Spring Wildflowers at Wind Wolves Preserve
The California weather has been absolutely crazy so far this year, but it’s made for some unique sights, including some incredible Spring wildflowers all across SoCal. This week I’m excited to share a spot about an hour north of Los Angeles, which is one of my favorite places to see the wildflowers this year. Join me along the Wind Wolves Preserve Wildflower Loop Trail.
FAST FACTS
Distance: 0.85 mile loop
Elevation: >10 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Spring wildflowers at Wind Wolves Preserve
Wind Wolves Preserve
If you follow along with my adventures regularly, you might remember that back in February we visited Wind Wolves Preserve to search for the snow. The cold wet weather we saw in that post has had a wonderful effect on this preserve – now the fields are all bright green and filled with a superbloom of Spring wildflowers. I’ve shared many Wind Wolves highlights with you in the past, including the unique limestone waterfall and numerous trails. However, this week I want to spotlight a different trail found inside the preserve that really takes the cake during the Spring months.
WInd Wolves Preserve Wildflower Loop Trail
Spring wildflowers at Wind Wolves Preserve
Wildflower Loop Trail
The Wildflower Loop Trail is a gentle 0.85 mile round-trip hike. This single lane packed dirt path is an easy, short loop trail perfect for all ages...and during the Spring months (February through April), the fields here burst with bright yellow and purple wildflowers. Located just inside the preserve entrance, the Wildflower Loop Trail is currently brimming Fiddleneck, Red Maids, Dipterostemon Capitatus, Arroyo Lupine & Owls Clover. As you walk (especially near the trailhead), keep your eyes peeled for Bakersfield Cactus as well. This local endangered plant species is flourishing here thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Wildlands Conservancy, who has successfully restored over 8000 of these plants back into the land.
It’s of paramount importance to stay on the trail, not only because both poison oak and ticks are present in this area, but of course to protect the delicate wildflowers. This trail is spectacular because of the way the loop trail curves and weaves through the field. You feel like you’re frolicking through the heart of the flower fields without ever leaving the marked path...which can also make for some great pictures without harming the plant life here (I’m actually on the path in the picture shown below).
Hiking the Wildflower Loop Trail at Wind Wolves Preserve (still on path)
Near the WIldflower Loop Trailhead at Wind Wolves Preserve
Spring Nature Festival & Wildlife
Every March, Wind Wolves hosts its Spring Nature Festival, highlighting the blooms found along the trails, as well as the incredible wildlife and active restoration projects happening in the preserve. It’s a great time to enjoy guided hikes and workshops.
Wildlife is abundant here. Keep an eye out for tule elk in the hills...and everything from rattlesnakes to black bears roam the area, so watch for posted signed and don’t go off path. The Wildflower Loop Trail is most popular in Spring during the peak wildflower bloom, but by Summer the path becomes brown and almost barren looking...see the picture below to compare the way this trail looks later in the year.
Wildflower Loop Trail in the offseason
Bakersfield Cactus surrounded by wildflowers at Wind Wolves
Know Before You Go
• Each year the timing and intensity of the blooms here differ due to the precipitation received throughout the Winter and Spring. Typically the lower elevations in the preserve bloom first, which includes the Wildflower Loop Trail.
• There are two picnic tables at the trailhead. Only during the time of the Spring Nature Festival is a porta-potty located at the parking area. Visitors can always find restrooms at the parking area near “The Crossing”.
• Dogs are allowed on the The Wildflower Loop Trail as long as they are kept on leash at all times.
• Biking and equestrian use is not permitted on the Wildflower Loop Trail, but there are other trails in preserve where it is allowed. Please check the official Wind Wolves website for the most up-to-date information on trails and where bikes/horses are allowed.
• Please remember all the Leave No Trace Principles. Pack it in, pack it out, and stay on the maintained paths to avoid poison oak and stinging nettle.
• All rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts, and other objects of interest are protected here. Do not mark, move, or remove anything.
• The hours of the preserve can fluctuate throughout the year, but it is currently open daily from 8am-7pm. Popular activities include birdwatching, picnicking, hiking, and camping at the San Emigdio Campground.
• Wind Wolves access is always free to all visitors and the Wildlands Conservancy’s preserves are operated solely with private funding. For information about donating, visit their official website here.
Picnic and parking area at the WIldflower Loop Trailhead
Tule Elk seen at Wind Wolves Preserve
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week at Wind Wolves Preserve to enjoy the Spring Wildflowers. For a virtual visit, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Wildflower Loop Trail at Wind Wolves Preserve
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Looking for the top places to see Spring wildflowers in California? Check out this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to see current conditions of Red Rock Canyon State Park along Highway 14 north of Mojave. This desert superbloom makes a great SoCal road trip from Los Angeles. This underrated park also provides camping at the Ricardo Campground, which is perfect for stargazing & astrophophotography.