HWY. 178 / Kern River Canyon Route

CURRENT CONDITIONS - Route 178

This is the route to take from Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Bakersfield etc.
Take Interstate 5 to Hwy 99 - North to Bakersfield and Hwy 178 - then go East (Also called 24th Street thru the city) to and thru the Kern River Canyon.

This route is the most popular with our visitors, its scenic but be careful on the canyon 2 lane.
( Lots of curves and tight lanes till you hit the 4 lane, half-way through the canyon )
Please use the turn outs if you're holding up other vehicles. They'll thank you for the courtesy.
When you reach the "Lake Isabella / Kernville / Hwy 155" exit, turn left for Kernville. Stay on the main route through Wofford Heights and all the way through Kernville (about 10 miles), across the bridge and to the end, and stop sign, at Sierra Way . Turn left. We are 1 block up on the left. Look for our sign!

Back to Directory

HWY. 178 / Walker Pass Route

CURRENT CONDITIONS - Route 178

This is the best route from San Diego, San Bernadino, Riverside, Ontario and the lower desert communities. Take the 15 to the 395 go North to Inyokern -
Go west (or left over the highway) on Hwy 178 to the 14 - South (or left) on 14 to 178 / "Lake Isabella" turnoff.
If coming from Bishop areas take 395 south to the 14 and the 14 south to Hwy 178 and the Lake Isabella turnoff.

This is also the easiest route for towing or big vehicles compared to the canyon access.
( Less curves and tight lanes, for you RV'ers and boaters )
Steep Grade climb up Hwy 178 from the 14 (Watch your temp gauge on hot days).

Continue on 178 till you reach Sierra Way / Kernville Airport turnoff, (Sign shows Kernville and Trail of 100 Giants).
Turn right and stay on this road for about 13 miles (the lake will be on your left). You'll pass the airport.
When you see the Kernville Chamber of Commerce at Kernville Road, continue on 1 more block and you'll see our sign on the left at the corner.
If you see Sierra Gateway Market on your right, you've gone too far.

Back to Directory

HWY. 99 / 178 Route from Northern California

CURRENT CONDITIONS - Route 178

This is the easiest drive without nausea, from Fresno, Visalia areas. Take Hwy. 99 South to Hwy 178. / Lake Isabella Turnoff and head East
(Also called 24th Street thru the city) to and thru the Kern River Canyon.

( Lots of curves and tight lanes till you hit the 4 lane, half-way through the canyon )
Please use the turn outs if you're holding up other vehicles. They'll thank you for the courtesy.
When you reach the "Lake Isabella / Kernville / Hwy 155" exit, turn left for Kernville. Stay on the main route through Wofford Heights and all the way through Kernville (about 10 miles), across the bridge and to the end, and stop sign, at Sierra Way . Turn left. We are 1 block up on the left. Look for our sign!

Back to Directory

HWY. 190 - Mtn. 99 / Porterville Route

CURRENT CONDITIONS - Route 190

This is the prettiest route of all! (Till the snow hits, then forget it unless your on a snowmobile.) Take 190 East from the 65 - through Springville and up over
Quaking Aspen through Ponderosa and down Mtn. 99 along the upper Kern River into Kernville.
Don't worry about chains, you won't get close if if the snow falls.
(You'll have to use the Hwy 155 or Canyon Routes if snow hits).

You'll pass through Riverkern and about 4 miles further you'll enter Kernville. You'll see Sierra Gateway Market and
Kernville Elementary on your left, we're on right across from the school. Look for our sign.
If you see the Kernville Chamber of Commerce on your right, you've gone too far.

Back to Directory