Kern Canyon Road provides access to the scenic Kern River Canyon along the original alignment of California 178, offering multiple day-use areas and picnic spots with toilet facilities along the river.

The road features several pullouts including Lower Richbar and Upper Richbar, and provides access to nearby hot springs popular for soaking.

Note that this is a narrow, winding canyon road with challenging driving conditions; the modern California 178 expressway bypass is faster for through-traffic.