01
Best overall pick
Wind Wolves Preserve – San Emigdio Canyon Trail
South Of South Taft Along Ca-166 • Large Conservation Preserve With Canyon And Grassland Trails • Local Favorite For A Full Half-Day Hike
A close-to-home canyon hike with big views, seasonal water, and a real backcountry feel without a long drive.
From the main trailhead, the San Emigdio Canyon Trail follows a broad corridor between steep hills, passing oaks, willows, and a seasonal creek before gently climbing into open grasslands. It’s an easy-to-moderate route with plenty of room to turn around when you’ve had your fill, making it as suitable for casual walkers as it is for fitter hikers stacking on extra miles. Go early in warm weather for cooler temps and better chances of spotting elk, raptors, and blooming wildflowers in spring.
02
Best wildlife and wide-open views
Wind Wolves Preserve – Tule Elk & El Camino Viejo Loop
South Of South Taft In The San Emigdio Foothills • Rolling Meadow And Foothill Loop With Interpretive Signs • Best For Families And Newer Hikers
A mellow loop through open meadows where you can look for tule elk and enjoy sweeping views with minimal elevation gain.
This loop strings together broad ranch roads and signed paths across the lower preserve, trading steep climbs for wide horizons and easy footing. Interpretive signs along the way fill in the area’s natural and cultural history, and the open terrain makes it easy to turn around early with kids or less experienced hikers. On clear days you’ll see the San Emigdio hills wrapping around the valley, and in spring the grasses glow green under big, blue skies.
03
Best for spring wildflowers
Carrizo Plain National Monument – Soda Lake Boardwalk & Overlook
West Of South Taft In The Carrizo Plain • High Desert Basin With Easy Boardwalk And Viewpoint Trails • Relaxed Day Trip With Huge Skies
Gentle walks above Soda Lake and the surrounding grasslands that shine during good wildflower years.
The short boardwalk and nearby overlook trail give you front-row views of Soda Lake’s white salt crust and the rolling grasslands that ring the basin. When the rains cooperate, the surrounding hills explode with color, and even on quieter years the combination of big sky, distant mountains, and quiet, open space feels far removed from town. The hiking is easy but exposed, so bring sun protection, water, and be ready for rougher dirt roads on the drive in.
04
Best big-view ridge hike
Carrizo Plain – Caliente Ridge Trail
Caliente Range Above Carrizo Plain • Remote Ridge Walk Along Dirt Road And Singletrack • Best For Strong Hikers Seeking Solitude
A long, rolling ridge hike with constant wide-angle views over the Carrizo Plain and surrounding mountains.
Starting high on the Caliente Range, this route follows the ridgeline, dipping and climbing over rounded summits with almost continuous views in every direction. The footing is straightforward but the distance, exposure, and steady ups and downs make it better suited to hikers who are comfortable being out most of the day. Pack extra water, layers for wind, and a full tank of gas—this is one of those quiet, remote-feeling hikes that rewards preparation with real solitude.
05
Best in-town stretch and sunset spot
Kern River Parkway & Panorama Bluffs Trails
Bakersfield Riverfront And North Bluffs • Paved Riverside Path With Dirt Bluff-Top And Hillside Trails • Best For Easy Walks, Runs, And Quick Views
Link riverside miles on the Parkway with short, steeper dirt paths on the Panorama Bluffs for a flexible outing close to services.
The Kern River Parkway offers a long, mostly flat paved route ideal for casual walks, stroller pushes, or runs, with plenty of access points along the river. A short drive or connection brings you to Panorama Park, where dirt tracks and stair-style paths climb the bluffs for sweeping views over the river corridor and Bakersfield’s oilfields. It’s an easy combo to tailor to your time and energy, and a great option when you want fresh air without committing to a remote drive.