01
Best riverfront stroll
Kern River Parkway Trail
Along The Kern River In Bakersfield • Paved And Dirt Riverfront Greenway • Best Everyday Walk
A long, mostly flat path following the Kern River that’s easy to jump onto from southwest Bakersfield for quick walks or casual bike-friendly hikes.
For anyone living around Old Stine, the Parkway is the easiest way to feel like you’ve escaped town without really leaving it. Start from The Park at River Walk or one of the neighborhood access points and follow the river as far as you like, mixing paved sections with dirt side paths. Early mornings and golden hour bring cooler temps, birdlife, and some of the best light on the water and cottonwoods.
02
Best bluff views
Panorama Vista Preserve
Northeast Bakersfield Bluffs • Open Bluffside Preserve With Singletrack • Best For Sunrise And Sunset Views
Dirt trails loop across restored river bluffs above the Kern, offering open-sky views, quick climbs, and a wilder feel than most in-town walks.
Panorama Vista is where locals go when they want real dirt underfoot without committing to a long drive. The crisscrossing trails let you stitch together short loops or a longer walk, with enough up-and-down to feel like a workout. Come at first light or near sunset for expansive views over the river corridor and the city spread out below.
03
Classic local day out
Hart Memorial Park & Kern River County Park
Foothills Northeast Of Bakersfield • Lakeside And Foothill Trails In A County Park • Best Family Picnic-And-Hike Combo
A traditional Kern County park with ponds, picnic areas, and access to hills and riverbank trails that can be as easy or as challenging as you make them.
Hart Park is a step up from in-town greenbelts, with foothill terrain that gives you a taste of the mountains without the long drive. Stroll around the ponds, follow the river, or head up the surrounding hills on informal paths for wider views and a bit of elevation. It’s an easy pick when you want to mix hiking with grilling, fishing, or letting kids run around between short outings on the trail.
04
Wildest nearby escape
Wind Wolves Preserve
San Emigdio Canyon South Of Bakersfield • Expansive Wildlife Preserve In Desert Foothills • Best Spring Wildflower Adventure
A vast preserve of rolling hills, canyons, and seasonal streams with well-marked trails that feel a world away from town.
Wind Wolves is the spot locals recommend when you ask for a real hike without heading all the way to the high Sierra. Trails like the San Emigdio Canyon route wander through oak savanna, grasslands, and shaded creek corridors, with wildflowers putting on a show in good years. Plan a half or full day, bring plenty of water, and be ready for big open views, wildlife sightings, and minimal shade on many stretches.
05
Iconic road-trip hike
Trail of 100 Giants
Giant Sequoia National Monument In The Southern Sierra • High-Elevation Sequoia Grove Boardwalk Loop • Best Big-Tree Day Trip
A relatively easy loop through a mature sequoia grove that turns a drive into the mountains into a memorable, family-friendly hike.
When you’re ready to trade valley heat for cooler mountain air, the Trail of 100 Giants makes a rewarding day trip from the Old Stine area. The path winds between enormous sequoias on a mostly gentle route, with short side spurs to especially impressive trees and downed giants. Go early in the day, especially on summer weekends, and give yourself time to explore nearby pullouts or picnic spots along the drive back toward Kernville and Bakersfield.