World-class whitewater adventures –
Kern River Rafting
The best and closest rafting for Southern California
The Kern River
World-Class Southern California rafting – Award Winning Trips just three hours from Los Angeles
Welcome to Momentum On the Kern River
“I know it’s rare, but Momentum is a company that delivers everything they promise. I have been rafting with many outfitters but they set the standard. Great guides, great food, great gear, great times. We had an amazing trip…”
– Jon
We are a small guide owned and operated company offering adventure travel and whitewater rafting throughout the West. Our trips are done with a handcrafted quality and attention to detail, a focus on friendliness, personal service and comfort, and led by one of the most experienced (and friendly) guide staff’s in the world.
Including rafting trips on Southern California’s Kern River. The Kern is a world-class playground for rafting and outdoor adventure right in the Los Angeles area’s backyard (the closest rafting to Los Angeles). Combining world-class whitewater, with beautiful stretches of high desert canyon cutting through the Sierra foothills, and a staggering number of rafting options.
Our Kern trips range from mild class III 1/2 day trips that are a perfect introduction to whitewater, to one of the West’s best summer 1-day trips, to 3-day journeys down the Class V Forks of the Kern (the most spectacular Class V wilderness trip in the West), to our 2-Day Kern River Safari, which was featured in Travel + Leisure and combines Class IV excitement with a comfortable night in our award-winning safari-inspired riverside camp.
No matter the place or style, all of our trips are a mix of service, relaxation, excitement, and wild beauty – a chance to step out of civilization for a short time and step into a more simple and uncomplicated life. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced paddler, join us for an amazing trip on Southern California’s Kern River.
Our most popular trip
Active, Comfortable, & with an Award Winning Camp
Two Day Kern Rafting Safari
Class II, III & IV. With a beautiful high desert canyon, high adventure rapids, and an ultra-comfortable ‘safari style’ backcountry camp (think glamping), our two-day Kern river trip is one of the most unique trips in the west (featured in Travel + Leisure). Join us for some of the country’s best summer whitewater and a unique safari-style riverside retreat – all a short drive from LA. Minimum age of 12 years old.
Sun – Fri: $700 / person. Sat: $750 / person
Day and Half Day Kern Trips:
Options for first-time rafters, experts, and everyone in between. The Kern offers a staggering number of rafting options ranging from mild class III runs to some of the most spectacular Class V rafting in the West.
Prices range from $99 to $325
Where is the Kern River?
Although the Kern is a wild river with remote sections, it is remarkably accessible. The Kernville area is a short 3 hour drive from the Los Angeles area, 4 hours from Palm Springs, and there are direct flights to nearby Bakersfield from cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Denver. River trips can be combined with time exploring Historic Kernville and Sequoia National Park, as well as enjoying world class fly fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.
>> Directions to our Kern River Rafting Center
Five Star Experience
More five-star reviews than any other rafting company in Southern California.
And featured in:
Why Choose Momentum for your Kern River rafting trip?
We are an award-winning guide owned and operated outfitter. You will enjoy world-class rafting trips with unparalleled personal service, a handcrafted quality and attention to detail, and one of the most experienced (and friendly) guide staff’s in the world. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced paddler, join us for a Kern River rafting trip like no other.