This climb begins just outside Bakersfield, leading you through the Southern Sierra foothills, where the vast, rolling grasslands dominate the landscape. The lower portion of the route offers stunning views of the surrounding barren hills, reminiscent of desert landscapes, providing a unique and almost surreal atmosphere. As you ascend, the area transitions into more rugged terrain, with distant mountain views and a sense of isolation, making it a true adventure through the open wilderness. The environment remains dry and open, offering few signs of vegetation, aside from the high brown grasses that characterize the area.