Up Front The Big Picture
10 ways to celebrate spring By Annie Stephens
Photo by Mark Nessia
Spring is in the air, and many of us are looking for fun activities to do so we can embrace this beautiful weather in and around Bakersfield. Take a look at some pastimes you can experience this season.
Experience a hike Although Bakersfield doesn’t have a long list of hiking trails, there are plenty of surrounding areas where the outdoors can be enjoyed. With the perfect springtime weather, the Bird Springs Pass trail is great for a mountainous getaway. The trail, located outside the east side of Lake Isabella off of Kelso Valley Road, is roughly 8.2 miles long. In the spring, the hills are filled with wildflowers, and the trail is mostly sandy tread, making for a beautiful getaway.
Enjoy some roaring river rafting With the warmer weather on its way, water levels are bound to rise from snowmelt. About an hour away from Bakersfield, river rafting companies in the Kern Valley area will take you on a journey you’ll never forget. Rafting is a safe and exciting way to make your spring vacations even more fun. Enjoy floating down the slow to mild rapids of the Kern River with professional guides who will make you love every moment of your getaway.
Go on a nice ride If you’re looking to get a little more exercise this spring, give bicycling a try. Even if you’re a beginner, there are easy bike paths built for almost anyone. Try the Park at River Walk where there is a well-built bike path that eventually takes you toward Enos Lane in the west or Cal State Bakersfield and along the Kern River to the east.
Spray park is the name of the game Enjoy a day in the sun at any of Bakersfield’s fun parks including those with spray features like Jastro, Saunders and Beale. It’s a nice way to keep the kids cool during the warm seasons. Take a camera to catch your kids having a blast.
Support local athletes
Take a break and cheer on your local athletes this baseball and softball season. From little league to the minor league, there is something for everyone. Going to sporting events is a great way to show support and get off the couch. Visit gogades.com or gorunners. com to check out local collegiate athletics.
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Bakersfield Life
April 2012
A field of fiddlenecks glowing in the morning sun off of Highway 58 near Caliente.