This is a trail that I thought would be getto, but actually exceded my expectations. I highly recommend starting at the lot by the 5 fwy and biking east. When it starts getting dirty and getto, turn around for your ride home. The west side of the trail is beautiful. The east side of the trail is kind of dirty. My first time I started in the center (across from CSU Bakersfield) and rode west. It was nice, but there is no place to get off and go to lunch by the 5 fwy. If you start by the 5, then once you get near CSU Bakersfield you can find a place to eat lunch.

In the hotter months this year, we still found plenty of activity on the pathway. We found parking at the city park at Oak and 24th and entered the pathway at that point. Heading West, we encountered several walking groups, supporting a variety of social causes - ALS, Dementia, etc. Riders, and walkers, are friendly.
Evening riding could be a pleasure and safe. We noted a number of call boxes along the pathway should you need assistance. As mentioned earlier, there are many places to refill water bottles except for the western end of the path.

I have ridden the bike path daily for the last several years. This is a pleasing place to spend time especially in the early morning hours before it gets hot. The bike path generates a great deal of activity. You can find groups to ride with most days of any skill level and speed. Just search through the local bike shops.
There is water in the river this year which brings a lot of foilage and animals. The western section of the path beyond Stockdale bridge has many different species common to Southern California including cougars, and coyotes especially in the early morning when few other riders are out.

The bike path has been extended in both directions in recent years. It extends about 10 1/2 miles west from Calif State University and about another 11 miles to the east. Much of the path is along the Kern River or in the flood plain of the river and is fairly flat. On the east end of the path, you can ride on Alfred Harrell Highway (more of a country road than a highway) for about 4 miles and the path starts again for several more miles. There are numerous parking lots along the bike path. West of the University, there is some wildlife including, road runners, valley quail, cottontail rabbits, kit foxes (endangered species), and others. There are many places to refill water bottles except for the western 6-7 miles of the path. It's hot and dry in Bakersfield in the summer months so be prepared.

"Parking off Stockdale Hwy and Don Hart East Drive N35.35478 W118.10097 elev 377; .
Trail surface in excellent condition. Open view along river levee then passes by Parks with small ponds.
After passing under Hwy 99, I turned around at Rosedale Hwy.N35.38113 W119.04070 elev 400’."

Impressive. Well maintained. Offers an opportunity to see things not generally believed to be connected with Bakersfield.