The best road cycling routes around Bakersfield

Bakersfield offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 25 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging ascents.

Bakersfield's mild climate and abundant sunny days make it an ideal destination for year-round road cycling. While summer can be warm, many routes offer shaded sections, and the spring and fall provide particularly pleasant conditions. Winter cycling is also popular due to the generally mild temperatures.

Yes, Bakersfield has several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. These often feature flat, paved paths, such as sections of the Kern River Parkway Trail. On komoot, you can find 9 easy routes to get started.

For advanced cyclists seeking a challenge, Bakersfield offers routes with significant elevation gain. The Round Mountain loop, for instance, includes about 1730 feet of elevation gain over its 34.1 miles, providing a good workout and rewarding views. There is 1 difficult route listed on komoot.

Absolutely. Many road cycling routes in Bakersfield offer stunning views. The Round Mountain loop provides grand views of rolling grassy hills. For panoramic city and valley vistas, routes passing through Panorama Park or along The Bluffs are excellent choices, especially at sunset.

Yes, the Kern River Parkway Trail is an excellent option for families. It's a paved, stroller-friendly path with varying lengths, shaded sections, and opportunities for wildlife sightings. Routes connecting parks like The Park at River Walk and Yokuts Park are also popular for family outings.

Road cyclists can enjoy diverse natural features. The Kern River Parkway Trail follows the scenic Kern River. Routes like the Panorama Park – Hart Memorial Park loop take you through urban parks and along bluffs overlooking the city. You might also encounter the Round Mountain Oilfield on some routes, offering a unique landscape.

Many of Bakersfield's road cycling routes are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to explore without retracing your steps. Popular examples include the Round Mountain loop, the Yokuts Park – The Park at River Walk loop, and the Panorama Park – Hart Memorial Park loop.

The road cycling routes in Bakersfield are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 17 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from riverine paths to rolling hills, and the well-connected urban park routes that offer varied experiences for all ability levels.

While popular routes like the Kern River Parkway Trail are well-loved, exploring the extensive network of trails can lead to quieter sections. The Panorama Vista Preserve, for example, offers low-impact recreational opportunities and stunning views, which can be a more serene experience. You can also discover less-trafficked routes by exploring the 28 available tours on komoot.

Yes, Bakersfield's cycling network is designed to connect various parks and attractions. Routes like the Yokuts Park – The Park at River Walk loop and the Panorama Park – Hart Memorial Park loop are prime examples, allowing cyclists to easily travel between different green spaces and points of interest.

Bakersfield offers several long-distance road cycling routes. For example, the Yokuts Park – The Park at River Walk loop from Bakersfield College covers approximately 41 miles (65.9 km), providing a substantial ride for those looking for longer excursions.