RECREATION & EVENTS

Wind Wolves Preserve offers over 28 miles of trails for hiking, walking, birding, and biking trails, a waterfall and several ponds, picnic areas, a Ramada, restrooms, Sunset Outdoor Theater, and three campgrounds for individual campers and groups.

Wind Wolves Hiking Trails

• Hiking, Biking, Birding, Viewing, and Walking Trails
• National Forest Trail Access
• Riparian and Wetland Zones
• Guided Sunrise and Night Hikes

• San Emigdio Canyon Trail

  The San Emigdio Canyon Trail is about 7 miles round-trip. The Emigdio Canyon Trail is recommended for people new to hiking or on their first visit to the Preserve. This is a moderately challenging trail and takes about 3 hours to complete. The elevation gain is about 815 feet.

• El Camino Viejo Bike Trail

  The El Camino Viejo Bike Trail is about 10 miles round-trip. Excellent bike trail with gentle slopes, inclines, descents with awesome views of Wind Wolves Preserve landscape. This is a moderately challenging trail and takes about 4.5 hours to complete. Two restrooms are located along the way. The elevation gain is about 1,275 feet.

• Tule Elk Trail

  The Tule Elk Trail is about 8 miles round-trip. Here is where you may see the magnificent Tule Elk herd flourishing on the Wind Wolves Preserve. This is a moderately challenging trail and takes about 3.5 hours to complete. The elevation gain is about 1,080 feet.

• Wildflower Loop Trail

  The Wildflower Trail is about 1 mile and about an 18-minute round-trip. You'll see many endangered species that have been preserved and flourishing here. This is a short hike trail designed for all ages and located close to the main entrance to the Wind Wolves Preserve for easy access. The elevation gain is about 45 feet.

Outdoor Education Programs

• Ecology
• Wetland Ecosystems
• Geology
• Native American lifeways

San Emigdio Canyon Sunset Theater

Wind Wolves Preserve provides all-ages family-oriented movies under the stars in the warmer months of the year. It's a Free event. Sign-up by phone.

(661) 858-1115

Check in is 7:45 p.m. on specific days at The San Emigdio Sunset Theater next to the Wind Wolves Preserve Administration Center. Bring the following items for an enjoyable time:

• Chairs
• Blankets
• Food & Snacks
• Drinks
• Flashlights
• Jackets
• Furry Friends – Leashed and well-behaved.

Spring Nature Festival

The annual Wind Wolves Preserve Spring Nature Festival is typically held in March every year featuring the following:

• Exhibits
• Wildlife Viewing
• Wildflower Viewing
• Guided Hikes

Earth Day Celebration

The Wind Wolves Earth Day Celebration event offers the following:

• Educational Booth
• Live Reptile Presentations
• Partner Booths
• Seed Planting Information

WILDLIFE

Wind Wolves Preserve is home to a large herd of Tule elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lions, kit foxes, coyotes, bobcats, Western rattlesnakes, bats, birds of prey, owls, desert tarantulas, California condors, and more.

The preserve is also home to endangered species including the San Joaquin Kit Fox, Buena Vista Lake Shrew, and the blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard that will continue to benefit from thousands of acres of permanently protected habitat.

In 1998, the California Fish and Game translocated California a number of Tule Elk onto the preserve. Over 80 Elk that were reintroduced to the Wind Wolves Preserve between 1998 and 2005. This reintroduction resulted in one of the largest Tule Elk populations in California numbering 445 in 2022.

• Tule Elk
• Mule Deer
• Black Bear
• Mountain Lions
• Kit Foxes
• Coyotes
• Bobcats
• Rabbits
• Owls
• Birds
• Birds of Prey
• California Condors
• Bats
• Western Rattlesnakes
• Desert Tarantulas
• Squirrels
• Chipmunks
• Mice
• Many Small Creatures

WILDFLOWERS

The wildflowers of Wind Wolves Preserve are renowned for their color and abundance. In spring, the slopes of the Wind Wolves Preserve explode with colorful California Poppies, Goldfields, Lupine, Fiddleneck, Red Maids, Tidy Tips, Mule-ear, Purple Owl's Clover, Blue-eyed Grass and other flowers. Green grassy hillsides turn into brilliant shades of orange, yellow and purple.

