01
Closest everyday escape
Kern River Parkway Trail
Kern River Corridor Through Bakersfield • Paved Riverside Greenbelt With Dirt Side Paths • Most Convenient From Greenacres
A long, mostly flat path along the Kern River that works for everything from easy strolls to longer training walks and runs.
From Greenacres, this is the quickest way to get your feet on a trail without leaving town, with multiple access points and plenty of room to stretch out. Stick to the paved path for an easy outing, or duck onto the dirt spurs closer to the river for a more natural feel and better birdwatching. Go early or near sunset in hot weather, as shade is limited along many stretches.
02
Best bluff and river views
Panorama Vista Preserve & Bakersfield Bluffs
Panorama Drive Bluffs, Northeast Bakersfield • Urban Bluff Singletrack Network • Best Sunset Views Over The City
A compact maze of dirt trails and overlooks where you can wander the bluffs above the Kern River and watch the light change over Bakersfield.
This preserve and the nearby bluffs offer short but surprisingly scenic loops, with rolling singletrack, scrubby hillsides, and wide views north toward the Kern River. It’s a local go-to for quick evening hikes, dog walks, and hill repeats when you want more elevation than the river path provides. Stay back from the edge of the bluffs and bring a headlamp if you plan to linger after sunset.
03
Best family-friendly foothill hike
Hart Memorial Park & Foothill Trails
Kern River County Park, Northeast Of Bakersfield • Lakeside Park With Steep Surrounding Hill Trails • Best For Mixed Groups And Picnics
Shady riverside paths and short but steep hill climbs make this an easy place to pair a hike with a picnic or playground time.
Hart Park gives you options: stay low near the ponds and river for a mellow walk, or follow informal trails up the surrounding hills for quick, calf-burning climbs and wider views. It’s ideal when part of the group wants to wander the paths while others relax at a table or grill. Watch for loose rock on the steeper slopes and bring extra water on warm days, as the hillsides are mostly exposed.
04
Best wildflower and wildlife outing
Wind Wolves Preserve
San Emigdio Canyon, South Of Bakersfield • Wildflower-Rich Canyon Preserve • Best Spring Day Trip
A vast conservation area with canyon, grassland, and creekside trails that feel surprisingly remote for being under an hour from town.
Wind Wolves is where locals head when they want a true open-space hike, especially in late winter and spring when hillsides turn green and wildflowers explode. Popular routes follow San Emigdio Canyon and nearby ridges, with chances to spot tule elk, raptors, and other wildlife along the way. Start early, carry more water than you think you need, and check seasonal access and route recommendations at the visitor area when you arrive.
05
Most memorable road-trip hike
Trail of 100 Giants
Giant Sequoia National Monument, Western Kern Plateau • High-Elevation Giant Sequoia Grove Loop • Iconic Summer Escape From The Heat
An easy loop through a grove of massive sequoias that delivers big-mountain scenery without requiring a full-day backcountry trek.
A bit of a drive from Greenacres, this trail rewards the effort with cool mountain air and a chance to wander among some of the largest trees on Earth. The path is mostly gentle and well-marked, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers while still feeling awe-inspiring. Combine it with a picnic or nearby viewpoints, and check road conditions and opening times before heading up, especially early or late in the season.