Kern County, California
Looking for the best chillin in Kern County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Kern County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Chillin Spots in and near Kern County
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Bakersfield, California
Oak Flat Lookout
4.0/ 80 ft gainSpend 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...Read more -
Kern County, California
Remington Ridge Trail
11.45 mi / 3927 ft gainTo 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...Read more -
Kern County, California
Remington Hot Springs
2.00.27 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...Read more -
Lancaster, California
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
5.02 mi / 900 ft gainIf you're going during wildflower season, start your adventure at the visitors center at the end of 150th St. W. Parking in the lot outside the visitors center is $10, but there is ample street parking that is free. In the visitors center you can read more about the reserve, plan your hike, and s...Read more -
Bakersfield, California
Hike the San Emigdio Trail in the Wind Wolves Preserve
4.05 mi / 200 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Kern County, California
Camp Under Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is a must stop for those driving along Highway 14 between the Owens and Antelope Valleys. The park is located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevada converge with the El Paso Range and features scenic desert cliffs, buttes, and spectacular rock formations. Each tributary ...Read more -
Santa Clarita, California
Hike to Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument
3.2 mi / 153 ft gainThe Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument, established in 2019, memorializes the site where the Saint Francis Dam, built by famed engineer William Mulholland, collapsed in 1929, tragically killing more than 400 people in the middle of the night as a 150+ foot wave of water crashed through ...Read more -
Kern County, California
Off-Road to McIver's Cabin
5.0A little over 2 hours north of LA on Highway 14, there is an abrupt turnoff for Horse Canyon Road, which is also SC65. Just a few hundred meters off the 14 there is a large map which you continue straight by and follow SC65 for about 7 miles, along relatively flat dirt roads. The trail does bec...Read more -
Kernville, California
Hike up Powers Peak in Kernville
10 mi / 3200 ft gainHigh 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...Read more -
Castaic, California
Paddle Castaic Lake State Recreational Area
6 miCastaic Lake is a man made reservoir located 41 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, CA in the town of Castaic. Made up of two bodies of water, separated by a 425-foot dam, Upper and Lower Castaic Lakes have a combined 29 miles of shoreline forming the Castaic Lake State Recreational Area. The s...Read more -
Posey, California
Sunday Peak Trail
1.64 mi / 1060 ft gainThis 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....Read more -
Agua Dulce, California
Vasquez Rocks
5.02.42 mi / 367 ft gainThis is a Natural Park Area located in Santa Clarita, within the Sierra Pelona Mountains. It features amazing diagonal rock formations, created because of the force between two tectonic plates pushing against each other. This place is a photographer's paradise, and every spot in this 900+ acre l...Read more -
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...Read more