Blue route offers a more scenic route on smaller backroads and keeps you off highway 58. Adds 20 miles
Taft Oil Fields - take the black route to get into the thick of the oils fields. Adds 6 miles total but well worth it.
Giant Oil Worker Monument
West Kern Oil Museum / Great Mouse Invasion (limited hours) - slightly off route
LUNCH Jade Tacos Foodtruck, Taft
Lakeview Gusher Oil Spill, more - slightly off route
Blue route takes you through Bakersfield and to a panoramic view of huge oil fields. Following this route also takes you on highway 178 through the gorgeous Kern River canyon.
NOTE that at mile 55 on the blue route is a small right turn to take the old highway - make sure to do this! This also leads to Remington Hot Springs (see below)
Remington Hot Springs 12 mile (total) outback to Remington Hot Springs - JUST BEFORE Silver City Ghost Town
