Kern River Parkway

This is the perfect place to go for a run or bike ride. The path is very long (I still don't even know how many miles!) and there are lots of side trails to explore. There isn't much shade and the views don't change too much even with longer distances, but it sure is a great place to exercise outdoors in Bako. So far, I've spotted coyote, rabbits, and road runners while riding my bike. People on the path are friendly and courteous to others when sharing the road. There are some unhoused encampments along the side of the Parkway, but with so many people on the trail cycling, skating, running, and walking, it always feels very safe.

Raise your hand if you like to exercise! Did you raise your hand? No? Neither did I. Unfortunately, exercise is a good thing that we need to do if we want to be or get in shape. The Kern River Parkway provides a great trail to get some much needed exercise. It is approximately 20 miles long. We never bike on the Kern River Parkway unlike the majority of folks. We prefer walking or jogging along a 5 mile stretch of the trail. Of course, we make sure to stay out of the way of the cyclists. I've seen some folks get really pissed off at pedestrians walking along the path close to the Park at Riverwalk.Anyhow, there are multiple points of entry onto the Kern River Parkway. Many parks along the parkway as well. We prefer entering the KRP from the Park at Riverwalk. I think it is the nicest and shadiest area of the Kern River Parkway. Other parts of the trail can get a bit desolate. The west side of the Parkway past Allen Rd. all the way to Enos Lane is not too crowded because there are less folks walking or jogging. Also be on the lookout for bobcats or other wildllife. Heading East past Truxton, one should also keep an eye out for wildlife and vagrants. Best to be riding, walking, or jogging with a friend or two or three.For the most part, though, the Kern River Parkway is terrific! So glad to have it in Kern County!! Thank you to all who help maintain this cool place!!

I cycle all over the USA and some other countries, so last Sunday thankfully I was able to travel to Bakersfield to cycle the 20 mile (40 mile RT) paved Kern River Parkway Bike Trail I heard so much about.First I just have to say that the other cyclists I met on the trail here was so friendly that I thought that I was in Louisiana. What I mean is that when I am cycling in Irvine, Newport Beach or Santa Monica where I ride most of the time, less than 5% of other cyclists will say hello to you and less than 5% of other cyclists will respond if you say hello to them. But in Bakersfield, at least 75% of the cyclists that I past on the path said hello to me!! I could not believe it! I did not know what was going on? I was not used to that hospitality. What do they put in the water in Bakersfield? Maybe they all knew I was not from the City so they were being friendly--they probably all knew one another? It was a weird contrasting experience to life in LA.Anyway--I can write a book about my day on the Trail but will keep it concise:I parked at the River Walk Park which is located at 11298 Stockdale Hwy, 93311 (for those not from the city). Or you can can park at the outdoor shopping mall next door that has lot's of restaurants and a Target. (Don't park in front of any stores to bike ride--park in the middle or back.)From here, I first road the Trail West 9 miles to the end point. It's a lonely desolate stretch--I have never ridden anywhere where I was so alone for miles with no roads or cars. You can ride as fast as you want over here and bother no one. Every so often I came across someone. I did see a few single men and women riding alone that made me feel better.Then I returned to the River Walk Park--had lunch at the car from my cooler and then traveled East on the Path to the end. The East section passes bike stores, exit Coffee Road (which comes up right away) for Trader Joe's or Sully's Convenience Store or Starcrooks. You pass many parks and lakes and some restrooms. I saw on the East section of the path along the Kern River an Ecological Disaster with tons of garbage all over the river bed, graffiti, and homeless camping for endless miles. Some of the homeless were so entrenched that they had well developed tents, backyards, dogs, and even hanging clothes up to dry as if they have been living there for a long time. There were certain sections that were either scary or disconcerting riding the path alone. I felt like I needed to bring a handgun for protection to do this ride.As nice as it was having 20 miles of no car, well paved bike path in each direction, I am not sure I would do this ride again alone--I would if I returned with a riding partner. I gave the path 5 stars out of respect for Bakersfield years ago taking the planning time and resources to build a great bike and walking trail for the public. But what I saw going on along at least 8 miles of that path was an absolute disgrace that if was in charge of this city I would not tolerate for a second. I would fight every legal battle to return that River bed and it's adjacent areas to the condition it was 20 years ago. You do not have a right to set up residence in a public area. What I saw will cost tax payers Billions of Dollars in environmental cleanup. And yes, here is LA this is a problem too.Overall it was a Great day in Bakersfield--I can tell some of the best people in California live here.

