Kern County, California packs a rare sweep of terrain into one hiking region, from the dry open country around Walker Pass to the pine air of Mount Pinos and the rushing bends of the Kern River. Hike the Tehachapi Mountain Trail for broad desert views, follow Cannell Trail above the Kern Plateau, or stay lower on the Kern River Parkway Trail near Bakersfield before heading east toward higher, quieter ground.