The best traffic-free bike rides around Bakersfield

There are 5 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes featured in this guide for Bakersfield. These routes offer a range of experiences, from easy rides to more moderate challenges, all designed to keep you away from vehicle traffic.

Bakersfield's sunny climate makes it suitable for touring cycling for much of the year. Early spring and late fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures, ideal for enjoying the region's natural beauty without the intense summer heat. Winter months can also be beautiful, especially in areas like the Kern River Canyon.

Yes, there is one easy route specifically designed for a more relaxed experience. While all routes in this guide are moderate, the Kern River Parkway Trail Loop is a great option for those looking for a gentle ride. The Kern River Parkway Trail itself is known for being paved and stroller-friendly, making it suitable for families.

The no traffic touring cycling routes in Bakersfield primarily follow paths with minimal elevation gain, making them accessible and enjoyable. For example, the Kern River Parkway Trail Loop has less than 20 meters of elevation gain over nearly 30 kilometers, offering a mostly flat and comfortable ride. Other routes, like the various loops around The Park at River Walk and Yokuts Park, also feature gentle inclines.

Many routes, especially those along the Kern River Parkway, offer scenic views of the river, riparian habitats, and bluffs. You can also find points of interest like The Park at River Walk, The Bluffs, and Panorama Park. These areas provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying the natural landscape.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. This includes the Kern River Parkway Trail Loop and the various loops connecting The Park at River Walk and Yokuts Park, such as the one starting from California State University Bakersfield.

The no traffic touring cycling routes in Bakersfield are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, car-free environment, the scenic river views, and the well-maintained paved paths that make for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

While the routes in this guide are generally moderate in length (up to 55 km), Bakersfield's extensive network of over 170 miles of bike trails and paths, including the 30+ mile Kern River Parkway Trail, allows for combining sections to create longer, continuous rides. For more challenging, remote bikepacking, the Southern Sierra foothills and Sequoia National Forest offer mixed-terrain options, though these may not be entirely traffic-free.

Absolutely. The routes along the Kern River Parkway offer continuous scenic views of the river and its surrounding bluffs. The Bluffs and Panorama Park provide sweeping vistas of Bakersfield and the Kern River. You'll also encounter riparian habitats with opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the natural environment.

Many of the routes, particularly those centered around The Park at River Walk and Yokuts Park, offer convenient parking options. For instance, the loop starting from the Equestrian Parking Area provides a designated spot to begin your ride. Public parks along the Kern River Parkway Trail typically have parking facilities.

Bakersfield is committed to providing a safe bicycling experience, and public transport options are available. Amtrak San Joaquins trains offer free bicycle racks, and local Golden Empire Transit and Kern Transit buses also provide bike racks, facilitating transportation for touring cyclists to various locations within and around Kern County, including areas near these routes.

Yes, Bakersfield offers several attractions. The Park at River Walk is a popular spot for recreation. For those interested in local wildlife and conservation, the California Living Museum (CALM) is located nearby. You can also find the Round Mountain Oilfield, which offers a glimpse into the region's industrial history.