Sandwiched Between Bakersfield And LA Is An Underrated Recreation Area For Lake Views, Fishing, And Few Crowds

Humanity has a knack for making a mess of nature. But sometimes, it accidentally creates a borderline gem, and seemingly no one knows about it. Such is the case with the Quail Lake Recreation Area. The underrated outdoor destination, about an hour from both Bakersfield and Los Angeles, offers an ideal destination for fishing, with bucolic lake views unmarred by massive crowds.

Quail Lake is actually a manmade reservoir that, thanks to some crafty engineering, reached its current form in the 1960s. The resulting 228-acre body of water and adjacent recreation area exploits its intersection of mountains and deserts by minimizing human interventions. The recreation area's remoteness becomes its main selling point — and biggest flaw. At 3,300 feet above sea level, the area remains off the beaten path in the highlands of the Frazier-Tejon region, which is otherwise known as a commercial hub. "Beautiful recreation area that is not too far from civilization," one visitor put it on Google Maps. But it's still far enough to create a crowd-free environment, which past visitors have applauded.

It's an ideal day trip for hikers, anglers, and nature lovers within driving distance. It's also an ideal 10-minute detour during a trip to Lebec, a mountain community with rugged trails and canyon views. Be sure to bring appropriate gear for whatever the weather might throw at you, depending on the time of year. The weather can get a bit breezy, and bring bug spray if you're visiting in the summer.

The benefits of Quail Lake's underdeveloped, under-discovered nature show up in full force as soon as you arrive. The recreation area lacks the formalities that come with major funding or crowds. No designated trails. No picnic tables. No fixed restrooms, either. The scenic lake views offer an unfiltered, uncurated look at nature, free of human intervention or amenities. The open spaces and walkable areas are there as a matter of course, not by human design. 

The lone downside is that the lack of services can also lead to a litter problem, as indicated by several Google reviews from years past. Still, you can have a lakeside picnic at a spot of your choosing, rather than naturally gravitating toward a designated area with a table. "A wonderful place to stretch your legs and see the current spring bloom," one visitor wrote in a review on Google. "The wild lupine, sagebrush, trees, and water provide a unique backdrop for exploration." Consider it a less-civilized sibling to Pyramid Lake, with its stunning mountain views and camping, just 15 minutes away.

Anglers will be rewarded for packing their rod and reel. The bluegill, catfish, and striped bass swimming below the surface form a robust population sustained by the California Aqueduct. Visitors can try to reel one in from the shore. Truly serious anglers should cast their lines either at the inlet from the aqueduct, at the lake's northeast end, or at the outlet, which is closer to the parking lot. Keep an eye out for algae bloom advisories, which have cropped up in the past. Be sure you have a California fishing license. You can add another dose of adventure by driving 15 minutes to Fort Tejon State Historic Park, where you can check out the abandoned California military fort and scenic park.