The Kern River Parkway is my favorite place to exercise whenever I visit Bakersfield. I like that it's in walking distance from where I stay and it's easy to use the path for walking, running, riding a bike or roller blading. I like that there are several signs mile marker signs posted in case you're keeping track. The parkway path is paved and there is also an option to run on the unpaved Tuhohi trail run path trails if you want to. In addition to using the parkway to run, walk, bike, or skate, people also visit the parkway to engage in activities such as fishing, play disc golf, playing volleyball or meeting up to do boot camp classes. Although I have used this path numerous times, I was surprised to read the various monuments highlighting the impact of Native Americans in Bakersfield.The only sad thing about the Kern River Parkway is that there is lots of trash on the ground in some areas of the parkway path as well as some areas where you can see that homeless people are camping out in the woods. As long as you avoid these areas, you will have an enjoyable experience at the parkway.Overall, visiting the Kern River Parkway is a great way to stay connect with nature of a regular basis as well as wonderful opportunity to move one's body in a car of ways.

*AKA Bakersfield Bike Path*Bakersfield streets are far from bike friendly. In fact, we have some of the highest bike and pedestrian fatalities in the country. Which is why I'm quite hesitant to bike around town. Thank GOODNESS for the 6000 acres of Kern River Parkway It was especially nice to be able to ride and not worry about cars or too many people.For the most part, everyone on the bike path adhere to the rules. I say rules rather loosely. Essentially slower traffic stays to the right. Watch out for passing faster traffic to your left. Stay vigilant and alert of others. I'm sure there are more common courtesies that more seasoned parkway users will appreciate but stay to the right and don't let dogs or kids out in front of faster moving traffic and you should be okay. Be safe and enjoy the Kern River Parkway!

I love running and I am so glad that Bakersfield has a safe running area with no motor vehicles nor traffic lights in your way. Parkway extends from East to West and I love that it is reasonably accessible no matter which side of town you live in. There would be more people using the area on weekends but there is definitely enough space for social distancing. It could get pretty hot in the summer especially since there is minimal shade from trees so I would suggest waking up a little bit earlier to enjoy the place. I would not suggest using the pathway alone at night since it is not a lit path. But still, I'm rating it a 5 because it gives a good option for people who want to workout away from the the house or outside the gym.

It was a very hot day at 105 degrees so it wasn't the best day to take a walk to see the lake. The bike path is in perfect condition but the city needs to add some benches lakeside.

Might be only one check in, but I've been back a few times since this review. Each time the paths were clear and it was a very pleasurable time walking.Parking is easy along the Parkway with multiple entry points.

This park has the potential to be one of the most beautiful public attractions in Bakersfield. The park itself is a neat place and the location is in a great area. The biggest problem and a large reason why this review is so low, is because of how little I feel like the city cares about it. Homeless people EVERYWHERE, and it's not like the park or employees aren't trying. But there's a limit to what THEY can do. I understand that homeless people are people too, but when they are fighting in the parking lot with homemade shivs, wild dogs that have no manners. and I see crack pipes on the bike roads or a bunch of tents sent up under the bridges, it really raises my concerns. Is this the kind of park I want to be taking my friends and family to?! No. Not only that, but the city let the water levels fall so low that the once beautiful bodies of water look so unattractive and pitiful. Normally I round up my reviews. If I feel like a place is a 2.5 on Yelp, I'll give it a 3. But I'm genuinely giving this place a 2 because i feel like it's a wasted opportunity. Please do something city of Bakersfield

Was looking for a running trail while in Bakersfield for the week. I really enjoyed it there was a few people around lunch hour. The paths are clean, with a little bit of construction going on in a section. However it's next the the highway so I turned back to avoid the pollution.