Here is a link to a trip I led in there back in '06.
http://www.outdoorsclub.org/event.php?event_id=10939NOTE the associated tab for pictures!
A dryer year, and I remember thinking that I wouldn't want to do it any later, it was already getting warm. This was along the Kern River.
We drove up the night before the hike began, and stayed at the Long Valley Campground, accessed via Canebrake Road off of 178:
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/Recreation_opportunities/CPSRMA_Campgrounds.htmlWe then drove about 7 miles up the road, to a parking area very near an old road out of Rockhouse, that was to be our exit route. We then hiked a couple of miles further up the road, to meet up with the PCT, which we followed down into the Basin. The streams were dried up, so we headed cross country over to the Kern River, and made a makeshift camp. Next day, hiked back down steam 5 miles or so, past the intersection with the exit trail, to a nice campsite. Next morning, hiked out, was to the cars by 11am.
Lotsa snakes! You need to filter the water here, it is known for it's giardia contamination.
Generally, a very nice trip.
