The best running trails around Bakersfield

Bakersfield offers a good selection of running routes, with over 10 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various fitness levels, including easy, moderate, and challenging paths.

Yes, Bakersfield has several easy running routes perfect for beginners. One such option is the Running loop from California State University Bakersfield, which is 3.1 miles (5.0 km) long and offers a flat path near the university campus.

The Kern River Parkway Trail is Bakersfield's signature running destination, offering multi-use paths along the Kern River with scenic views. Another popular spot is Panorama Bluffs Park, known as "The Bluffs," which features a 2-mile loop trail along a cliffside with sweeping views of Bakersfield and the Kern River.

Many of Bakersfield's parks and trails are suitable for families. The Kern River Parkway Trail, with its paved sections and access to various city parks, is a great choice. Pioneer Park also offers well-maintained trails in a peaceful environment, ideal for a family run or walk.

Yes, many of Bakersfield's outdoor spaces are dog-friendly, provided pets are kept on a leash. The Kern River Parkway Trail and various city parks like Hart Park often welcome leashed dogs, making them great options for running with your canine companion.

While many routes are relatively flat, areas like Panorama Bluffs Park offer elevation changes for those seeking hill training. For more significant challenges, the trails within Hart Park extend into scenic hills above the river, providing varied terrain. Further afield, Sequoia National Forest offers mountainous terrain for advanced trail runners.

Bakersfield's running routes offer views of the Kern River and surrounding landscapes. Along the Kern River Parkway Trail, you can access areas like The Park at River Walk. From The Bluffs and Panorama Park, you can enjoy sweeping city and river views. For a unique natural feature, the nearby Wind Wolves Preserve boasts a 15-foot limestone waterfall.

Yes, many of the running paths in Bakersfield are designed as loops, offering convenient circular routes. For example, the Running loop from Private HOA park is a moderate 3.2-mile path that provides a pleasant circular run through local parkland.

Bakersfield benefits from a mild climate with abundant sunshine, making it suitable for outdoor activities throughout much of the year. Spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures for running. Summers can be hot, so early morning or late evening runs are advisable during those months.

Many popular running spots in Bakersfield, such as the Kern River Parkway Trail, have accessible parking at various points like The Park at River Walk, Yokuts Park, and Panorama Park. The Kern River Parkway Trail also provides a link to California State University, Bakersfield, which may offer public transport options. For more general information on the area, you can visit Visit Bakersfield's outdoor section.

The running routes in Bakersfield are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from more than 2 reviews. Over 40 runners have used komoot to explore Bakersfield's varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes, from scenic river trails to expansive preserves and rolling hills.

While the guide highlights several shorter loops, the Kern River Parkway Trail itself stretches over 20 miles, offering extensive opportunities for longer endurance runs. You can combine sections of this trail to create longer distances, or explore the 6.5-mile loops within Hart Park for a more extended run.