Travel – Bear Valley Springs, CA

Bear Valley Springs is a guarded-gate community in Kern County, California, United States. The unincorporated community is in the Tehachapi Mountains and is part of the greater Tehachapi area. The elevation ranges from 4,121 feet (1,256 m) to 6,934 feet (2,113 m) (Bear Mountain). The population fluctuates between a low during the winter months when snow is common, to a high in the summer months when its elevation keeps it much cooler than surrounding areas and major cities. The population was 5,592 at the 2020 census, up from 5,172 at the 2010 census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Bear Valley Springs as a census-designated place (CDP). The census definition of the area may not precisely correspond to local understanding of the area with the same name.

A “Semi-Public” Community. Unlike private communities entirely owned by residents and a private homeowner association (HOA) or other private entity, Bear Valley Springs is “semi-public”. Roads and infrastructure are owned by a public governmental agency—Bear Valley Community Services District (BVCSD). A homeowner association, Bear Valley Springs Association, exists and has authority over residential lots, but not the streets and public areas owned by BVCSD. BVCSD is one of only seven Community Services Districts authorized by California law to limit access to landowners and residents of the district. Due to this unique arrangement preventing general public access, BVCSD cannot receive outside public funds (i.e., county, state) for road maintenance. Instead, maintenance is entirely funded by local property taxes.