THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Five go-to spots for an adventure close to home

By Elise Mayer

Life is busy and gas is expensive. I don’t know where to go, or how to get there. There is nothing nearby or I’m too tired to go anywhere. These second-rate justifications that I make to myself and others around me hold me back from valuing the ideal position that the greater Bakersfield area is in for nature lovers, from hiking, to climbing, camping, and more.

Here are four incredible destinations less than an hour and a half from Bakersfield for anyone who, like me, has been making excuses, or for adventure seekers looking for inspiration in the local Kern County area.

Windwolves Nature Preserve

This 30-square-mile nature preserve is abundant with rolling hills, local wildlife, and hiking loops ranging from half a mile to 12 miles. In the spring, this is a stunning destination spot for exploring some of central California’s most beautiful wildflowers. Only 40 minutes out from Bakersfield, it is also a great spot for families to travel for a day picnic. Admission is free to all guests.

Tehachapi Hiking

Tehachapi is quaintly poised on the top of the mountain pass when traveling east from Bakersfield, down Highway 58.

If you’re looking for a great view that is not hours upon hours away from town, Tehachapi has several hiking trails, ranging from beginner, intermediate, and advanced for hikers of all ages and abilities.

According to AllTrails.com, Tehachapi Mountain Park, Tehachapi Loop, and Meadowbrook Park Loop are the most popular in the area, each with a breathtaking lookout point.

Two runners get their exercise on a beautiful spring morning on the Kern River Parkway trail.

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Explore nature without even leaving town!

This paved path stretching over 30 miles follows the Kern riverbed as it weaves all the way through Bakersfield.

Passing through some of the most beautiful parks and nature in Bakersfield, this pet-friendly trail has several access points and parking areas, along with restrooms and water fountains along the way.

The trail starts at Enos Lane in the west and extends 30 miles to the oilfields in the east. This two-laned path is locally known and appreciated by avid bike riders, runners and walkers who want to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Kern Canyon Climbing

It’s a beautiful drive through Kern River canyon along Highway 178 to reach these climbing destinations. There are numerous spots to safely boulder, toprope, lead climb, and crack climb just a short hike up the road all through the canyon. Climbing spots can be found on mountainproject.com.