01
Best close-to-home route
Kern River Parkway Trail
Kern River Through Bakersfield • Riverside Multi-Use Path • Best For Relaxed Mileage
A long greenbelt along the Kern River gives Lamont hikers easy access to miles of mostly flat walking, running, and biking paths.
Head north toward Bakersfield and you can hop on the Kern River Parkway from several parks, then follow the river on a mix of paved and dirt sections as far as your legs want to take you. It is ideal for casual walkers who still want some scenery, with water views, birdlife, and pockets of shade. Go early or in cooler months, as the exposed stretches can get hot and windy by midafternoon.
02
Best all-day adventure
Wind Wolves Preserve
San Emigdio Mountains Southwest Of Lamont • High-Country Nature Preserve • Best Spring Wildflower Hike
Rolling grasslands, a seasonal creek, and wide-open skies make this preserve feel like a far-flung getaway even though it is a straightforward drive from Lamont.
Wind Wolves offers a network of trails, but many locals aim for the San Emigdio Canyon area, where a gentle grade leads you along the creek into a broad, quiet valley. In good rain years, the hills explode with wildflowers in spring, and you are likely to spot raptors and other wildlife along the way. Check preserve hours before you go, and pack plenty of water and sun protection, as shade is limited once you leave the canyon trees.
03
Best escape from the heat
Tehachapi Mountain Park
Tehachapi Mountains East Of Lamont • Shaded Mountain Forest Park • Best For Cooler Summer Hikes
Pine-scented air, higher elevation, and a mix of short loops and longer routes make this park a go-to when the valley floor is baking.
Driving up toward Tehachapi quickly trades fields and orchards for oaks and pines, and at the park you will find cooler temperatures and quieter trails. Families can stick to the easier paths near the campgrounds, while more determined hikers can climb toward viewpoints like Miller Point for sweeping looks over the Tehachapi area. Expect patches of snow or mud in winter and early spring, and bring layers—temperatures can swing quickly at elevation.
04
Best quick-view hike
Panorama Park (The Bluffs)
North Bakersfield Bluffs • Urban Ridge-Top Park • Best Sunset Leg-Stretcher
Short dirt paths trace the top of the Kern River bluffs, giving you big views with minimal driving or effort.
From the bluff-top walkways at Panorama Park, you can wander along the rim on informal trails that dip in and out from the main path, taking in views over the riverbed and oil fields below. It is more of a scenic stroll than a backcountry trek, which makes it perfect when you only have an hour but still want to feel outside. Watch children and dogs near the edges, and time your visit for late afternoon if you want a sunset over the valley.
05
Best history-plus-hike outing
Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Grapevine Area Along I-5 • Historic Park With Oak Woodland Trails • Best For Families And History Buffs
An old army post at the base of the Grapevine pairs shady oak-lined paths with restored buildings and interpretive displays.
A short drive south on I-5 brings you to Fort Tejon, where you can start with a walk through the historic parade grounds and then wander onto the nearby nature trails. The paths wind through valley oaks and meadows, offering gentle elevation and a break from the freeway noise just beyond the trees. Plan this as a half-day trip, and check the forecast—summers can be hot, while winter storms sometimes dust the surrounding hills with snow.