Climbing Near Kennedy Meadows, California

Radiant Dome features high quality granite trad climbs in the beautiful, secluded, Domelands wilderness. Although many routes on the east face have been climbed (and can be found in the Vernon/Moser guide), there is potential for new 1-4 pitch routes on the northwest and western faces. Radiant, and the adjacent domes may be approached from either Kennedy meadows or Manter Meadow. From the Kennedy Meadow trailhead, head south along the Kern river, staying on the west bank. Cross the junction of the Kern and Fish Creek, then follow Trout creek upstream to the eastern side of the domes. Make sure to bring the USGS topo "Rockhouse Basin", as well as "Kennedy Meadows"

This nicely secluded crag is situated not that far off Sherman Pass Road, up on the Kern Plateau proper. The area can be windy and cold in the fall and spring but for the most part, it's an ideal area during the summer months. Mostly sport ranging from 5.7 to 5.11. Take the 395 North to the Nine Mile Canyon Rd. Turn left and climb Nine Mile Canyon Rd. Drive about 20 to 25 miles to the Kennedy Meadows store. From the store, continue on Sherman Pass road approximately 15 miles until you get to Fish Creek Campground on your left. (Pay FS CG with H20 and pit toilets) on your right you'll find the free camping, “overflow” the trailhead is back 1 mile. Just before the end of the road you can find lots of camping- down by the creek are smaller sites that are best for car camping. Room for car parking at the end of the dirt road. Two trails lead to the rock. When the water is high, cross the steel bridge and hike up a faint trail sticking close to the stream. OR if water is low don’t cross bridge and pickup a well used trail, go over an interesting talus field, and follow it till you have almost gone past the crag and cross creek. Do this and you end up at the left end of the crag. At the start of Lichen It. It about a 10 minute hike. 

Located at 7,700' elevation in the northern reaches of the Domelands Wilderness, Columbia Dome is one of the larger formations in the area at ~800' high. It is home to the mega-classic must-do route "Kaopectate Blues" and when combined with a couple other nearby routes it makes for a worthy overnight outing. Mostly north-facing with some glancing sun depending on the aspect. Fall is probably the best time to go, as it is likely too hot to climb there by the time Sherman Pass road opens in the summer. Water is available at Trout Creek and/or the unnamed tributary stream ~1/2 mile from the dome. A pump/filter is advised. From Sherman Pass road, follow the Woodpecker Meadow trail as it descends down to Trout Creek (~3.75 miles with 2,000' elevation loss). The trail is poorly maintained and severely overgrown in places, and a GPS track and map can be quite handy (Google Earth KML files for all the Domelands trails are available for download on their wordpress website). Cross Trout Creek and continue along the trail for another mile before heading cross country down towards the East. We set up camp at ~6,400' along the unnamed tributary stream just north of the dome. The final 1/2 mile gains 800' up steep, loose sand and brush. Total approach is ~6 miles.