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Kern National Wildlife Refuge
4.5 ★★★★★ 71 Google reviews · Running trail in Wasco, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Kern National Wildlife Refuge's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Home to migratory waterfowl, the refuge offers a 6-mile auto route through wetlands open year-round.
What runners say about Kern National Wildlife Refuge
“This bird sanctuary is so beautiful, like an oasis in between two major highways.”
About 20 miles away from Delano is a wild, protected area known as the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. This 1,246-acre refuge is one of the best places in the region to see local plant and animal life in pristine natural habitats.
Spent about an hour on Sunday midday on the southern auto tour route. Didn't see another car the whole time. Saw the beginning of migration season. Gadwalls, Northern shovelers, bunch of glossy ibis, and a bunch of great egrets together. Couple of buffleheads, five Northern harriers. Thousands of coots.
Wow!!!! First time to this refuge. Had blind 11. Get your walking shoes on because approx 2 miles to blind. Lots of ducks buzzing around. Pintail & spoonies. The guy in the office checking us in wasent too helpful. We asked about certain blinds and he seem annoyed by us. So ur pretty much on your own.
Trail conditions & character
“This bird sanctuary is so beautiful, like an oasis in between two major highways.”
“Quiet, relaxing walking trails and gravel road.”
Plan your run at Kern National Wildlife Refuge
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefws.gov
- Phone+1 661-725-2767
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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