The common diversion originates from the Kern River about 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Gordon's Ferry.
There are additional diversions from the Kern River at Golden State Highway (SR 204 freeway) and Coffee Road.
The canal terminates at the Kern River, near Enos Lane west of Bakersfield.
For its entire length, it runs roughly parallel to the Kern River.
[1] The canal was created as a result of the Kern River Miller-Haggin Water Agreement of 1888.