01
Best all-around adventure
Wind Wolves Preserve
Southwest Of Bakersfield In The San Emigdio Mountains • Expansive Mountain Preserve • Best All-Day Escape
A huge, free nature preserve with rolling hills, seasonal wildflowers, and trails for every energy level.
About 45 minutes southwest of Rexland Acres, Wind Wolves feels like you’ve driven into a different world of wide-open grasslands and oak-dotted hills. Trails range from mellow creek-side walks to steeper canyon climbs, so you can match the route to your group. Start early in warm months, bring plenty of water, and plan extra time just to sit and enjoy the views.
02
Classic local outing
Hart Memorial Park
Northeast Bakersfield Foothills • Classic Riverfront County Park • Best For Families
Green lawns and shady riverside picnic spots give way to hilly trails with surprising views over the Kern River canyon.
Just over 30 minutes from Rexland Acres, Hart Park is where many locals go when they want a mix of easy strolling and short, punchy climbs. You can start on the flat paths around the ponds, then head up the surrounding hills for wider views and a bit of a workout. It’s a great choice for groups where some people want to relax and others want to explore.
03
Best quick view hike
Panorama Park (The Bluffs)
Panorama Drive Bluffs Above The Kern River • Urban Bluff Overlook With Dirt Paths • Quick Sunset Hike
Short dirt trails trace the edge of the bluffs with wide views across the Kern River and the oilfields beyond.
Panorama Park is an easy 15–20 minute drive north from Rexland Acres and works perfectly when you only have an hour. You can walk the paved path along the bluff edge, then dip onto side dirt trails for a more trail-like feel. Go at sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures and the best light over the river corridor.
04
Most natural-feeling in-town trail
Panorama Vista Preserve
Kern River Floodplain Near East Bakersfield • Restored Riparian Nature Preserve • Bird-Watching Favorite
Winding dirt paths through native plantings make this riverside preserve feel surprisingly wild for being so close to town.
Drop down from the bluff area and you’ll find a network of mellow trails at Panorama Vista Preserve, about 20 minutes from Rexland Acres. The routes loop through restored habitat along the Kern River, with plenty of birds, cottonwood trees, and seasonal wildflowers. It’s mostly flat, making it a good option for a relaxed morning walk or a family-friendly nature outing.
05
Best everyday workout
Kern River Parkway Trail
Along The Kern River Through Bakersfield • Multi-Use Riverside Path And Greenbelt • Best For Walking And Biking
A long paved path with access to dirt spurs, perfect for steady walks, runs, or bike rides near the river.
From Rexland Acres it’s a short drive to several access points along the Kern River Parkway, giving you a lot of flexibility in distance. Stick to the paved trail for an easy, predictable route, or explore unpaved side paths where the river and trees muffle the city noise. Go early on hot days and you’ll see plenty of locals using it as their daily dose of outdoor time.