• California Poppies
• Goldfields
• Lupine
• Fiddleneck
• Red Maids
• Tidy Tips
• Mule-ear
• Purple Owl's Clover
• Blue-eyed Grass
• Other Wildflowers

Wind Wolves created a nearly one-mile 18-minute round-trip trail called "Wildflower Loop Trail" that is designed for all ages and located near the main entrance to the Wind Wolves Preserve. The best times to visit Wildflower Loop Trail is in months of February, March, and April. Staying on the trail helps protect the delicate wildflowers from damage. Your leashed furry friends are welcome on the trail too.

Wildflower enthusiasts are encouraged to call the Wind Wolves Preserve office for updates on special events and the most current wildflower conditions.

(661) 858-1115

CAMPGROUNDS

The Wind Wolves Preserve offers visitors three campgrounds. One for Individuals, friends, and families and two for larger campgrounds for organized groups.

The San Emigdio Campground offers 12 large individual campsites and The Crossing and The Willows Group campsites offer ample space for tents. You'll find picnic tables, potable water, restrooms with flush toilets, a Ramada with seating, and a fire pit for seasonal use.

Group Campgrounds offer access to the Wind Wolves Preserve Trail System. Camping equipment is available upon request:

• Tents
• Sleeping Bags
• Lanterns

Wind Wolves Preserve offers outdoor education programs led by Staff upon request and based on availability. Group campgrounds are designed for organized groups, not large groups of friends or large families and require advanced reservations. Group Camping at Wind Wolves Preserve is Free.

Organized Groups are required to sign a Group Campground Use Agreement and provide a certificate of liability that includes The Wildlands Conservancy as additionally insured.

For advanced campground reservations, contact the Wind Wolves Preserve Administrative Center.

(661) 858-1115

SAN EMIGDIO CAMPGROUND

The San Emigdio Campground is located between the Wind Wolves Administration Center and The Crossings Group Campground.

The campground offers 12 large campsites for tents and includes potable water, flush toilet restrooms, a picnic table, and a dishwashing station.

The beautiful San Emigdio Creek runs through the San Emigdio Campground providing campers with plenty of shade from the large cottonwood trees that grow along its banks.

Information

Check-In Times

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Check-Out Time

11:00 a.m.

Tents & Vehicles

• Tents
• Camper Vans – 21 Feet Length Maximum
• Camper Trucks – 21 Feet Length Maximum
• No Recreational Vehicles or Trailers

Campsites

• (6) People Per Campsite Maximum
• (2) Tents Per Campsite Maximum
• (4) Nights Maximum Stay
• (2) Campsites Booked Per Person Maximum
• (1) Car Per Campsite. Additional Parking upon Request.

Handicap Accessible Campsites

Campsites (1) and (11) are handicap accessible.

Children

Children must be accompanied by Adults at all times.

Cooking & Heat – Permitted Year Round

• Propane Grills
• Propane Stoves
• Portable Propane Fire Pits

Wood Fires – Permitted in Winter

Wood fires are only permitted when the fire ban is lifted typically during the winter months.

Charcoal Fires

Charcoal fires are not permitted anywhere on the Wind Wolves Preserve.

Generators

Generators are not permitted in any Wind Wolves Preserve campgrounds.

Restrooms & Showers

Restrooms are available. Showers are not available.

Electricity

Electricity is not available in any Wind Wolves Preserve Campgrounds.

Trails

All Wind Wolves Preserve trails are closed after sunset.

Parking

Park in the Wind Wolves Administrative Center parking lot.

Driving

Driving around the Preserve is prohibited after hours.

San Emigdio Campground Reservations

Contact the Wind Wolves Preserve Administrative Center to make a reservation.
Walk-ins for reservations are welcome during check-in hours and based on available campsites.
Check-in Hours – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(661) 858-1115

THE CROSSING GROUP CAMPGROUND

The Crossing Group Campground offers ample space for 30-80 people. You'll find picnic tables, potable water, restrooms with flush toilets and more.

Information

Group Occupancy

30-80 People

Check-In Times

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Check-Out Time

11:00 a.m.

Tents & Vehicles

• Tents
• Camper Vans – 21 Feet Length Maximum
• Camper Trucks – 21 Feet Length Maximum
• No Recreational Vehicles or Trailers

Children

Children must be accompanied by Adults at all times.

Cooking & Heat – Permitted Year Round

• Propane Grills
• Propane Stoves
• Portable Propane Fire Pits

Wood Fires – Permitted in Winter

Wood fires are only permitted when the fire ban is lifted typically during the winter months.

Charcoal Fires

Charcoal fires are not permitted anywhere on the Wind Wolves Preserve.

