Major city · United States
Lost Hills
Skip Lost Hills as a destination. Stop only for gas, a quick meal, or an emergency overnight on I-5 between LA and the Bay Area.
Lost Hills is a tiny unincorporated town on Interstate 5 in the San Joaquin Valley, about 45 miles northwest of Bakersfield. With a population under 2,500, it exists mainly to serve highway travellers. There are no notable sights, no downtown worth exploring, and no reason to stop beyond refuelling or sleeping. Most travellers pass through in under 15 minutes.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (extreme heat)
- Airport
- BFL
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Lost Hills911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Lost Hills, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe; the main risk is heatstroke in summer and drowsy driving on the long I-5 stretch.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBFL Meadows Field (Bakersfield) (About 45 minutes south via I-5 and CA-46; limited flights.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (fast food or gas station)$2–4
- Budget bedMotel double room (Days Inn or Motel 6), a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedMotel double room (Days Inn or Motel 6), a night, per roomUS$90
- High-end bedMotel double room (Days Inn or Motel 6), a night, per roomUS$130
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$100 · High US$160
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BFL Meadows Field (Bakersfield) (About 45 minutes south via I-5 and CA-46; limited flights.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Mar
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jul
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Aug
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Sep
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (6 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Lost Hills: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
Feb
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
6 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
5 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2 rd
Jun
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Jul
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
0 rd
Aug
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
0 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
4 rd
Dec
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town is a strip along the freeway; walking is possible but not pleasant.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
I-5 south to CA-46 east, then CA-99 south; about 45 min
Larger city with dining, museums, and a train station.
Paso Robles
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
CA-46 west; about 1 h
Wine country and hot springs; a full day trip.
Door to door: About 20 min
I-5 south; about 15 min
Another I-5 stop with a few more services.
Door to door: About 40 min
CA-46 east to CA-99 south; about 30 min
Small city with some dining options.
Taft
goDoor to door: About 30 min
CA-119 west from I-5; about 20 min
Oil town with a few historic buildings.
Door to door: About 35 min
CA-166 west from I-5; about 25 min
Small town near the Carrizo Plain.
Door to door: About 2 h
I-5 south to CA-58 east, then CA-14 north; about 1.5 h
Gateway to the Mojave Desert and Trona Pinnacles.
Door to door: About 1.5 h
I-5 south to CA-58 east; about 1 h 15 min
Desert town with aerospace history.
Tehachapi
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
I-5 south to CA-58 east; about 1 h 15 min
Mountain town with a famous railroad loop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
I-5 corridor
Two chain motels (Days Inn, Motel 6) near the freeway; basic, functional.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–90 excl. bed
- Mid
- $90–140 excl. bed
- High
- $140+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room (Days Inn or Motel 6)1 × 1 night × US$90 | US$90 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$100 | US$200 |
| Gas (fill-up for a typical car)1 × US$50 · check | US$50 |
| Fast-food meal (burger, fries, drink)2 × US$12 | US$24 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$36 |
| Trip total≈ US$200 per person per day, bed included | US$400 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Gas (per gallon, regular)check | $4.50–5.50 |
| Fast-food combo meal | $10–15 |
| Coffee (fast food or gas station) | $2–4 |
| Motel room (one night, double) | $70–130 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F); carry water in the car.Summer temperatures can exceed 104°F (40°C); carry water in the car.
- No public transport; rideshare availability is very limited.
- The motels are basic — book ahead in peak season to avoid disappointment.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Lost HillsLost Hills
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
The nearest US embassy is in Los Angeles (check). Most foreign consulates are in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- I-5 north to Sacramento: About 3.5 h, 240 mi
- I-5 south to Los Angeles: About 2.5–4 h, 145 mi (traffic dependent)
- CA-46 west to Paso Robles: About 1 h, 50 mi
Say or show
- Hello — Hello (hello)
- Thank you — Thank you (thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (how much is it)
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom? (where is the restroom)
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (can I pay by card)
- I need a doctor — I need a doctor (I need a doctor)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Lost Hills. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (extreme heat) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 9 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for the two motels with verified check-in/out and pet policies.
- Fuel station pages with 24-hour status and diesel availability.
- A short 'I-5 rest stops' guide covering Lost Hills, Buttonwillow, and Kettleman City.
Sources
Ask about Lost Hills
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