This place is like no other. It is one of the few places in the world where you can explore 5 completely different and extremely beautiful ecosystems all in one area. There's world class rafting and kayaking. There are natural hot springs, beautiful lakes, raging rivers, golfing, camping, many hiking trails including the Pacific Crest Trail. If your lucky, there is still gold and silver to be found among the rocky terrain. Summers would be unbearablly hot if it weren't for the lakes and rivers. Winters get cold enough to snow even in the valleys and there are several places to hit the slopes. The best time of year is spring and fall when the temperature during the day is almost perfect and evenings are crisp and refreshing. No matter what time of the year, this area is among the top 5 best places in the U.S. for star gazing due to it's low light pollution. Most nights you can even see the star dust and space clouds with the naked eye. It feels like the last surviving place of the "Old Wild West." Most locals are friendly, hard working, and eager to help when help is needed. Of course it has some economic and social problems like all places big or small, including a high methamphetamine problem. However, the natural beauty of this place is intoxicating all by itself and enough to put one in a state of complete bliss. But be warned! DO NOT HANG OUT NEAR OR IN THE KERN RIVER WITHOUT A LIFE JACKET. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND DECEIVING IN CERTAIN AREAS, ESPECIALLY KEYESVILLE AREA IN LAKE ISABELLA. Last summer 15 people lost their lives in that river.