01
Best overall pick
Wind Wolves Preserve
San Emigdio Foothills South Of Bakersfield • Expansive Valley-To-Canyon Preserve With Seasonal Streams • Best Mix Of Scenery And Wildlife
Rolling grasslands give way to a shady canyon hike with wide-open views and frequent wildlife sightings.
The main canyon trail here is a local favorite, starting in big-sky pastureland before narrowing into a creek-lined ravine with oaks and sycamores. In late winter and spring, wildflowers and flowing water make the route especially memorable. Summer can be hot and exposed at the start, so most locals hit the trail at sunrise and turn around when the canyon begins to tighten.
02
Iconic day trip
Trail of 100 Giants
Western Divide Highway In The Southern Sierra • Paved And Dirt Loop Through A Giant Sequoia Grove • Best For First-Time Visitors To The Sierra
An easy loop winds among massive sequoias, with plenty of benches and photo stops.
This short but unforgettable walk threads through one of the most accessible giant sequoia groves in the southern Sierra, with huge trunks rising almost out of the parking lot. Portions of the loop are paved or on boardwalk, making it approachable for mixed-ability groups, kids, and casual walkers. Expect a longer drive from Shafter, but cooler temperatures and towering trees make it a classic full-day outing.
03
Most convenient escape
Kern River Parkway Trail
Along The Kern River Through Bakersfield • Urban Riverfront Greenway With Paved And Dirt Sections • Best For After-Work Miles
A long riverside path where you can string together quick walks or longer training hikes without leaving town.
This multi-use corridor follows the Kern River through a string of parks, with both paved path and dirt shoulders that work well for walkers and light hikers. It is one of the easiest options to reach from Shafter, and you can tailor the distance by starting from different river access points. Go early or near sunset for cooler temperatures, and expect more cyclists and joggers on popular sections near central Bakersfield.
04
Best bluffside views
Panorama Vista Preserve
Northeast Bakersfield Bluffs Above The Kern River • Network Of Singletrack And Doubletrack On Open Bluffs • Best For Sunrise And Sunset
Short, dusty climbs lead to wide Kern River and city views with plenty of options to wander.
A maze of crisscrossing trails climbs and loops along the bluffs, giving you easy ways to stitch together 30-minute leg stretchers or longer rambles. The terrain is mostly open and exposed, trading shade for broad views of the river corridor and downtown Bakersfield. It is a go-to spot for locals squeezing in quick hill repeats, dog walks, or golden-hour photos without driving into the mountains.
05
Coolest summer getaway
Tehachapi Mountain Park
Pine-Covered Hills Above Tehachapi • Forest Park With Signed Loops And Spur Hikes • Best For Picnics And Cooler Air
Shaded forest trails and campgrounds make this an easy-to-like mountain escape on hot valley days.
Perched above the town of Tehachapi, this park trades valley heat for pine forest, picnic sites, and a small web of trail options. Short nature paths work well for families, while longer ridge and summit routes offer more elevation gain and quiet. Many Shafter-area hikers pair a few hours of walking with a picnic or stop in town, and in winter it is one of the closest places to find occasional snow on the trail.