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Kern River County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 442 Google reviews · Running trail in Bakersfield, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Kern River County Park yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Park with a lake offering activities such as camping, picnicking, and BBQs, as well as a public restroom.
What runners say about Kern River County Park
“I wish people that visit would be a little more courteous and clean after themselves, especially in the restroom area.”
“The view is so beautiful that's one thing that I love about this place”
“The place is absolutely amazing, it Hepl of course when there is not to many people lol 😂 Water gets clear, but is so calm and relaxing place.”
This is a very clean park that is managed by the county. There are no hookups but water is available and dump station. There are bathrooms but did not use them. There is a bike trail and Ming Lake for water sports nearby.
Nice little place to camp. Plenty of sites. They have picnic tables, grills and fire rings at the sites. They enforce the quiet hours which is very nice! The hosts were very friendly. There's places to walk and a bike trail that runs along one side of the campground. Don't listen to the website about the kiosk!
Love coming to walk or even find a nice tree to lay and read a book. My dog loves going on walks here it’s very spacious and gorgeous
Very scenic environment, nice relaxing vibe on quiet days. The park is large and provides space for many activities and can accommodate large gatherings of people.
Trail conditions & character
“Restrooms were under construction so portapotties got pretty full, dirty, ran out of TP, and water at the hand wash stations by the 2nd night.”
“The view is so beautiful that's one thing that I love about this place”
“The camp ground is very nice with alot of trees and the sound of the river, (especially at night when going to sleep), is very peaceful.”
Plan your run at Kern River County Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitekerncounty.com
- Phone(661) 872-3179
Running trails near Bakersfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hart Memorial Park
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Lake Ming
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City in the Hills Park
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Panorama Park
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Panorama Vista Preserve
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Sizable nature preserve with miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.