01
Best big-sky adventure
Caliente Ridge Trail, Carrizo Plain National Monument
East Of Mckittrick In Carrizo Plain • High Ridge Out-And-Back Hike With Sweeping Views • Best For Wide-Open Vistas
A long, airy ridge walk that gives you huge views across the Carrizo Plain, Temblor Range, and San Andreas Fault country.
Starting high and staying high, Caliente Ridge Trail feels remote in the best way, with rolling hills and sky in every direction. On clear days you can see the checkerboard of the valley floor, distant ranges, and in spring a patchwork of wildflowers. Be ready for sun, wind, and a real sense of solitude once you leave the trailhead behind.
02
Best easy wildflower walk
Soda Lake Boardwalk & Overlook
North End Of Carrizo Plain • Flat Lakeshore Boardwalk And Short Viewpoint Stroll • Best For Casual Walkers And Photographers
A gentle boardwalk and short path lead you along the edge of shimmering Soda Lake, with big skies and birdlife on full display.
This short walk is all about subtle details and wide horizons, from the crunchy white alkali flats to the shifting reflections on the lake. In a good wildflower year, the surrounding hills explode in color, making the overlook a must-stop for photos. It is an easy, family-friendly way to experience the heart of Carrizo Plain without committing to a long hike.
03
Best full-day hiking preserve
Wind Wolves Preserve
South Of Mckittrick Off Highway 166 • Valley Preserve With Canyon, Meadow, And Creekside Trails • Best For Varied Terrain And Longer Outings
A vast private preserve with well-marked trails that climb from grassy valley floor into folded foothills and shady creek corridors.
Wind Wolves offers a very different feel from the dry plains around McKittrick, with seasonal creeks, oaks, and long views back across the San Joaquin Valley. You can choose anything from a mellow canyon walk to a punchy climb that rewards you with ridge-top panoramas. It is a great choice when you want a full day of exploring without ever repeating the same scenery twice.
04
Best family-friendly wildlife stroll
Tule Elk State Natural Reserve
North Of Mckittrick Near Buttonwillow • Short Interpretive Trails Through Grassland And Wetlands • Best For Wildlife Viewing And Kids
A compact reserve where short paths and viewing areas give you a good chance of spotting tule elk and other valley wildlife.
The walking here is easy, but the setting is special: this is one of the few places where California’s native tule elk were brought back from the brink. Simple dirt and gravel paths loop around viewing areas and interpretive signs explain the region’s ecology. Bring binoculars, move quietly, and you may see elk moving across the grasslands or waterfowl working the ponds.
05
Best close-to-town river walk
Kern River Parkway Trail
Along The Kern River In Bakersfield • Multi-Use Riverfront Path With Adjacent Dirt Tracks • Best For Easy Access And Quick Outings
A long green corridor along the Kern River where you can mix paved path with informal dirt trails for a customizable walk or run.
For a break from driving and oilfield roads, the Kern River Parkway gives you shade trees, river views, and a steady place to stretch your legs. Stay on the paved path for an easy stroll or drop onto side tracks closer to the water for a more natural feel. It is especially pleasant in the cooler hours, when local walkers, runners, and cyclists are out enjoying the river breeze.