When was the Kern Canyon Road built?
Usa, north-america
64 km
2 m
extreme
Year-round
Cruising through California and craving a thrill? Kern Canyon Road (Highway 178) is calling your name! This 40-mile ribbon of asphalt stretches from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella in the Southern Sierra Nevada, and it's a wild ride.
Built way back in the day (think 1890s to 1924!) to help construct the Kern River #1 powerhouse, this road is now famous for its curves, narrow lanes, and those heart-stopping drop-offs right next to the Kern River. You'll be hugging the turns and white-knuckling it until you hit that sweet four-lane stretch halfway through the canyon.
Word of warning: this beauty can be a beast. Kern Canyon Road has a reputation, and not all of it is good. It's known for being dangerous, so stay sharp behind the wheel. Rock slides are a real possibility due to the canyon walls expanding and contracting with the weather.
But oh, the scenery! Think rocky cliffs, the dam-controlled Kern River glistening below, and vistas that'll make your jaw drop. Just keep your eyes on the road!
One last thing: the Kern River is gorgeous, but treat it with respect. Swimming here is seriously risky due to strong currents, cold water, and hidden dangers. Stay back from the edge, keep a close eye on kids, and never underestimate the power of the river.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 64 km
- Max Elevation
- 2 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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