Generators

Generators are not permitted in any Wind Wolves Preserve campgrounds.

Restrooms & Showers

Restrooms are available. Showers are not available. Groups are responsible for cleaning campground restrooms.

Electricity

Electricity is not available in any Wind Wolves Preserve Campgrounds.

Trails

All Wind Wolves Preserve trails are closed after sunset.

Parking

Park in the main Crossing Campground parking lot and display your camping placard.

Driving

Driving around the Preserve is prohibited after hours.

Insurance

Groups are required to sign a group campground use agreement and provide a certificate of liability listing The Wildlands Conservancy as additionally insured.

The Crossing Campground Reservations

Contact the Wind Wolves Preserve Administrative Center to make a reservation.
Walk-ins for reservations are welcome during check-in hours and based on available campsites.
Check-in Hours – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(661) 858-1115

THE WILLOWS GROUP CAMPGROUND

The Willows Group Campground offers ample space for 30-40 people. You'll find picnic tables, potable water, restrooms with flush toilets and more.

Information

Group Occupancy

30-40 People

Check-In Times

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Check-Out Time

11:00 a.m.

Tents & Vehicles

• Tents
• Camper Vans – 21 Feet Length Maximum
• Camper Trucks – 21 Feet Length Maximum
• No Recreational Vehicles or Trailers

Children

Children must be accompanied by Adults at all times.

Cooking & Heat – Permitted Year Round

• Propane Grills
• Propane Stoves
• Portable Propane Fire Pits

Wood Fires – Permitted in Winter

Wood fires are only permitted when the fire ban is lifted typically during the winter months.

Charcoal Fires

Charcoal fires are not permitted anywhere on the Wind Wolves Preserve.

Generators

Generators are not permitted in any Wind Wolves Preserve campgrounds.

Restrooms & Showers

Restrooms are available. Showers are not available. Groups are responsible for cleaning campground restrooms.

Electricity

Electricity is not available in any Wind Wolves Preserve Campgrounds.

Trails

All Wind Wolves Preserve trails are closed after sunset.

Parking

Escorted parking at the campground by Wild Wolves Preserve staff members.

Driving

Driving around the Preserve is prohibited after hours.

Insurance

Groups are required to sign a group campground use agreement and provide a certificate of liability listing The Wildlands Conservancy as additionally insured.

The Willows Campground Reservations

Contact the Wind Wolves Preserve Administrative Center to make a reservation.
Walk-ins for reservations are welcome during check-in hours and based on available campsites.
Check-in Hours – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(661) 858-1115

WIND WOLVES PRESERVE

HISTORY

The Chumash Indians lived in the area of the Wind Wolves Preserve until the 18th century. People followed the ancient animal trails through the area and in the 1820s the trails became part of the original inland route between Los Angeles and San Francisco known as the El Camino Viejo and the Old Los Angeles Trail.

In 1842, the Mexican government awarded a grant of the lands at the base of San Emigdio Canyon, nearly 18,000-acres and spanning over 44 square miles, to Jose Antonio Dominguez of Santa Barbara.

Dominguez past away a few years after the grant was awarded and left the ranch to his wife and seven children.

John C. Frémont acquired a half interest in Rancho San Emigdio from the Dominguez heirs. The remaining half interest remained with the Dominquez family. Following the Mexican-American war and the cession of California, the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo provided that the existing land grants would be honored.

In 1853 as required by the 1851 Land Act, a claim was filed for Rancho San Emigdio by Francisco Dominguez and John C. Frémont. The grant was patented a few years later.

Francisco Dominguez decided to sell his half share of the ranch to David W. Alexander and Francisco P. Temple, the same Temple family that developed Temple City in Los Angeles County.

John C. Frémont passed on his half share of Rancho San Emigdio to his daughter, Frances Cornelia Fremont Porter. In 1868, Frances sold her half share of the ranch to Edward Fitzgerald Beale, owner of the Tejon Ranch.

In 1877, Beale sold his share of Rancho San Emigdio to E.C. Singletary and in 1878, James Ben Ali Haggin and his brother-in-law Lloyd Tevis, bought the rancho from E.C. Singletary.

Haggin and Tevis transferred the Rancho to the Kern County Land Company on its incorporation in 1890. The ranch was worked until it was sold in 1970 to Tenneco West, Inc. based in Bakersfield California, a subsidiary of Houston-based Tenneco, the same company that developed Pine Mountain Club.

In 1996, The Wildlands Conservancy acquired the entire Rancho and renamed it, Wind Wolves Preserve.

