Such a spectacular view. While camping totally off grid this is a magnificent and beautiful way to…read morenot only see the surrounding area but to check in at home. The phones work up there.

What can I say about this amazing breathtaking peaceful spots. If you haven't been out to Dome…read moreRock , please make it a point to go, you will literally be speechless with the view before you. Hearing the wind blow between the trees sounds like there's a river running at your feet. Once you are there all you want to do is stare out and breathe in the beauty God has created for all of us to enjoy.

This is not a place you just stumble into, even if you know where it is! I'm glad I finally, after…read moremany years of dreaming, was able to spend an afternoon here on a recent road trip down 99. It is a place that seems so desolate, even though not far from towns and cities, and my first thought was "how was this a bustling city of hundreds of folks just one hundred years ago. Yet, when I took the time to visit the buildings - each and every one of them - I began to get the big picture and see what may have been, although much is missing. When I drove in, I was literally the only one in town. There were a few cars and trailers next door by the RV/camp area, past the old schoolhouse, but no one in the park proper. I started with the visitor center, which is a nondescript trailer next to elevated decks and tables, next to a green lawn - the only one you'll pretty much see here - and an amazing mound of various cacti! The center is simple, with a space and chairs for offerings, and exhibits to whet your appetite. Included are artifacts from the town, clothing from the era, and the medals worn by Colonel Allensworth. Seeing these in old black and white photos, then seeing them in person in living 3-D color, is moving. Before you visit, though, you MUST do your research about Col. Allensworth, his life and legacy, and the town in general. It's history is a needed basis for the time you will want to spend here. After the visitor center, I set off to visit each building, going counter-clockwise, starting with the "new" schoolhouse next to the visitor center. All the buildings here, outhouses exempted, have information placards about the structure, as well as codes for accessing on your phone audio presentations about the building and the people who lived and/or worked in that building. These really flesh out the life of the town, as you meet everyone from the founders, to the leaders, to the business folk and farmers, and blacksmiths and storekeepers, and librarians and constables, and all the others who called this area home. One thing that struck me, as I was reading and listening to these histories, was how many people moved here from other areas. Some came from Bakersfield and Fresno, rather close, but others came from Alameda and Oakland, up in my area, and not a quick trip in those days, as well as other popular Southern California towns. This tells me how strong this city of Allensworth was at its heyday, to draw people into the central valley to join in a common effort of life and success. Amazing stories, indeed. The buildings have been restored after decades of neglect and material theft, but they are close, if not exact, replicas. Each building can be walked up to, but is not open. However, you can, and should, walk around and look in any windows you can reach. The windows seem to have a covering that reflects the UV rays of the ever-present sun, so from a distance, there is no way to see inside. But when you get close and put your face to the window, most of the buildings offer an interior view of what that building likely looked like in the past. Some of my photos show these interiors. This is why you really need to visit each, if not most, of the buildings to get the most of what this place offers. I was blessed to encounter two California State Parks interpretive rangers who were about to film a presentation at Allensworth's home while I was there, and they graciously offered me a peek inside as they set up. What a moment, to stand in the Allensworth house and see what they called home for many years. I wish more places were accessible like this, but given the location and scarcity of folks here, for other than the two rangers and three park maintenance workers, it was empty, I can see why they need to keep the buildings safe. For me, the whole time spent here was several hours and a few miles walked. Be sure to wear sun protection, as there is very little shade left. I could chat all day about the park and what it offers, but there are many great online resources on its history, with good photos, maps, and other information to help you plan a visit here. I took about 150 photos, but have only offered a sampling here, again, to whet YOUR appetite for a visit! The park is a diamond among gems for me, not for what it is lacking, but for what it tries to share - a history hidden, and a place of dreams and hopes left to languish in the valley sun. History is not always exciting, or aesthetic, or comfortable, and my time here reminded me of how these settlers built a living city from barren, dry, hot soil. Indeed, a great reminder of why this park is important for what it offers - a small step back into the history of Allensworth and its townspeople.

Free to enter for day use…read more Came during a holiday afternoon. There were a few cars around. You could also camp here. It was $20 without hookup and $30 with hookup. Seniors get $2 off a night. It's a state park so it's 50% off with the State Parks Disabled Discount Pass. The restroom was next to the Visitor's Center. The toilets were flushable. There were plenty of stalls and there was soap in the soap dispenser. The Visitor's Center was really small and unattended. We couldn't get into any other buildings. Really cool to learn about this amazing town. Overall, a really nice park with a history.

