Kern Peak is a high summit in California’s southern Sierra Nevada, in Tulare County, rising 11,510 feet and standing west of Olancha Peak. Its roughly 2,560 feet of prominence makes it the state’s 49th most prominent peak. The mountain is notable not for a short ascent, but for the long hike required from any trailhead to reach the top. Climbers usually aim for May through October, when conditions are generally most favorable. Routes toward the summit pass several campsites near the South Fork Kern River, and camping in the Golden Trout Wilderness requires a permit that can be reserved in advance.