SAFETY

When exploring any land-based preserve, it's important to prioritize your personal safety as well as respect for the native wildlife and plants. While you're out on the preserve and its trails, here are a few basic safety guidelines to keep in mind:

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings

  Always stay alert to the natural environment around you. This includes watching where you step, scanning the area for potential hazards, and listening for sounds of wildlife.

• Respect Wildlife

  Keep a safe distance from all animals. While it may be tempting to approach or take photos, it's best to observe from afar. Remember, animals can be unpredictable, and it's always safer for both you and them if you don't engage directly.

• Don't Touch or Disturb Plants and Animals

  Native plants and animals are an integral part of the ecosystem. Touching or picking plants or disturbing wildlife can harm them or put you at risk of injury, such as from toxic plants or defensive animals.

• Stay Calm and Don't Run

  If you encounter wildlife unexpectedly, stay calm. Sudden movements like running can provoke a defensive response. Instead, slowly and calmly back away to give animals space.

• Know What's Around You

  Before your visit, take some time to familiarize yourself with the plants, animals, and insects that may be in the area. It's helpful to check local resources or any information provided by the preserve to learn more about local wildlife and potential risks, such as poison oak, stinging nettle, ticks, and venomous reptiles. Below, you'll find a set of photos to help you identify these plants, animals, and insects.








• Dress and Prepare Accordingly

  Make sure you're dressed for the terrain and climate. Wear sturdy footwear, bring sun protection, and bring plenty of water. Always be prepared for changes in weather.

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your visit while staying safe and ensuring the preservation of the natural environment for others to appreciate.

INFORMATION

Admission

Free Admission

Hours

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Address

16019 Maricopa Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311

Phone

(661) 858-1115

Email

windwolvespreserve@wildlandsconservancy.org

Website

Furry Friends

Dogs on-leash are welcome around the Wind Wolves Preserve including trails and campgrounds.

Coordinates

34°59′3″N 119°11′13″W

Lowest Elevation

640 Feet

Highest Elevation

6,005 Feet

Established

1996

Preserve Size

96,000 Acres

FROM INTERSTATE I-5

From either direction on I-5, exit on Maricopa Highway – 166. Go west for about 7 miles to until you see the Wind Wolves Preserve sign on your right at 16019 Maricopa Highway. Turn right and follow the road until you reach the Wind Wolves Preserve entrance sign. Turn right and follow the road to the Wind Wolves Preserve Administrative Center and Parking Area.

FROM THE CALIFORNIA COAST & 101 FREEWAY

Pismo Beach Area

From either direction on the 101 Freeway, take the CA-166 exit. Take CA-166 east for approximately 94 miles until you see the Wind Wolves Preserve entrance sign. Turn right into the Preserve and follow the road to the Wind Wolves Preserve parking area and Administration building.

Ventura Beach Area

From either direction on the 101 Freeway, take the CA-33 exit. Take CA-33 east for approximately 70 miles and turn right on CA-166. Take CA-166 for about 28 miles until you see the Wind Wolves Preserve entrance sign. Turn right into the Preserve and follow the road to the Wind Wolves Preserve parking area and Administration building.

PINEMOUNTAINCLUB.COM

SUPPORTING NATURE

A MESSAGE FROM US

At PineMountainClub.com, we appreciate and support the incredible efforts of the team at the Wind Wolves Preserve and the Wildlands Conservancy. The work they do in conserving and maintaining this ecologically unique and vital landscape is truly invaluable. It's not just about protecting land—it's about preserving a habitat for endangered species, enriching biodiversity, and providing access to the public for generations to come.

Wind Wolves Preserve stands as a testament to the power of conservation, with its expansive grasslands, oak savannas, riparian wetlands, and towering pine forests. We are in awe of the Preserve's remarkable role as a wildlife corridor between the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada, and the efforts to restore and protect such a diverse range of habitats. The work the Wildlands Conservancy has done, alongside volunteers, in restoring this land to its natural state is a model of dedication and passion.

We are proud to support and promote the Wind Wolves Preserve. It is truly an honor to have such a remarkable conservation area nearby, where people can connect with nature, explore its unique habitats, and experience the beauty of California's landscapes in all their splendor.

We encourage everyone to visit, explore, and support the preserve—whether it's through visiting, volunteering, spreading the word about the vital role the Wind Wolves Preserve plays in conserving our natural heritage, or making a financial contribution to help sustain its ongoing conservation efforts.