My husband & I hiked here on May 23rd, 2015. We've hiked this trail once before, back in the summer…read more(a few years ago), and it's always really nice & enjoyable hike. It can be a little challenging right toward the top of the summit but otherwise, it's a pretty easy hike. The weather during this time 5/23, happened to be much cooler (50's), foggy, cloudy & windy....especially at the summit compared to our hike a few years ago, mid-summer. It is much warmer during mid-late summer, along with much clearer skies for the view from the summit (we didn't get to enjoy our view since it was foggy/cloudy this time :( ). Bring layers of clothes, especially in the fall and spring. Also the view from the summit is truly amazing! The hike only takes a few hours and is a perfect, quick, little getaway from the city. There are places on top of the summit where you can sit and enjoy the view, relax, & eat snacks/lunch. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated! "The dry, shaded hike beneath the canopy of conifers along loose dirt and pine mulch accented by decorator boulders is easy on the paws, and the wide-angle perspective from the top, a visual treat. The hike kicks off with a stiff ascent before tapering off to a more gradual incline. A trail marker along the way indicates that you are hiking in the Giant Sequoia National Monument." Location: Kern County, about 9 miles west of Kernville, 185 miles from Los Angeles ROUTE 1 Distance: 3 1/2 miles round trip on trail Gain: 1000' Time: 2 hours round trip Rating: Class 1, moderate Navigation: Easy Leader Rating: "O", normal conditions

The Needles tower was on fire on the year 2011. The location…read morefor the lookout was strategically placed there because of the view of the entire region. No charge hiking this place, and there's a bathroom near the parking. There's actually a ranger in the lookout during the summer to watch over the forest. It opens around 9am. Elevation: 8,254 ft. From Quaking Aspen Campground, make a left on Route 21S05 from Western Divide Highway (about a mile) Then must drive about 3 miles over dirt road until the dead end for parking. The trail entrance is on the left side. According to the sign, it's a 5-mile roundtrip, but if you want to get to the fire lookout, it's about extra few more miles, all uphill and boulder-climbing. Coordinates: 36.119746, -118.508499q

Very disappointing. According to the map, the fields behind the sign are part of the refuge, but…read morethey were just grazing fields for cattle. Just a few steps from the start of the foot trail, I saw discarded tires, clothing and other junk dumped on the dusty banks of the creek. I understand that it's a dry year, but the refuge looked dead. The surrounding farms had water, but none in the refuge. I saw a few birds walking out to the viewing platform: 2 crows, 1 duck, a shorebird, and what might have been a kestrel in the distance. I saw more interesting birds in the produce fields nearby, since that's where the water was. I heard some other birds, but then the passing freight train drowned out the sound. There's no point in visiting, unless you happen to be here during the crane season. There is a tiny parking lot on 88 just past the creek, but most online maps are inaccurate. Only one corner of the refuge is protected, and it's off limits to the public.

If you like to view and sandhill cranes flying in and out, this is the place. Their loud bird…read morecalls can be heard from a distance and it usually signals a flock is flying nearby or about to take off flying. If you like to photograph birds in flight (BIF), this will be heaven for you. I visited three years ago for the first time and was disappointed. Heard the birds but it was too far to photograph. I had a 400mm lens with me. Two weeks ago, inspired by a photograph I've a fellow photographer took, I ventured again and drove 45 miles north. I searched for more information about the habits of these cranes and when the best time to view them. Early morning and before sunset was the key. It is not necessary to walk the 1 mile trail to the viewing deck. To have decent photos, a 300-400mm lens would be necessary. The longer the lens, the better results. I have since visited 4 times in the last week and every time the photographing opportunities were great. If you need additional information, feel free to contact me.

I have loved lake success for about 27 years! Every time I think about best experience of my life…read moreit's always, spending the night in the middle of the lake on patio boat top, with blow up mattress, my best friends underneath on first level. The stars are the most perfect and beautiful I've ever seen! No mosquitos because we stay in the middle away from the bugs. Never has there been anywhere close to this! Then waking up early when light comes, and jumping in the water it's pure heaven! I've come all the way out from Texas because my friends told me water is high enough again, and I'm soooo looking forward to reliving that perfect experience!

We camped at Lake Success Labor Day weekend, water was shut down by 10pm + all bathrooms/showers…read morewere closed by management as well. Only 2 porter potties available to use however they were disgustingly dirty. But they did go around and warned everyone to lower music by 10pm yet they didn't warn everyone bathroom and water would be shut down. Will not be coming back again!

I'm from Delano and I grew up going to this park. Honestly, the only reason why I visit these days…read moreis only for the Philippine Weekend festivities which always takes place the last weekend of July, there's so much memories here and I love watching the kids perform. It reminds me of a time when I was younger and also performed these cultural dances. Although this place brings so much memories of my childhood, Cecil Park is still the same... restrooms are never ever cleaned and I say this because for as long as I can remember, I really don't think the city pushes for that. This is probably the most active park in Delano; however, I don't feel it's up kept as much as it should be. The lawn gets mowed and the trees get trimmed, but everyone that has kids knows that the toilets are never cleaned (since these kids are always having to use the restrooms). This park is located across the street from my HS (Delano High School) and has two parts to it. One side has a stage where the festivities are held at and the other side has a good size skate park and a kiddie pool. I honestly can't remember when Delano has put water in that kiddie pool, all I can remember is getting in this pool when I was in Kindergarten for a field trip. The skate park is definitely a plus, it keeps the kids busy and keeps them from doing things they shouldn't be doing. There's a basketball court, a playground for kids and plenty of room for other activities. Both parks are pretty big in size and has room to fit multiple parties, multiple gatherings, and other functions. There's plenty of shade and plenty of places to picnic at and there's several benches to rest at as well.

Nice park on the better side of town. Lots of grass and play area for kids and soccer. Lots of…read moreareas for kids to run and for dog walking.

It smelled really bad, too many mosquitos . There were nice views but I'm not too crazy about itread more