Tehachapi

Perched atop a ridge between the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert about 40 miles southeast of Bakersfield, Tehachapi offers a fascinating mix of history, natural beauty, and small-town hospitality. 

Its most famous attraction, the Tehachapi Loop, is a marvel of engineering—this 1,210-foot-diameter spiral track helped the Southern Pacific Railroad connect two different lines during the 1870s, traversing from the steep elevations of the Tehachapi Mountains into the Mojave Desert. Today, it’s still in use and recognized as a California Historic Landmark, drawing train enthusiasts from around the world. 

Beyond its rail history, Tehachapi boasts a thriving wine region, family-owned shops, and abundant outdoor recreation, making it a lovely California getaway.

Where to Eat and Drink

Officially established in 2020, the Tehachapi Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA) is one of the highest-elevation wine regions in the country. Hop on a tour with Discover Tehachapi to visit standout vineyards such as Dorner Family Vineyard, Tehachapi Winery, Tehachapi Wine & Cattle Company, Triassic Vineyards, and Los Viajeros Vineyard, plus downtown tasting rooms like Stray Leaves Tasting Room. 

If beer’s your beverage of choice, grab a pint over at P-Dubs Brew Pub in Old Town—home to Tehachapi Mountain Brewing and located inside a bowling alley—or head to Westlane Brewing for local brews and live music. Local Craft Beer taproom is another favorite, with a rotating selection of beers and a dog-friendly patio.

Downtown dining brings global flavors with a local twist. Try the authentic German pretzels and breads at Kohnen’s Country Bakery, grab a gyro at Petra Mediterranean Delicatessen & Restaurant, or feast on ribs and pulled pork at Red House BBQ, an Indigenous-owned barbecue restaurant.

Tehachapi History and Culture

History buffs will appreciate the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum, filled with vintage locomotive parts and historic artifacts dating back to the Tehachapi Loop’s completion in 1876. Admission is free, as are docent-led tours. 

At the Tehachapi Museum, learn about the Kawaiisu people, who made the Tehachapi Valley their home for thousands of years. Their land is preserved as the Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, which is accessible only by guided tours in the spring and fall. 

Across the street, step back in time with a walk through the historic Errea House, showcasing early 20th-century life in rural California. 

Outdoor Recreation

Adventure awaits in the Tehachapi Mountains, a 40-mile-long range that separates Northern and Southern California. The single-track Greenbelt Trail is popular among mountain bikers, while the Nuooah Nature Trail in Tehachapi Mountain Park offers a great afternoon walk with 20 interpretive stations for kids. For a longer, more challenging trek, take the 4.8-mile out-and-back Tehachapi Mountain Trail that ascends to the peak, offering expansive views and a glimpse at several native California plants.  

For an unforgettable animal experience, book a private tour at Adorable Alpacas, an eco-conscious ranch where visitors can meet and feed the fluffy herds. Year-round fishing is also available at the Brite Lake Aquatic Recreation Area, which offers RV and campgrounds for those who want to sleep under the stars. 

Things to Do

There are many scenic and cultural gems to discover near Tehachapi. Drive the winding roads Wind Wolves Preserve, the West Coast’s largest nonprofit nature preserve, for hiking and wildlife watching. Head north to Bakersfield for a taste of country music history at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. The high desert town of Lancaster, where you can spot the state’s distinctive orange flower at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, is less than an hour away.