Southern Sierra Fat Tire Tour
"A Rugged, Singletrack Adventure through the Sequoia National Forest"-Kevin Talley
The Southern Sierra Fat Tire Tour (SSFTT) kicks off in Bakersfield, California at Grizzly Cycles—your adventure-focused hub for custom builds and bikepacking gear. Whether you're gearing up for your first bikepacking trip or chasing your next big challenge, this route promises an unforgettable ride. Leaving town, riders will follow the Kern River, mirroring its winding path before crossing over—marking the true beginning of their backcountry tour. The climb into the Sequoia National Forest isn’t just about elevation—it’s about immersion. Notice how the scent of chaparral fades into pine, how the landscape shifts from rolling foothills to towering trees.
Pure Singletrack Bliss – This 200-mile route connects Kern County’s finest trails, including Just Outstanding, Portuguese Pass, Tobias Creek Trail, Cannell Trail, Keyesville, Kern River Trail, Badger Gap, and Rancheria Road to tie it all together.
Built for the Bold – With 27,000 feet of elevation gain, limited resupply points, and remote terrain, the SSFTT is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders. A 2.0 inch tire or larger with solid tread is a must—especially for tackling the IMBA Epic Cannell Trail.
4-6 Days of True Backcountry Riding – Expect plenty of singletrack, grueling climbs, and rewarding descents. Don't forget spare brake pads for the legendary 4,000-foot plunge into Kernville, where a cold brew from Kern River Brewing Company awaits.
Grand Depart: November 21, 2025 – This route is always open, but for those looking for camaraderie, challenge, and shared adventure, the official group departure kicks off on November 21, 2025. This isn’t just a ride—it’s a test of grit, a celebration of backcountry exploration, and the ultimate connection to Kern County’s wildest singletrack. Load up your bags, dial in your setup, and prepare for the Southern Sierra Fat Tire Tour.
Experience Kern County’s Storied Past on Two Wheels
Imagine setting off from Bakersfield at Grizzly Cycles, not just as a starting point for a bikepacking journey, but as an entry into a landscape steeped in history. As you leave the urban comfort behind and follow the meandering Kern River, you’re traversing a waterway once dubbed the "Rio de San Felipe" by early Spanish explorers. This river was a lifeline for the native peoples—such as the Tubatulabal and the Yokuts—whose presence in the region spans thousands of years. Artifacts like obsidian arrowheads and remnants of ancient campsites are silent storytellers of a time when the river provided not only water but also sustenance and cultural connection.
Climbing from the floodplains into the Sequoia National Forest, your ascent is as much a journey through time as it is in elevation. The dense groves of ancient giant sequoias have witnessed the passage of generations. In the mid-1800s, as the California Gold Rush lured adventurers and fortune seekers to wild, uncharted lands, these very forests played host to intrepid prospectors and loggers. Trails that are now famous for their singletrack flow were once the rough paths carved by those early pioneers whose sweat and determination laid the groundwork for today’s outdoor adventures. As you navigate iconic segments like Just Outstanding, Portuguese Pass, Tobias Creek Trail, Cannell Trail, and Keyesville, notice the markers of history along every turn. The Cannell Trail, now recognized as an IMBA Epic, echoes with the energy of miners and settlers who once braved similar descents into Kernville—a town that evolved from its wild origins as a mining camp known as “Whiskey Flat.” The steep, adrenaline-pumping plunge into Kernville is a modern-day nod to those early days, when descent and rapid change were part of the journey toward civilization.
Even the natural landscape tells its own historical tale. The flora and fauna of Kern County—the sturdy pines, the whispering grasses along the marshlands, and the golden trout that once called the Kern River home—complement the human heritage of this region. The interplay of native plant life and animal habitats was essential for indigenous communities, who used every resource with reverence. Later, conservation efforts in the early 20th century began to protect these critical ecosystems, ensuring that the very trails you ride would remain timeless corridors of natural beauty and historical resonance.
Today, every pedal stroke on the Southern Sierra Fat Tire Tour is a chance to relive the layered history of Kern County. Riding through these storied landscapes, you’re not just challenging your physical limits—you’re connecting with a heritage that spans from ancient native traditions, through colonial encounters, to the rugged spirit of the Gold Rush and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or an intrepid newcomer, let the echoes of the past inform your ride, making every climb and descent part of an epic narrative that only Kern County can deliver.
Join the Southern Sierra Fat Tire Tour 2025
Grand Depart: November 21, 2025
Start Location: Grizzly Cycles, Bakersfield, CA
Distance: 200 miles
Elevation Gain: 27,000 feet
Ride Kern County’s finest singletrack, tackle rugged climbs, and experience the rich history of the Southern Sierra. This self-supported bikepacking event is the perfect test of grit and adventure.
For full details, route maps, and updates, visit the official event page on Bikepacking.com.
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Disclaimer:
By participating in the Southern Sierra Fat Tire Tour (SSFTT), whether riding individually or joining the Grand Depart, you acknowledge and accept that this event is entirely self-supported and undertaken at your own risk.
Grizzly Cycles and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries, accidents, damages, losses, or unforeseen circumstances that may arise before, during, or after the ride. Riders assume full responsibility for their own safety, well-being, and preparedness throughout the event.
This route traverses remote terrain with limited resupply points, challenging elevations, and technical singletrack. Proper planning, experience, and sound judgment are essential. By joining, each participant acknowledges that they assume all risks associated with bikepacking and backcountry travel.
Ride smart. Be prepared. Respect the land.