The 13 Most Amazing Peaks in Kern County

On the Cerro Noroeste climb from Pine Mountain Club you'll be treated to a beautiful road biking ascent through the San Emigdio Mountains. Starting from Pine Mountain Club, you'll climb Mil Potrero Highway (which becomes Cerro Noroeste Road) towards the summit of Cerro Noroeste at 8,284 feet. This climb covers approximately 9.6 to 11.4 miles, gaining around 2,000 to 3,400 feet with an average gradient typically in the 5-6% range, though some sections may be steeper, finishing just past the summit. As you ascend through forests of pine and juniper, the scenery opens up to provide expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys, offering a remote and rewarding high-altitude cycling experience.

Climbing Mount Pinos from village of Pine Mountain Club in Southern California is a journey high into the serene Jeffrey pine and white fir forests of the Los Padres National Forest, culminating in panoramic views from near the region's highest paved point. After a short approach on Cuddy Valley Road, you'll turn onto Mount Pinos Road for the main ascent. Prepare for a challenging climb of approximately 10-11.5 miles, gaining around 3,300-3,500 ft to reach the road's end near the Condor Observation Site at about 8,550 ft (the actual summit of Mt. Pinos at 8,847 ft is a short hike beyond). You'll experience a steady and often relentless gradient averaging around 6%, with the steepest sustained mile pushing near 8.5% and ramps occasionally hitting 10%, demanding a solid effort at increasingly high altitude. Along the way you'll enjoy the peaceful forest environment with key challenges being the sustained climbing and the very high altitude.

The Shirley Meadows climb westwards from Woody via CA-155 takes you through the Southern Sierra Nevada, demanding significant endurance over pure steepness. You'll gain approximately 5,500ft reaching the 6,100ft summit area near the ski resort, averaging a gentle 3.7% overall due to the length, but featuring long, grinding sections at steady 5-9% grades through foothills and forests. On this climb you'll feel the transition from potentially warm lower elevations to the cooler, high mountain environment.

With an elevation of 5,778 feet (1,761 meters), Power's Peak is well worth the trek that ascends the steep mountainside. The views are breathtaking, offering incredible panoramas of Lake Isabella and Kernville. It is an ideal spot to take a long break and immerse yourself in the serenity and beauty of the surroundings.

Walker Pass marks a subtle transition from the arid, rugged terrain of the Mojave Desert to the varied landscape of the Sierra. This is a crucial point for PCT hikers needing to resupply, as Isabella Lake is 36 miles away and offers a campground, grocery store, and fuel. Additionally, there is a bus stop at Walker Pass where Line 227 stops three times a day.

Walker Pass is a junction between California Highway 178 and the Pacific Crest Trail. The Walker Pass Campground is just to the west of the pass and is a good option for those who are touring and looking for a good overnight spot.

Willow Springs is the oldest permanent road race course in the USA, holding its first race in late 1953. Due to its proximity to Hollywood it has served as the setting for many famous race scenes including those from Ford vs Ferrari, The Love Bug, and many television episodes. Also, if you've ever played a Gran Turismo or Need for Speed video game, there's a good chance you're already familiar with this track.

Walker Pass is a junction between California Highway 178 and the Pacific Crest Trail. The Walker Pass Campground is just to the west of the pass and is a good option for those who are touring and looking for a good overnight spot.