Exploring Central California by car is one of the true pleasures of living in—or visiting—Bakersfield. In less time than it takes to watch a movie, you can trade city streets for river-carved canyons, rolling grasslands, giant wind turbines, or groves of ancient sequoias. Below are five memorable routes that clock in at roughly two hours or less each way, making them perfect for a spontaneous Saturday spin or a low-stress day trip.
Kern River Canyon & Lake Isabella (CA-178)
Head east on CA-178 and the city skyline quickly gives way to the sheer walls of Kern River Canyon. The highway hugs the white-water river, offering pull-outs where you can watch rafters tackle the rapids or snap photos of spring wildflowers like lupines and fiddlenecks. In just under an hour you’ll crest the mountains and reach Lake Isabella (41 mi; approx. 55 min). Stretch your legs on the lake shore, continue to the brewery-rich town of Kernville, or book a guided rafting trip—all doable before the sun sets back in Bakersfield.
Tehachapi Loop & Wind Farm Circuit (CA-58)
Point your grille east on CA-58 for a one-hour climb into the Tehachapi Mountains. As you approach the pass, thousands of wind turbines whirl across the ridges, creating one of the nation’s first and largest wind-energy installations. Railfans can detour to the famed Tehachapi Loop, where long freight trains corkscrew over themselves, while drivers can follow Tehachapi–Willow Springs Road and Cameron Road to form a scenic loop before rejoining CA-58 for the downhill glide home.
Wind Wolves Preserve & San Emigdio Canyon
Only about 30 minutes south via Hwy 99 and Hwy 166, Wind Wolves Preserve protects 30 square miles where the Coast Range, Sierra Nevada, and Mojave meet. A leisurely drive down the preserve’s entrance road leads to picnic areas and the 7-mile San Emigdio Canyon Trail, a gentle route where you might spot tule elk, kit foxes, or seasonal wildflowers. Because the preserve closes at dusk and has minimal services, pack water and snacks—and bring binoculars for raptor watching over the golden grasslands.
Carrizo Plain National Monument (CA-58 West)
For wide-open solitude, steer west on CA-58 toward the Carrizo Plain. The two-lane road rolls through oak-dotted ranchlands before entering the monument—about 90 minutes from Bakersfield. In a good rain year, the valley floor erupts in technicolor carpets of goldfields and tidy tips, while Soda Lake shimmers under the Temblor Range ridgeline. Stay on paved roads if recent storms have left the dirt spurs muddy, and remember to fuel up before leaving town—services are nonexistent inside the monument.
Trail of 100 Giants, Giant Sequoia National Monument
Driving north on Hwy 65 and then Mountain 56/107 delivers you to the Trail of 100 Giants in roughly 1½ hours. The short, paved loop winds among more than 100 giant sequoias, some 220 feet tall and 20 feet wide, making this the closest place to Bakersfield where you can walk beneath trees over a millennium old. Parking is limited and there’s a small day-use fee, so arriving early—especially in summer—is wise. Pair the grove with a picnic at nearby Redwood Meadow for an unforgettable high-country escape.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Central California’s diversity means you can chase snow-fed rivers, desert blooms, or mountain breezes without spending hours on the interstate. Whether you’re plotting a solo photo expedition or loading up the family for a quick getaway, these five routes prove that adventure is just down the road.
Ready to elevate every mile? Visit Jim Burke Lincoln in Bakersfield to test-drive a luxurious, road-trip-ready Lincoln SUV or schedule a pre-trip service check. Your next scenic drive starts with the right vehicle—let our team help you find it today.