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Somewhat overshadowed by the typically excellent climbing in the area, Kernville Dome makes for a fun weekend trip none the less. Offering up mostly moderate sport, trad, and mixed routes that vary in height from 50' to upwards of two pitches. From what I have heard this area serves as a training ground for many of the local guide service rock climbing classes, which would be verified by the many TR anchors which abound in the area. I have heard that Vogels-Southern Sierra Rock Climbing has formal beta on this area, though I have never actually read it. All the ratings mentioned here are based on my experience...and hopefully someone else who has the book or beta can update the information on here. The dome has many old rusted bolts, so use extreme caution when choosing your route. There has definitly been recent re-bolting activity and the new bolts appeared to be well placed and not over or under bolted. All of the belay / rap anchors had either rings or chains with epoxy'd quick links. In some areas, it was easy to determine the grade of the climbs even without beta...in others, it was deceiving. The climbing is almost all slab with lots of tiny crimps and friction, but there are a few nice cracks to offer up some excellent trad climbing. When you are not climbing...drop the kayaks into the Kern River and paddle some Class III rapids immediately across the road from the dome.
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