The best cycling routes in Kern County

Kern County offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 30 options available. These routes cater to different skill levels, including 6 easy, 16 moderate, and 10 difficult trails.

Yes, Kern County has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. A great option is the Hart Memorial Park loop, an easy 10.5-mile route featuring scenic lakes and lush greenery. The Kern River Parkway Trail also offers extensive paved sections suitable for all ages and skill levels.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Kern County offers demanding routes with significant elevation gains. Consider the Mount Pinos Road climb, which features a demanding ascent through serene Jeffrey pine and white fir forests, or the Lake Isabella and Silver City Ghost Town loop, a 41.1-mile route with considerable climbing.

Kern County's touring cycling routes offer incredibly diverse scenery. You can experience lush river parkways along the Kern River, mountainous ascents with panoramic views in the Sierra Nevada, and arid desert vistas with unique rock formations in areas like Red Rock Canyon State Park. Routes also pass by picturesque lakes and through agricultural lands.

Many touring cycling routes in Kern County are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your path. Popular loop options include the Lake Isabella and Silver City Ghost Town loop, the Kern River Parkway Trail Loop, and the Tehachapi Railroad loop.

Along Kern County's touring cycling routes, you can discover several natural attractions. The Lake Isabella area offers beautiful lake views, while the Opal Canyon and Black Rock Gulch Loop takes you through the stunning Red Rock Canyon State Park with its unique rock formations. The Wind Wolves Preserve is also a significant natural destination for wildlife viewing.

Yes, some routes offer glimpses into the region's history. The Lake Isabella and Silver City Ghost Town loop passes directly through Silver City Ghost Town. Additionally, the Tehachapi Railroad loop provides views of the historic Tehachapi Loop, an engineering marvel.

The Kern River Parkway Trail Loop is an excellent choice for experiencing the Kern River. This extensive paved trail follows the river through Bakersfield, offering scenic views, riparian habitats, and connections to local parks. You can find more information about the Kern River Parkway Trail on Visit Bakersfield.

Due to its diverse climate, the best time to cycle in Kern County varies by region. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures for most areas, especially for desert and valley routes. For mountainous routes like those in Sequoia National Forest or around Mount Pinos, summer is ideal when higher elevations are clear of snow and temperatures are milder. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

The touring cycling routes in Kern County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 9 reviews. Over 300 touring cyclists have explored the area, often praising the diverse landscapes, from the peaceful river parkways to the challenging mountain ascents and unique desert scenery.

Many popular touring cycling routes in Kern County, especially those around Bakersfield and larger parks, offer convenient parking. For instance, routes along the Kern River Parkway Trail often have access points with parking. Similarly, areas like Hart Memorial Park provide dedicated parking facilities for visitors.

While specific public transport access directly to all trailheads can be limited in a large county like Kern, Bakersfield's public transit system (GET Bus) may offer some connections to areas near the Kern River Parkway Trail. For routes outside urban centers, personal vehicle transport is generally recommended for accessing trailheads.