trail is a 5 to 6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located 16 miles north of Kernville. It's rated as moderate to strenuous if you are not in hiking shape.

The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and trail running and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Hike begins about 16 miles north of Kernville on Mtn. 99. Just north of the Fairview Campground. Trail climbs 3 miles to the cave. Bring a flashlight to explore the cave to see the remaining stalactites and stalagmites . Trail gains elevation fairly constantly with a 1170 ft gain to cross the ridge/saddle. Along this incline you can see deer brush, manzanita, live oak, digger pine and sagebrush. Trail dips down to the creek - crossing it about three times. I recommend long pants and sleeves, as there is often poison oak sightings along the creek. The cave is large and fun to explore with stalactites and stalagmites, so bring a good flashlight. The trail is mostly exposed, so bring a hat and water.

We will meet at Sierra Gateway Market, 13432 Sierra Way in Kernville at 8:33am, departing promptly at 8:40 and carpool/caravan to the trailhead from there. We will park next to McNally's Restaurant on the Kern River. We will start hiking at 9:00am, or shortly there after. This hike usually averages about four hours, so we should be done before 2:00pm.

*** WAIVER OF LIABILITY *** The Organizers and members in this group are not professional trip guides. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Kern Valley Hiking Club Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities.

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