Snowy Scenes at Wind Wolves Preserve
This week we’re just north of Los Angeles in search of snow-capped mountains from the recent Winter storms that have pummeled the west coast. One of my favorite spots to visit this time of year is Wind Wolves Preserve, and with the snow levels falling extremely low this last week, this hidden gem is the perfect place to soak in the wintery views.
El Camino Viejo Trail at Wind Wolves Preserve
Snow capped mountains at Wind Wolves Preserve
Location
Wind Wolves Preserve is located at the southern edge of the San Joaquin Valley near the “Grapevine” section along the I-5, about 40 miles south of the city of Bakersfield. The preserve is accessed by driving Highway 166 west toward Maricopa for 9.5 miles. A large sign marked "Wind Wolves Preserve" directs you to turn left onto the access road, which travels south for 3 miles before proceeding through the main entrance gate of the preserve.
Bakersfield cactus along the Wildflower Loop Trail
Late Winter / Early Spring at Wind Wolves
Typically the wildflowers are starting to bloom at lower levels this time of year (mid February to early March), and the Wildflower Loop Trail is a perfect spot to enjoy them. However, with freezing temperatures and high precipitation rates still hitting this region, the hillsides of yellows, purples, and oranges have been replaced by lush greens and snowy blankets of white. This stormy season has also brought some incredible cloud formations, making Wind Wolves a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset light up the clouds in beautiful golds and pinks above the hillsides and the Central Valley to the north.
Snowy scene along El Camino Viejo Trail at Wind Wolves Preserve
Wind Wolves Preserve El Camino Viejo Trailhead
El Camino Viejo Trail
Wind Wolves offers 7 distinct trails that cover over 30 miles, but today we’re seeking out some snowy views...and the perfect trail for us the El Camino Viejo Trail. This bike path/service road cuts straight through the main valley, offering the most direct access to the snow-capped peaks deeper in the preserve. This path is also unique in that it traces the historic wagon route once used by early travelers traveling between Pueblo de Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Sunset and snow views from Wildflower Loop Trail
Sunset at Wildflower Loop Trail in WInd Wolves Preserve
Other Viewpoints for Snow
If you’re short on time, the Wildflower Loop Trail is a wonderful spot to see the rolling hills lush with green grass framed by the towering snow-capped peaks above. There’s also a couple picnic tables at the trailhead, making this a great spot to relax and enjoy peaceful sunset.
The Tule Elk Trail offers an incredible vantage point high above the preserve and the San Joaquin Valley. To get to the first overlook, it’s about a mile and 500 feet in elevation gain. I didn’t make it up there this trip because the preserve was closing soon, but I’d imagine the wintery scenes on the mountain ranges framing the San Joaquin Valley would be quite spectacular from up there.
Wind Wolves Preserve Tule Elk Trailhead
Wind Wolves Preserve Visitors Guide
Wind Wolves Preserve and the land it protects has a rich history and flourishing ecosystem. To learn more about the activities that are available, the animals you might find, and the Chumash people that once resided on these lands, make sure to check out my full Wind Wolves Preserve blog post here.
Wind Wolves Preserve after a winter storm
Know Before You Go
• Always check weather and road conditions prior to visiting Wind Wolves, or any wintery destination for that matter. The preserve has also been known to close due to extreme winter storms, so make sure to check the official Wind Wolves website for the most up-to-date preserve information.
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles on your visit — pack it in, pack it out, and leave what you find. All natural features are protected here, so allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
• Drones are strictly prohibited at Wind Wolves Preserve, and dogs must be kept on leash at all times.
• This preserve is home to elk, black bear, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes, so always stay alert on the trails and learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Please do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look.”
• Always stay on maintained trails, both to protect and respect the natural plant life here, but also to protect yourself from stinging nettle, poison oak, and ticks, which are abundant in this area.
• Please check the official Wind Wolves website for the most up-to-date information on trails and where bikes/horses are allowed.
• 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.
Tule Elk at Wind Wolves Preserve
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week at Wind Wolves Preserve. For a virtual visit, see my Behind the Blog video 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.
Hiking El Camino Viejo 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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