Wind Wolves Preserve

Wind Wolves Preserve The 93,000-acre Wind Wolves Preserve is one of 25 preserves in The Wildlands Conservancy.
(552)

Wind Wolves Preserve is in an ecologically unique region where the Transverse Ranges, Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, western Mojave Desert and San Joaquin Valley influences converge. Due to elevation ranges from 640 to 6,005 feet, the Preserve has an impressive array of landforms and habitats that serve as a critical landscape linkage and wildlife corridor between the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada.

On the valley floor, the Preserve is a 30-square-mile sea of grassland with remnant stands of saltbush. These grasslands are home to the endangered San Joaquin kit fox and blunt-nosed leopard lizard as well as one of the largest stands of the endangered Bakersfield cactus. Rolling grasslands rise from the valley floor, transitioning into classic California blue oak and valley oak savanna with extensive riparian wetlands. The oak savanna ascends into juniper and pinyon forests that vault into stands of ponderosa pine and big cone spruce. Wind Wolves Preserve has a rich cultural history, serving as the home of the Emigdiano Chumash for hundreds of years before the land became a ranch through the San Emigdio Land Grant. Colorful Chumash paintings have survived the decades and are among the most noteworthy rock art in North America.

Keep a sharp eye out on your next drive in; you might see a Western Burrowing Owl!. This species can be spotted during t...
06/18/2026

Keep a sharp eye out on your next drive in; you might see a Western Burrowing Owl!. This species can be spotted during the day in grassland habitats. Look for them on your drive into the Preserve or while hiking routes like the Red-Tailed Trail.

Fun Fact: Unlike most owls that nest in trees, these small but mighty birds live underground! While they are capable of digging their own homes, they often prefer to "move in" to abandoned burrows made by ground squirrels or badgers.

Help us protect their homes by staying on marked trails and roads.

Experience Wind Wolves After Dark!When the sun goes down, a whole new side of the Preserve comes to life. Join us for on...
06/16/2026

Experience Wind Wolves After Dark!

When the sun goes down, a whole new side of the Preserve comes to life. Join us for one of our upcoming Night Hikes and explore the sights, sounds, and mysteries of the evening along the beautiful San Emigdio Canyon Trail. The hikes will be an approximately 2-mile loop that includes uneven terrain and some uphill sections.

Upcoming Dates:
• June 19
• June 27
• July 17
• July 25
• August 7

Please note that hike times will vary by date. Reservations are required and open 2 weeks in advance of each hike. For hike times, registration information, and additional details, visit our program calendar through the link in our bio.

These events are subject to cancellation due to adverse weather conditions, including high heat warnings.

These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.

Attention Visitors: Effective Saturday, June 13th, Wind Wolves Preserve will be open daily from 7am - 4pm.Always plan ah...
06/12/2026

Attention Visitors: Effective Saturday, June 13th, Wind Wolves Preserve will be open daily from 7am - 4pm.

Always plan ahead before your visit this summer.
Remember to bring sun protection and enough water & snacks for each person & pet in your group. If you run out of water during your visit, water bottle refill stations are located in our restrooms at The Crossing, The Willows, and San Emigdio Campground.

Call (661)858-1115 or email [email protected] for questions and more information.

Don't hesitate and sign up today before it's too late! This is the last Bakersfield cactus monitoring opportunity for th...
06/10/2026

Don't hesitate and sign up today before it's too late! This is the last Bakersfield cactus monitoring opportunity for the season and only a few spots are still open for this unique backcountry volunteer experience.

Registration and more details about the event can be found by clicking the link below!
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/windwolvespreservevolunteerprograms/event/wwp-volunteer-day-06-20-26

Call our office (661)858-1115 or email [email protected] for questions & more info.

This program is funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.

Birds, reptiles, learning, and library fun!This summer, we’re once again bringing the wonders of Wind Wolves Preserve to...
06/04/2026

Birds, reptiles, learning, and library fun!

This summer, we’re once again bringing the wonders of Wind Wolves Preserve to Kern County libraries! Join naturalists for a FREE, interactive presentation about local wildlife - and meet some of our live reptile ambassadors.

Check out the next slide for dates and locations. Don’t forget to follow , your local branch, and Wind Wolves Preserve to stay up-to-date on all the summer fun.

Head out to the wild backcountry this June! Join Wind Wolves staff as we provide water to our backcountry restoration pl...
06/02/2026

Head out to the wild backcountry this June!
Join Wind Wolves staff as we provide water to our backcountry restoration plots to ensure our native plants survive the rising temperatures, help collect data from our growing populations of endangered Bakersfield cactus, or assist our Rangers for HARDCORE trail maintenance days.

Click the link below for more details and information on how to sign up today.
https://wildlandsconservancy.org/volunteer-opportunities/?qgiv_city%5B%5D=bakersfield

Registration is REQUIRED and space is limited.
Recommended for ages 16 and up.
Call Wind Wolves Preserve at (661)858-1115 for questions and more information.

These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.

If you haven't followed Wind Wolves Preserve on Instagram, make sure to give us a follow so you can stay up to date on a...
05/29/2026

If you haven't followed Wind Wolves Preserve on Instagram, make sure to give us a follow so you can stay up to date on all of our upcoming summer events!

Address

16019 Maricopa Highway
Bakersfield, CA
93311

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 4pm
Tuesday 7am - 4pm
Wednesday 7am - 4pm
Thursday 7am - 4pm
Friday 7am - 4pm
Saturday 7am - 4pm
Sunday 7am - 4pm

Telephone

+16618581115

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wind Wolves Preserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Wind Wolves Preserve:

Shortcuts

Share

Category