01
Best lake views
Isabella Peak – Coso Mine Trail
Above Wofford Heights, North Shore Of Lake Isabella • Steep Lakeside Summit Trail • Best For Panoramic Views
A sustained climb leads to a rocky summit with big views over Lake Isabella, the Kern River Valley, and the surrounding ridgelines.
Starting high above Wofford Heights, this trail wastes no time gaining elevation as it switchbacks toward Isabella Peak and the old Coso mine site. The path is rocky and exposed, so it suits reasonably fit hikers who are comfortable with a steady uphill grind. Go early on warm days, bring plenty of water, and linger on top to pick out familiar landmarks around the lake.
02
Classic river canyon hike
Whiskey Flat Trail
Kernville, Along The Upper Kern River • Historic Riverside Canyon Trail • Best For Flexible Distance
A historic route that traces the Kern River upstream from Kernville, with easy options to turn around whenever you are ready.
Leaving right from town, Whiskey Flat lets you slip quickly into the feeling of backcountry without committing to a full-day trek. The narrow singletrack rolls above the river, passing old homestead sites, seasonal wildflowers, and side paths that drop toward inviting swimming holes when flows are safe. Most locals treat it as an out-and-back, turning around at a scenic bend rather than hiking the entire length.
03
Iconic giant sequoias
Trail of 100 Giants
Giant Sequoia National Monument, West Of The Kern River Valley • Paved And Packed-Dirt Sequoia Grove Loop • Best For Families And First-Time Visitors
A gentle loop through a dense grove of giant sequoias that delivers big-tree drama with very little effort.
An hour or so from Mountain Mesa, this short trail offers an easy intro to the towering sequoias that make the Southern Sierra famous. The route is mostly flat with interpretive signs, making it ideal for mixed-ability groups, kids, and anyone adjusting to the elevation. Expect crowds on summer weekends and plan a midweek or early-morning visit if you prefer a quieter walk among the trees.
04
Relaxed nature walk
Audubon Kern River Preserve
Weldon, East Of Mountain Mesa • Shaded Riparian Nature Paths • Best For Birdwatching
Flat trails along a lush stretch of the Kern River where cottonwoods, willows, and songbirds replace the usual lakefront bustle.
Just a short drive up the valley, this preserve feels pleasantly low-key compared with busier recreation spots around the lake. Short paths wind through river woodlands and open views over meadows, offering good chances to spot woodpeckers, raptors, and seasonal migrants. It is an easy place to stretch your legs at sunrise or sunset, especially when summer heat makes longer climbs less appealing.
05
Quiet backroads escape
Canebrake Ecological Reserve
Canebrake, Along Ca-178 East Of The Lake • Quiet Desert-To-Foothill Ramble • Best For Solitude
Lightly used trails and informal paths explore a transition zone where desert scrub gives way to creek-fed groves and Sierra foothills.
East of Mountain Mesa, the highway bends into the Canebrake area, where the scenery feels wilder and the traffic thins out. Here, mellow walks follow old tracks and game trails through brushy slopes and along a small creek, with wide-open views back toward the Kern River Valley. It is a good choice for hikers who value quiet over amenities and are comfortable with less signage and a more rugged feel.