01
Best overall pick
Mill Creek Trail
Foothills Above Bodfish • Steady Canyon Climb Through Classic Sierra Foothills • Go-To Bodfish Trail For Strong Hikers
A long, consistently climbing singletrack that leaves right from the Bodfish side of Kern Canyon and feels wild within minutes.
Mill Creek is the closest thing Bodfish has to a backyard big hike: a well-worn trail that just keeps climbing into open hillsides and oak-studded ridges. The grade is steady, so you can turn around whenever you’ve had your fill or push higher for quieter stretches and wider Kern River views. Go early on warm days; there’s some shade in the lower canyon, but the upper sections feel exposed by midday.
02
Best lake-and-mountain views
Isabella Peak Trail
Above Lake Isabella Near Wofford Heights • Summit Hike With Panoramic Lake Vistas • Top Pick For First-Time Visitors
A moderate but punchy climb to a rocky summit that puts all of Lake Isabella and the surrounding Sierra within one sweeping view.
From the trailhead above Wofford Heights, the Isabella Peak trail wastes little time gaining elevation, trading effort for bigger and bigger looks at the lake below. The summit area is a mix of granite outcrops and open slopes, ideal for a long break and photos in clear weather. It’s a crowd-pleaser route: long enough to feel like a real hike but short enough to fit into a half day from Bodfish.
03
Best short outing
Remington Hot Springs Trail
Kern River Canyon North Of Bodfish • Quick Riverside Path With Hot Springs Access • Relaxed Option For Casual Hikers
A short, slightly rocky path dropping from the roadside down to the Kern River and the popular Remington Hot Springs pools.
This isn’t a big-mile hike, but it’s a classic local leg-stretcher if you’re driving the canyon or easing into Kern River country. The walk down is steep enough to get your heart rate up on the way back, with canyon walls and river noise making it feel more remote than it is. Go early or on weekdays if you want a quieter soak, as the springs and riverbank can be busy in peak season.
04
Best history-meets-scenery loop
Coso Mine Loop Trail
Hills Above Lake Isabella • Historic Mining Loop With Rolling Terrain • Great Choice For Curious Hikers
A varied loop that mixes mellow grades, old mine relics, and long looks back toward Lake Isabella and the surrounding hills.
The Coso Mine Loop feels like a walking tour of the area’s mining past set against big open country. Remnants of old operations dot the hillsides, while the trail itself weaves through brushy slopes and pockets of shade, never getting too steep for long. It’s a good pick if you want more than a simple out-and-back and like your hikes with a bit of local story baked in.
05
Best workout with ridge views
Remington Ridge Trail to Lightner Peak
Ridge Above Kern River Canyon • Strenuous Ridge Climb With Expansive Vistas • Challenging Route For Experienced Hikers
A sustained climb from the canyon up to a high ridge, rewarded with far-reaching views over the Kern River corridor and surrounding mountains.
If you’re looking for a true leg burner near Bodfish, the Remington Ridge trail delivers, stacking up elevation gain quickly as it switchbacks away from the river. Once on the crest, the scenery opens in both directions, with Lightner Peak and the rolling spine of the ridge framing the Kern below. Plan for an early start, bring plenty of water, and treat this as a full outing rather than a casual stroll.