Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield, California is a must-visit destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. From scenic trails to engaging outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. The Kern River Parkway, the Kern River Preserve, and the Kern River Sierra Recreational Area provide the best hiking spots. Adventurers can also try kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and camping. Must-visit attractions include the Kern County Museum, the Fox Theater, and the Kern River Golf Course. So, pack your bags and get ready for an amazing outdoor adventure!

Top Spots in and near Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California
Oak Flat Lookout

4.0

/ 80 ft gain

Spend a few nights under the stars in a unique piece of outdoor history. The Oak Flat Lookout, constructed in 1934, was once staffed by rangers providing critical wild life management services on watch for wildfires in the surrounding Sequoia National Forest through the 1980s. The Oak Flat lookou...
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Bakersfield, California
Hike the Mill Creek Trail to Breckenridge Road

7.5 mi / 3000 ft gain

Starting at about 2000 elevation this hike is very gentle and nice for the first 2 miles. On the third mile it is a steep climb with short lengths of level ground the rest of the way. The junction at Breckenridge Road is at about 5500 elevation. If you hit the trail in the winter, there are some ...
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Bakersfield, California
Hike the San Emigdio Trail in the Wind Wolves Preserve

4.0

5 mi / 200 ft gain

This area is a family friendly hiking area for beginners. The farthest place to hike on the map is call Reflection Pond and is about a 7 mile hike out and back. The main trail called San Emigdio Trail runs right next to a stream the whole time. It is a really nice area for a day hike to find some...
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Kern County, California
Remington Ridge Trail

11.45 mi / 3927 ft gain

To get to the trailhead, take Highway 178 and turn onto Borel Road, then turn onto Kern Canyon Road and follow the road. It might be easiest to put the Hot Springs into Google Maps and use that to navigate you to the parking lot. Park in the lot and walk across the road, where you'll see a sign l...
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Kern County, California
Remington Hot Springs

2.0

0.27 mi / 36 ft gain

...One thing about hot springs is that no matter where it may be, they always bring an attraction of people. I can honestly say I don't think I've ever been to a hot spring that didn't gather more then 20+ people in a single sitting. I mean, in all seriousness aside, what's not to like about a ba...
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Posey, California
Sunday Peak Trail

1.64 mi / 1060 ft gain

This short and easy summit is located just outside of Kernville, California. To get there, follow Highway 178 towards Kernville and turn left on Highway 155 towards Wofford Heights. After a long, steep incline you’ll reach the top of Greenhorn Summit, marked by large parking areas on either side....
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Frazier Park, California
Hike to Conder Observatory (Mt. Piños) from the Nordic Ski Hut

3.32 mi / 457 ft gain

Any drive up the I-405N or I-5N is going to result in some pain: Either you leave early enough to avoid traffic, or you are sitting in some slowness for a while. But once you turn onto Frazier Mountain Road from the interstate, you are in a completely different world. It could be 85° in Los Angel...
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Kernville, California
Hike up Powers Peak in Kernville

10 mi / 3200 ft gain

High Level Details: ~10 Miles Round Trip~3,200 feet total elevation gain for tripTrailhead elevation: 2,811 feetHighest Point on the trail: Powers Peak, 5,778 feetEstimated Time to complete: 4-5 hoursNo water source along the way, so bring plenty of water Dog friendly? Yes! We love bringing Linco...
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Kernville, California
Camp at Lower Springhill

The Lower Springhill Campground is a primitive campsite situated along the Kern River in the southern area of Sequoia National Forest. Since this is a primitive campground, there is no potable water, bathrooms or garbage service. You must pack out what you bring in.The campground is easily access...
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Kernville, California
Dispersed Camp along Salmon Creek in Sequoia NF

There are several dispersed campsites found throughout the Sequoia National Forest. The majority can be found by driving on any of the OHV accessible roads. This particular campsite can be found at coordinates 35.89759, -118.4628. In order to get to the campsite, use Google Maps to get you to the...
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Porterville, California
Trail of 100 Giants

1.44 mi / 226 ft gain

Located off the M-90 (closed from Nov.-May) in the Sequoia National Forest, the Trail of 100 Giants provides a perfect stroll for nearby campers or a quick 30-minute stop for families driving by to get a glimpse of some truly awe-inspiring, overhead views. $5 day parking and restrooms can be fo...
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Lake Hughes, California
Hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Horse Trail to Bear Campground

11.63 mi / 2396 ft gain

This is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. If you're through-hiking or sectional hiking, you'll have to hit it eventually. Try and avoid it in the late summer or early fall because of heat, and gnats. Find a way to check the bug report, we got marauded by gnats 90% of the way (early October) and ap...
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Porterville, California
Camp at Redwood Meadow

Situated right across the street from the stunning Trail of 100 Giants, Redwood Meadows features 13 spacious campsites adjacent to a picturesque meadow. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and six yurt sites available for those who wish to bring some of the great indoors outside. Pit toilets ar...
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Santa Margarita, California
Photograph Wildflowers at Carrizo Plain National Monument

5.0

Driving in from Hwy 58 East, you will be passing through a grapevine, and through some hills. Once you hit the Seven Mile Road, you will start to see fields of yellow flowers all around you - this is where the adventure starts. Just continue to drive along the road until you find a great spot to ...
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