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Lake Ming
4.7 ★★★★★ 211 Google reviews · Running trail in Bakersfield, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Ming'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.
Clean lake surrounded by a bike path (or walking trail or stroll) and featuring picnic areas.
What runners say about Lake Ming
“Nice clean park, very confusing about where you can fish and you can't.”
“It is always maintained very well and it has such beautiful shady areas and the water is Crystal Blue.”
“It is always maintained very well and it has such beautiful shady areas and the water is Crystal Blue.”
“Marvelous, unsung out of the way place at the very end of the park's and trails Kern Bike Path with camping, a private soccer field, CALM and Hart park nearby.”
Lake Ming is such a great spot to walk my dog, enjoy the sunshine, and just relax. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect place to unwind. Whether I’m out for a stroll or simply soaking up the sun, it’s always a refreshing experience.
Marvelous, unsung out of the way place at the very end of the park's and trails Kern Bike Path with camping, a private soccer field, CALM and Hart park nearby. Also has overnight camping on a bluff above the lake.
First time here just to snack and relax with my boyfriend and we both enjoyed the scenery, the quietness and cleanliness! came here in the morning so it wasn’t too busy or crowded. Saw some birds and a cat walking around. No swimming allowed fishing, camping and boating is :)
Great place to go fishing (and release) not so much for swimming personally but kids do get in the water during summer time. Nice views of the hills and a walking/bike path that goes around the lake.
Trail conditions & character
“It is always maintained very well and it has such beautiful shady areas and the water is Crystal Blue.”
“The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect place to unwind.”
“It is always maintained very well and it has such beautiful shady areas and the water is Crystal Blue.”
“Built to support drag boat racing you can regularly find races throughout the year, albeit at a steep entry price.”
“Fishing, views, paved walking path… campground next door as well as a golf course.”
Plan your run at Lake Ming
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitekerncounty.com
- Phone(661) 868-7000
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 8–11 AM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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.
Kern River County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 442 reviews
Park with a lake offering activities such as camping, picnicking, and BBQs, as well as a public restroom.
Hart Memorial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 4,338 reviews
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.
Panorama Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,823 reviews
Hilltop park offering scenic views, picnic areas and trails for walking and biking.
Panorama Vista Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
Sizable nature preserve with miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.