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Kern River Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 14 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 Trail 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.
What runners say about Kern River Trail
“I really enjoyed the hike, and the sceneries of the Spyrou being mountains is absolutely gorgeous.”
I highly recommend going in March when the grass is still green, afterwords it’s brown. I really enjoyed the hike, and the sceneries of the Spyrou being mountains is absolutely gorgeous.
Gorgeous 7mile hike w breathtaking river views. The hike is definitely for experienced people, there is very little shade and the steep inclination can get really tough during hot days. Make triple sure to wear appropriate hiking boots and pants to keep you safe from the extremely thorny hike.
Pretty cool trail very easy, and I saw some cows that were very cool. I didn't walk the full trail due to the path being blocked with a large tree branch. which is bad juju/MOJO. So I turned around and walked back the way I came from.
Best trail around and its not even close. Ive been coming here for years and it never gets old, the water is always perfect for cooling off after the hike. We brought the dogs this time and they went absolutely nuts splashing around in the river.
Trail conditions & character
“I really enjoyed the hike, and the sceneries of the Spyrou being mountains is absolutely gorgeous.”
Plan your run at Kern River Trail
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.
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.
Lake Ming
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Clean lake surrounded by a bike path (or walking trail or stroll) and featuring picnic areas.
Kern River County Park
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Park with a lake offering activities such as camping, picnicking, and BBQs, as well as a public restroom.
Hart Memorial Park
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Picturesque park offering swimming, fishing, picnic facilities, hiking & equestrian trails.
City in the Hills Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 431 reviews
Clean park featuring two basketball halfcourts, a fitness equipment area, tennis courts, and volleyball nets.