It originates from the Kern River, just east of Golden State Highway (SR 204 freeway) in Bakersfield.
It terminates at reservoirs located south of Whisler Road and east of SR 99 (Golden State Freeway), near McFarland.
[1] From the diversion, the canal travels west, around industrial development before turning southwest.
After crossing Rosedale Highway (SR 58), the canal makes a 120 degree turn, traveling northwest.
The construction of the Calloway Canal led to the water war between Henry Miller/Charles Lux and James Haggin/Lloyd Tevis (see Lux_v._Haggin).