The Bacon-Butterfield Ranch Trail is a flat, 0.7-mile walk from the east entrance to the site of a 19th-century homestead, with open views across chaparral and valley grassland. It's the easiest trail on the east side, bike-friendly, and one of the few places in the park where dogs are permitted on leash.
Overview
This short walk crosses open grassland along the park's eastern edge, ending at the site of the Bacon Ranch — a homestead established in the late 1800s before the land became a national monument. The trail has no significant elevation change and no shade, which makes it a better choice in spring or fall than in peak summer heat.
What to Expect
The trail runs 0.7 miles one way from the east entrance to the ranch site on packed dirt. The surrounding chaparral and oak grassland support good wildlife and bird watching. The open skies make it a reliable spot for night sky observation on clear nights.
Tips & Logistics
Dogs are allowed on leash — one of the few trails in the park where that's the case. Bikes are also permitted. No water along the trail. The east entrance is off Highway 25; the Bear Gulch area and main campground are about 5 miles further into the park.