Listing Overview
Sierra South Mountain Sports
Sierra South Mountain Sports is an outdoor adventure company based in Kernville, California, about three hours north of Los Angeles. In addition to whitewater rafting, the company offers kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking trips. From spring through fall, guests can choose from half-day, full-day, and multi-day adventures designed for both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
What We Offer
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Whitewater Rafting
Lower Kern River Trips
- Lower Kern Half-Day Class II–III – A fun and scenic introduction to whitewater rafting, ideal for families, first-timers, and youth groups.
- Lower Kern Full-Day Class II–III – A longer adventure featuring more river time, beautiful scenery, and beginner-friendly rapids.
- Lower Kern Half-Day Class IV – A fast-paced rafting trip with exciting rapids and plenty of action.
- Lower Kern Full-Day Class IV – One of the Kern River’s most popular adventures, combining technical rapids with a full day on the water.
- Lower Kern Two-Day Class II–IV – An overnight rafting experience featuring whitewater, riverside camping, swimming, and unforgettable scenery.
Upper Kern River Trips
- Lickety Split Rafting Class II-III – A shorter rafting adventure perfect for visitors with limited time.
- Lickety Blaster Rafting Class II-III – A popular half-day trip packed with fun rapids and excitement.
- Upper Kern Half-Day Class IV – A challenging and action-packed trip for adventurous paddlers.
- Upper Kern Full-Day Class IV – Experience continuous whitewater and spectacular canyon scenery on this full-day adventure.
- Upper Kern Full-Day Class V – A challenging rafting experience for even the most seasoned rafters.
- Tube Rentals – 3 hour rentals. Enjoy a relaxing self-guided float on the Kern River.
Forks of the Kern Expeditions Class V
- Forks of the Kern Full-Day Class V – A demanding expedition through some of California’s most exciting whitewater for experienced thrill-seekers.
- Forks of the Kern Two-Day Rafting – An overnight, bucket-list whitewater expedition through one of the most iconic stretches of river in the United States.
Kayaking Instruction & Clinics
- Whitewater Kayaking 101
- Whitewater Kayaking 201
- Full-Day Private Kayak Instruction
- Half-Day Private Kayak Instruction
- Kayaking Lake/River Roll Clinics
- Total Kayaking Immersion 5-Day Program
Rock Climbing
Mountain Biking
Rowing Instruction
Specialty Programs
- Full-Day BSA Whitewater Merit Badge Rafting – Designed for Scout groups working toward Whitewater Merit Badge requirements.
- Cali Collective Clinics and Skills Development Programs
Justin Chapman
Sierra South is a great company that’s friendly even to beginners in the hobby! their staff is very friendly and helpful and was a blast to experience. i’d highly recommend anyone interested in rafting around the kern river to check them out. would love to go again with them sometime!
Ray
Friendly staff with an option to do many sections of the Kern depending on what the waters doing.
This is the most fun you can have in the Southern Sierras for spring, summer and fall.
Chris Storgion
Always a great time rafting with Sierra South. Can’ wait to get back on the mighty Kern!
Jace McQueen
Such a fun and memorable experience! The staff was professional, the trip was well-organized, and the rafting was an absolute blast. Perfect for both first-timers and adventure seekers. Would definitely go again!
Amanda
I had an amazing time rafting with Sierra South! The guides were friendly, professional, and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. The scenery was beautiful, and the whole experience was fun and well-organized from start to finish. I’d definitely recommend this company to anyone looking for a great outdoor adventure!
Alaska Gieseler
Sierra south is the best rafting company in Kernville in my opinion! Everyone is so kind ❤️ I love rafting
Sara Kennedy
Sierra South has knowledgeable staff that clearly love the Kern River! They take you on an incredible adventure down the Kern River that you will never forget. Sierra South keeps you safe and their staff is friendly out on the water and in their store!