This long, winding trail begins near the eastern shore of Pine Flat Reservoir. It then leads east on the south bank of the Kings River along an unmarked dirt road, traveling above the river and then alongside it. High-clearance vehicles are preferred since the trail is a dirt road mingled with rocks, steep grades, water crossings and deep ruts in the road that could make clearance a concern in a normal passenger vehicle.
These two trails run parallel to one another. Rattlesnake Creek trail is the shorter of the two with moderate to difficult passage over varying elevation. Both trails begin at Bald Mountain Saddle just off Sherman Pass Road. Rattlesnake Creek is made up of hill climbs that trundle over creek bottoms. It connects with Rattlesnake Trail as well as Beach Trail near Bonita Creek.
Rattlesnake Trail is 10 miles long and considered difficult with varying elevation, steep slopes and creek crossings and is best suited for advanced riders. To reach both trails, travel north on Mtn. 99 and turn right onto Sherman Pass Road. Both trails are open year-round.
The elevation for this trail is 9,600 feet over difficult terrain. Only those with expert 4WD techniques should attempt it. It is not recommended for long wheel base vehicles. The trail runs 6.8 miles through steep, narrow, rocky descents over gravel. It starts just north of Bonita Meadow and ends near the Kern River. Access is found by traveling north on Mtn. 99 and turning right onto Sherman Pass Road. It's open year-round.
This long trail traverses Piute Mountain, running from Kelso to Rancheria Creek Valleys. The roughly graded dirt road climbs steadily through a pinyon and juniper forest. It then enters a pine forest on top of the plateau and narrows to a single-lane dirt road as it enters Sequoia National Forest. From this trail you can explore many other side trails with your Jeep. In several places, it crosses the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
This trail is mainly single vehicle width and runs through Sequoia National Forest, traveling along the north side of Solo Peak. It passes Coy Flat campground with shady sites under large pine trees. The trail then turns to graded dirt and follows a shelf road through dense forest. You can find huge red-barked sequoias along the trail. Access the trail at California 190 near Camp Nelson.
