--
Caliente, CA
Caliente, California - A Small Town Filled with Historic Interest and Natural Sights: Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Caliente, California, is a small unincorporated community of Kern County, presenting historic interest combined with natural beauty in equal measure. About 22 miles southeast of Bakersfield, the small town of Caliente presents a quiet haven from the rush of life in the city-a very epitome of countryside America.
- 
Perhaps what interests people most about Caliente is its deeply rooted history in developing the Southern Pacific Railroad during the latter half of the 19th century. This community was quite an important town during the railroad building in the 1870s, a stop between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The 1875 Caliente Railroad Depot is today a living legacy of this colorful era in the town's history. While no longer used for its original purpose, this depot is considered an all-time favorite landmark because it symbolizes what the railroad did for the town's founding and subsequent growth.
Caliente's geography features rolling hills, tranquil valleys, and the backdrop of nearby mountain ranges. Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy trekking, horseback riding or wildlife viewing find its semi-arid climate means hot summers and mild winters allow exploration throughout the year.
- 
Then add to all those charms' proximity to great natural sites: the Sequoia National Forest for groves of towering sequoias and varied ecosystems, and it's near the Tehachapi Loop, a spiral stretch of the railroad known as a true marvel of engineering. The Loop still attracts attention from railroad buffs and tourists alike, proving that this area remains relevant with its railroad heritage intact.
Caliente thrives on a strong sense of community and a lifestyle deeply attached to the land. Agriculture and ranching are the backbone of the local economy, though the historical sites and natural beauty bring in some tourism, too. The population is sparse, adding to its quiet countryside ambiance, ideal for those seeking solitude and a laid-back pace of life.
- 
The road network that feeds Caliente is primarily the Caliente-Bodfish Road, which accesses major highways to connect to larger cities such as Bakersfield. Passenger train services have been discontinued, although freight trains still pass through as a reminder that this small town remains part of a strategic rail route. This continuing activity serves as a reminder of the historic role played by the railroad but also introduces a dynamic into the otherwise somnolent atmosphere.
- 
The name "Caliente," meaning "hot" in Spanish, most likely refers to the warm climate that characterizes the region. This is another cultural touchpoint, indicating influences that have pushed along the town's development through the years. Caliente has found its way into various films and documentaries, often as a backdrop to the rural California lifestyle and to point out its rich railroad history.
Overall, Caliente, California, is a historical and natural beauty montage. The rich railroad heritage in this area offers an exciting glimpse into a monumental period in American growth and technological advancement. These, together with the landscape serenity and outdoor recreation, mark Caliente as a locally treasured yet nationally unknown jewel, inviting visitors and residents alike to tour and appreciate the enduring legacy of this quaint community. For the historian, the nature lover, or anyone who enjoys the quiet accents of country living, Caliente is an experience that echoes with continuity as richly varied as California.
Population - 1,019
Elevation - 1.312 ft.
Caliente, formerly Allen's Camp was renamed when the Southern Pacific Railroad established construction headquarters here in 1878 while track was laid over Tehachapi pass. It was a freighting center for Havilah and other mining towns as well as shipping point for cattle from Walker's Basin and Bear Mountain.
