Last updated: August 5, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike Bacon-Butterfield Ranch Trail
NPS Photo/Kurt Moses
Explore the Bacon Ranch and imagine what it was like to grow up on a 19th century homestead, one of the first settlers in Bear Valley. Night sky and wildlife viewing is also a popular activity here.
The Bacon Ranch is a short walk from the Campground. Take the road to the right of the Campground and Park Store north 1/4 mile (0.4km).
Recreate Responsibly. Check park webpage alerts and weather forecast. Hiking, caving, and climbing can be fun but remember-if you get injured, you are a long way from medical help. Cell phones may not work in this remote park. Don't let your guard down when it comes to safety. Be prepared. Let someone know your plan before you go. Most of the trails are exposed. Bring a map and use the best judgement of your abilities. Drinking water is only available in developed areas-there is no water along any of the trails. Carry at least a liter of water for every hour of hiking. In winter, wear warm clothes and waterproof clothing. In summer, do not hike during the hottest parts of the day (10AM-4PM) especially on strenuous trails. Heat and dehydration can be fatal. Hiking steep trails requires more energy and results in greater water loss through sweating. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots with ankle support due to rocky, uneven terrain and slick and sometimes slippery rocks. In all seasons, carry plenty of water and salty snacks (ex. pretzels, crackers, chips). Stay hydrated with plain water and an electrolyte drink replacement. Stay cool in summer and warm in winter and take rest breaks. Know your limits and turn back if needed. Stay on established trails to help prevent erosion. Wildflowers, pine cones, rocks, and other natural and cultural features are beautiful, but please do not remove or destroy them;leave them for the enjoyment of other visitors. All plants, animals, rocks, and structures in the park are protected by federal law. Be careful where you sit, step, and place your hands: poison oak, stinging nettle, and rattlesnakes are found here. Feeding, approaching, or hunting wildlife is prohibited. Using remotely piloted aircrafts like drones is prohibited.
Plan ahead and prepare. Take only pictures and leave only footprints, leaving objects as you find them. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid loud voices or noises to be considerate of others.
The Bacon Ranch is a short walk from the Campground. Take the road to the right of the Campground and Park Store north 1/4 mile (0.4km).
Recreate Responsibly. Check park webpage alerts and weather forecast. Hiking, caving, and climbing can be fun but remember-if you get injured, you are a long way from medical help. Cell phones may not work in this remote park. Don't let your guard down when it comes to safety. Be prepared. Let someone know your plan before you go. Most of the trails are exposed. Bring a map and use the best judgement of your abilities. Drinking water is only available in developed areas-there is no water along any of the trails. Carry at least a liter of water for every hour of hiking. In winter, wear warm clothes and waterproof clothing. In summer, do not hike during the hottest parts of the day (10AM-4PM) especially on strenuous trails. Heat and dehydration can be fatal. Hiking steep trails requires more energy and results in greater water loss through sweating. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots with ankle support due to rocky, uneven terrain and slick and sometimes slippery rocks. In all seasons, carry plenty of water and salty snacks (ex. pretzels, crackers, chips). Stay hydrated with plain water and an electrolyte drink replacement. Stay cool in summer and warm in winter and take rest breaks. Know your limits and turn back if needed. Stay on established trails to help prevent erosion. Wildflowers, pine cones, rocks, and other natural and cultural features are beautiful, but please do not remove or destroy them;leave them for the enjoyment of other visitors. All plants, animals, rocks, and structures in the park are protected by federal law. Be careful where you sit, step, and place your hands: poison oak, stinging nettle, and rattlesnakes are found here. Feeding, approaching, or hunting wildlife is prohibited. Using remotely piloted aircrafts like drones is prohibited.
Plan ahead and prepare. Take only pictures and leave only footprints, leaving objects as you find them. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid loud voices or noises to be considerate of others.
Details
Duration
30-60 Minutes
Activity
Hiking
Age(s)
All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are permitted within 10 ft. of the dirt road from the campground through the Bacon Ranch historic area to the gate ½ mile to the south, and within 25 ft. of the structures at the Bacon Ranch historic area. Pets must be on a leash and not left unattended and tied to an object in the park.
Activity Fee
No
No additional fee to hike but there is a park entrance fee. Learn more about Fees and Passes.
Location
Bacon-Butterfield Ranch Trailhead
Enter the east side of the park via CA-25 to Pinnacles East Entrance Road. Turn left into the Campground. Take the road to the right of the Campground and Park Store north 1/4 mile (0.4km).
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approx. 0.7 mile one-way
Trail width: Approx. 4 feet
Maximum grade: no gain
Surface Composition: dirt
Exposure: Limited shade
*service animals permitted
It is mostly flat, but not easily wheelchair accessible.
Pets and bicycles are permitted
There are no restrooms or drinking water at the site.
Part of the walk is in the sun, so bring a hat and water.
Distance: Approx. 0.7 mile one-way
Trail width: Approx. 4 feet
Maximum grade: no gain
Surface Composition: dirt
Exposure: Limited shade
*service animals permitted
It is mostly flat, but not easily wheelchair accessible.
Pets and bicycles are permitted
There are no restrooms or drinking water at the site.
Part of the walk is in the sun, so bring a hat and water.