Kern River Canyon Rd, Bodfish, CA

Kern River Canyon Rd is one of those easily missed California Motorcycle Roads that rewards anyone willing to step away from the traffic on Highway 178.

Running parallel (there's that word again) along the south side of the Kern River, just east of Bakersfield, this narrow, no-center line ribbon of pavement follows the contours of the canyon wall through rugged terrain, offering constant views of the water below.

Originally built before Highway 178 became the primary route through the canyon, the road still carries the feel of an older California—where the pace is slower and the scenery takes center stage.

The road is filled with tight bends, short straights, rocky cliffs, and frequent glimpses of rafts and kayakers navigating the whitewater far below. There is often sand in the turns that we always warn our tour riders about, but there are also several pullouts where you can stop, listen to the rushing water, and appreciate the dramatic landscape carved by the river.

Midway along the road, Hobo Campground is another reason to slow down, with riverside campsites tucked beneath the canyon walls. Unlike the faster Highway 178 below, Kern River Canyon Rd invites riders to settle into a relaxed rhythm and enjoy the repetitive cadence of the S-curves.

Once you reach the eastern end of the road at Bodfish, hang a left and coast downhill into town to Don Sombrero's Mexican Restaurant for lunch. Afterward, ride another mile to Uffert Park and check out the M48 Patton Tank parked right along the road.

Oh, and one more thing… How many times have you ridden Highway 178-Kern River Canyon & missed this one?

Stop doing that.