
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Bakersfield, California, United States
1. Kern River Trail
A challenging trail that follows the Kern River, offering stunning views of canyons and waterfalls.
- Variety of Terrain: Features a mix of flat sections, steep inclines, and river crossings.
- Water Features: Offers numerous waterfalls and opportunities for swimming in the Kern River.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides chances to see black bears, deer, and various bird species.
2. Golden Trout Wilderness
A remote and beautiful wilderness area known for its crystal-clear lakes and abundant wildlife.
- Backpacking Opportunities: Ideal for multi-day backpacking trips, with numerous campsites available.
- Scenic Lakes: Features breathtaking alpine lakes, perfect for fishing and photography.
- Wildlife Habitat: Serves as a crucial habitat for the Golden Trout, California's state fish.
3. Sequoia National Forest
Home to the largest tree on Earth - General Sherman, and offers a wide variety of hiking trails.
- Giant Sequoias: Provides opportunities to see massive giant sequoia trees.
- Diverse Trails: Offers trails for all skill levels, from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
- Wilderness Experience: Allows visitors to experience wilderness areas untouched by humans.
4. Los Padres National Forest
A vast forest offering a range of landscapes, from coastal plains to mountain peaks.
- Coastal Hikes: Features hiking trails along the coast, offering stunning ocean views.
- Mountain Peaks: Includes opportunities to summit various mountain peaks.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to see black bears, mountain lions, and various bird species.
5. Frazier Mountain Wilderness
A wilderness area known for its beautiful meadows, alpine lakes, and panoramic views.
- Alpine Meadows: Features expansive alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.
- Alpine Lakes: Offers numerous alpine lakes perfect for fishing and relaxation.
- Panoramic Views: Provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
6. Lake Isabella
A recreational area with a variety of hiking trails, offering stunning lake and mountain views.
- Recreational Activities: Offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping.
- Scenic Hikes: Features hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and fish.
7. Sandstone Peak
A challenging hike that rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Strenuous Hike: Requires a good level of fitness due to steep inclines and rocky terrain.
- Panoramic Views: Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides chances to see various bird species and occasional wildlife.
8. Owens River Gorge
A beautiful canyon featuring the Owens River, offering challenging hikes and stunning views.
- Challenging Trails: Includes several challenging trails, suitable for experienced hikers.
- Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking views of the canyon and the Owens River.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides chances to see various bird species, deer, and occasional bears.
9. Tehipite Monument
A remote area featuring the Tehipite Arch - one of the largest natural arches in California.
- Remote Location: Located in a remote and secluded area, requiring a long hike to reach.
- Tehipite Arch: Features the impressive Tehipite Arch, measuring over 100 feet tall and 275 feet wide.
- Wilderness Experience: Allows visitors to experience wilderness areas untouched by humans.
10. Mount Pinos
The highest peak in the southern section of the Sierra Nevada range, offering beautiful views.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides chances to see various bird species, deer, and occasional bears.
- Hiking Trails: Features a variety of hiking trails, suitable for all skill levels.
11. Cerro Noroeste
A challenging trail that leads to the highest point in Los Padres National Forest.
- Strenuous Hike: Requires a good level of fitness due to steep inclines and rocky terrain.
- Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, coastline, and valleys.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides chances to see various bird species and occasional wildlife.
12. Mount Boca
A challenging hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Strenuous Hike: Requires a good level of fitness due to steep inclines and rocky terrain.
- Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and coastline.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides chances to see various bird species and occasional wildlife.
13. Frazier Mountain Saddle Road
A scenic drive that offers numerous hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Scenic Drive: Features a beautiful drive through mountainous terrain, offering stunning views.
- Hiking Trails: Provides numerous hiking trails that cater to various skill levels.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers chances to see various bird species, deer, and occasional bears.
14. Mount Tamalpais
A popular hiking destination featuring stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Variety of Trails: Features a variety of hiking trails, suitable for all skill levels.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides chances to see various bird species and occasional wildlife.
15. Point Reyes National Seashore
A beautiful coastal park offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and stunning ocean views.
- Coastal Hikes: Features hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to see various bird species, seals, and elephant seals.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, cliffs, and coastal wildflowers.