Things To Do

BAT DANGLING: Perhaps the most recently conceived sport, on Aug. 31, 2013, a older part-time Bodfish resident found that by dangling a tiny ( 1/16th of an inch) piece of meat or white wool at night from a fly rod off a porch brought the bats (eating the insects attracted to the flood security lights on the porch) to attack the wool or meat. The oldster reported that an hour of “dangling” brought over 25 “hits.” He also reported that given all the good that bats do eating bothersome insects, he didn’t want to hurt them so he didn’t, and wouldn’t, use hooks. Bodfish, CA.

 

STAR GAZING: Given the often clear mountain air, and dark area in and around Bodfish, stargazing can be beautiful, exciting and educational on many nights, but beware of stiff necks. There is a app that can be uploaded for free off the web, that when the phone with the app is pointed at the stars, the app shows what and where your looking at. One of those apps is called SkyView. Bodfish, CA.

​​

REMINGTON HOT SPRINGS: Concrete soaking tubs built in the early-mid 1900s, by local residents during a time when hot springs were commonly developed for public use. The tubs are permanent with river access changing seasonally. ​

​

MIRACLE HOT SPRINGS: Originally developed as a commercial hot springs resort in the early 1900s, Miracle Hot Springs was built around naturally heated mineral water. The springs are now closed, but the site remains part of Kern Valley's hot spring history. 

​

LAKE ISABELLA: An 11,000-acre reservoir (depending on the time of year), created by the Isabella Dam, offers multiple activities for freshwater and boating enthusiasts: fishing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, etc. Allows docking of personal water craft and are available for rental. Hiking and camping, also. Off Hwy. 178, Lake Isabella, CA 93240. (760) 376-3781. 5 miles

​​

KEYESVILLE: Once a mining town, now abandoned. It’s on a dirt road and contains a monument to the old mining towns of the area. Keyesville Road, two miles up from the junction at California Hwy 155 at Lake Isabella Dam. 6.5 miles.

​​

KERNVILLE: Quaint, friendly, and mostly restored old Western town with a park on the upper Kern River; Gateway to the Sierras, and home of many river rafting companies and shops including a full service fly fishing shop with guides. Kernville is also home to Whiskey Flat Days, a celebration of the Wild West, held each President’s Day Weekend in February, regional rodeos and the ever fun and exciting Rubber Ducky races each August. Kernville Chamber of Commerce: (760) 376-2629. 14.3 miles

​

KERNVILLE RIVERSIDE PARK: Riverside Park in Kernville is one of the most visited parks in Kern County, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. The focal point of this park is a section of the Kern River that was enhanced in the early 1970’s in a collaborative effort between local citizens and the Army Corps of Engineers. This project created ideal fish habitat, calm pools for wading and swimming, waves and fast currents for rafters, tubers and kayakers; in essence, created the basis for what is now a thriving tourism industry in this small mountain community. Kern River Drive, Kernville, CA, 93238. (661) 868-7000. 14.2 miles

​

TRAIL OF 100 GIANTS: One of the most popular hiking trails in Sequoia National Park, it provides an easy, self-guided half mile tour through a portion of the Long Meadow Sequoia Grove. The grove contains 125 giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) over 10 feet in diameter and others; the largest is 20 feet in diameter and 220 feet tall. The grove encompasses over 340 acres and the estimated age for some of the trees is up to 1,500 years old. Closed when snow prohibits access. Western Divide Highway at Long Meadow Grove, Springville, CA. (559) 784-1500. 48 miles

​

MT. WHITNEY PORTAL DRIVE, LONE PINE: Whitney Portal is the entry point to the Mt. Whitney Trail, a 22-mile round-trip hike that reaches the summit of Mt. Whitney, which, at 14,498 feet, is the highest point of the 48 contiguous states. Serious and knowledgeable hikers only are advised to attempt this hike, which climbs over 6,000 feet. A permit may be required. “The best place from which to see Mt. Whitney is the Interagency Visitor Center on Highway 395, just south of the town of Lone Pine on the east side of the Sierra,” according to the website. Whitney Portal Drive, 11 miles west from Lone Pine. (559) 565-3341. 131 miles.

 

DEATH VALLEY: Lowest spot in the United States at 282 ft. below sea level and home to the world’s highest-recorded temperature (134 degrees farenheit); desert environment surrounded by mountains. Hwy 190, west of U.S. 395. (760) 786-3200. About 180 miles

 

BRISTLECONE PINE GROVES: Located within Inyo National Forest, these two groves are filled with large, gnarled, but graceful trees that are said to be the world’s oldest. The road is paved to the first grove, Schulman Grove, at approximately 10,000 feet, and dirt to the second, Patriarch Grove, located 12 miles north, at around 11,000 feet. Usually accessible mid-June to beginning of winter. White Mountain Road, 10 miles north of Hwy 168, Inyo County. (760) 873-2400. 185 miles

​

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: Glacier-sculpted valley includes magnificent waterfalls, precipitous overlooks, and unique rock formations comprising many of California’s most popular landmarks while offering a wide array of activities and accommodations. Hwy 41/Wawona Road north from Hwy. 99. (209) 372-0200. 242 miles (to Yosemite Village).