HWY. 178 / Kern River Canyon Route

CURRENT CONDITIONS - Route 178

This is the route to take from Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Bakersfield etc.
Take Interstate 5 North to Laval-North exit (aka Wheeler Ridge Rd or Weedpatch Hwy) - North to Bear Mountain Blvd (blinking red light) - East to Commanche Drive (first stop sign)- North to 178 (watch RR tracks after crossing 58)- and then East into and through the canyon.  Like bigger highways?  Go Interstate 5 to 99 - North to Bakersfield and the 178 - then go East to the canyon. This route is the most popular with visitors, it's scenic but be careful on 2 lanes in canyon. (Lots of curves and tight lanes until you reach the 4 lanes, half-way through the canyon.) Please use the turn outs if you're holding up other vehicles. They'll thank you for the courtesy.

HWY. 178 / Walker Pass Route

CURRENT CONDITIONS - Route 178

This is the best route from San Diego, San Bernadino, Riverside, Ontario and the lower desert communities. Take 15 to the 395 and go North to Inyokern - Go west (or left over the highway) on 178 to the 14 - South (or left) on 14 to 178 / Lake Isabella turnoff. This is also the safest route compared to the canyon access. ( Less curves and tight lanes, for you RV'ers and boaters ) Steep grade climb up 178 from the 14 (Watch your temp gauge on hot days).

HWY. 155 / Greenhorn - Alta Sierra Route

CURRENT CONDITIONS - Route 155

This is a beautiful mountain drive from Fresno, Visalia areas and even North Bakersfield. Take 155 East from the 65 toward Glennville then up and over the Greenhorn Mountains right into Wofford Heights. (And right into the lake if you don't watch your brakes.)  Steep, steep 13% downgrade from Alta Sierra; use low gears.  Chains are required when the snow falls.

HWY. 190 - Mtn. 99 / Porterville Route

CURRENT CONDITIONS - Route 190

This is the prettiest route of all! (Till the snow falls; then forget it unless you're on a snowmobile.) Take 190 East from the 65 - through Springville and up over Quaking Aspen through Ponderosa and down Mtn. 99 along the upper Kern River into Kernville.  Stop at the "Trail of a Hundred Giants" and see the Redwoods.  Don't worry about chains, you won't get close if it flakes.