Climbing Near Bakersfield, California

This is the closest decent-sized, climbable boulder near Bakersfield. The boulder contains a dozen or so problems on relatively clean granite. This area is described in the "Climbing and Bouldering Guide to the Lower Kern Canyon," by Mickey Dunnagan which can be found at Actions Sports in Bakersfield. Take Hwy 178, east of Bakersfield, to Rancheria Rd. Go.5 mile on Ranceria until you reach the river. Park in the large parking lot used by the river rats. The boulder is about 200 yards East (up river) on the South side.

Large boulder about 30' tall that borders the Kern River. The top of the boulder is the same height as the road.Its in the sun mostly all day and usually there is no one there climbing. The ancient bolts have been replaced and you can top rope the routes from the anchors at the top with fresh new anchors. (More information to come) Take HWY178 E out of Bakersfield. Head up the kern river about 4 miles you will see a large area of boulders with graffiti all over them. There is top rope anchors hidden in the bushes at the top and depending on the time of year and how much water there is you might or might not be able to hike around to the bottom. Be careful of the river its extremely dangerous! I will put up better beta once I have more information.

Everything south of Lake Isabella is considered the "Lower Kern". I decided to split this up so that it is easier to find as well as designate which of the Dozen or so craigs belong here. Many climbs are right off the 178, some as close as right at the turn out. A few require some hiking, including crossing the river for areas like the gym -From Fwy 58 either direction, get off at Comanche Dr and drive North approx 4-5 mi and take a right onto the 178. -From Fwy 99 either direction, take Ca178 E and follow Rosedale Hwy through town. It will turn into a fwy temporarily and when it becomes a regular road again just follow the 178 to the mouth of the canyon