Tehachapi, California in Kern County

About Tehachapi

Tehachapi, California is a high mountain desert community situated on the edge of the Mojave Desert in the Tehachapi Mountains. We are located approximately 40 miles east of Bakersfield in the County of Kern. The population of Tehachapi within the city limit is approximately 6,600 and the elevation is approximately 4,000 feet.

The entire community of Tehachapi consists of several micro-communities known as The City of Tehachapi; Alpine Forest, Bear Valley Springs, Cummings Valley, Golden Hills and Stallion Springs. Combined together, these communities bring the area’s population to a much higher number, probably around 16,000 or more.

City of Tehachapi

The City of Tehachapi is where you will find the oldest houses with the most charm. Aside from residential properties, almost all of the commercial properties are located within the city limits.

Alpine Forest

The community of Alpine Forest in Tehachapi, California is located just west & south of the Tehachapi city limits off of CA Hwy 202 and Banducci Road. Alpine Forest encompasses 5,000 acres in the Tehachapi Mountains at an elevation ranging between 4,600 and 6,600 ft. There are approximately 200 homes (and growing) in Alpine Forest. This community is an association which requires annual association fees.

Being a mountain community, it is not uncommon to see wildlife in the area which includes mountain lions, bears, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, and wild boar, just to name a few. Birds of prey like condors, eagles and hawks, as well as many other smaller birds frequent the area.

Bear Valley Springs

Bear Valley Springs is truly a unique community. Located about half way between the Tehachapi City limits and Stallion Springs, Bear Valley is a mountain community with a charm all to it’s own. Situated in a secluded region of the Tehachapi Mountains, the community encompasses nearly 27,000 acres. There are many recreational activites which include golf, swimming, equestrian trails and lakes.

Bear Valley is a gated community with a population of approximately 6,000 residents. The Bear Valley Springs Association is managed by a community elected board of directors. Property owners are required to pay an annual association fee which helps operate, maintain and regulate a the use of the Equestrian Center, Recreation Center, Community Center, Golf Course and park areas.

Cummings Valley

Cummings Valley is a rather wide valley that separates the Tehachapi Mountains to the south from the Greenhorn Mountains to the north. The hillsides are covered with oak at the lower levels and pine-covered at the higher elevations. Cummings Valley is located about 5 miles west of the Tehachapi City limits and sandwiched between Tehachapi and Bear Valley Springs.

The valley is named after George Cummings who, in the mid 1800’s, first passed through the area on a cattle drive. George later returned to the area and was the first person to purchase property and settle into the valley. The Cummings legacy is still quite alive in Tehachapi with many of George’s descendants living in the area. Today, Cummings Valley is known for its big skies, sod farms and horse ranches.

Golden Hills

The community of Golden Hills is exactly what the name implies. Surrounded by golden California hill with an area of about 13 square miles, Golden Hills is home to about 8,000 residents located in quiet subdivisions between Golden Hills Blvd. and Old Town Rd. In the farther reaches of the Golden Hills area, you might frequent a visit from some of the areas local wildlife like deer, raccoon, coyotes, hawks, woodpeckers and skunks. Golden Hills is a fine place to spend a weekend afternoon visiting some of the neighboring farmers who sell fruit and vegetables at roadside stands.

Stallion Springs

Stallion Springs is located about 13 miles west of Tehachapi and is approximately 17 square miles. The community of Stallion Springs offers an abundance of recreational opportunities like 30 miles of beautiful equestrian and hiking trails. Stallion Springs is home to The Horse Thief Golf Course and Country Club which is located in the center of town. Horse Thief is a great place for family picnics. Stallion Springs is also home to Woodward West, a nationally acclaimed summer camp for skateboarding, BMX and gymnastics.

Tehachapi Area Online Resources

Listed below are some Tehachapi related websites which you will find useful and fun.