When deciding on a trip to Buttonwillow, there are several very different interests to choose from: nature watching, local history and motorsports. The Wetland Discovery Trail and the Flyway Loop Trail offer different trail layouts and views; the Tule Elk State Natural Reserve and the Buttonwillow Tree add further nature and history themes. If you’re looking for accommodation in Buttonwillow, these highlights can help you prioritize the themes of your stay.
Wetland Discovery Trail
The Wetland Discovery Trail leads to a raised wooden observation platform with spotting scopes. The platform overlooks a seasonal pond. The trail offers a self-guided nature tour. It is paved and designed for use by people with limited mobility.
Flyway Loop Trail
The Flyway Loop Trail is a 2-mile gravel loop along the edges of seasonal and year-round ponds. Compared with the Wetland Discovery Trail, this trail emphasizes its loop layout, stated length and surface; the platform and paved path are key features of the Wetland Discovery Trail. This makes it possible to distinguish a self-guided tour with a viewpoint from a loop trail with a specified distance.
Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve: Size and Directions
The Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve covers about 1,400 acres. To get there, take Highway 58 east of Buttonwillow, then head north on Brandt Road to the intersection of Seventh Standard Road and Brandt Road.
Tule Elk State Natural Reserve
The Tule Elk State Natural Reserve is located at 8653 Station Road in Buttonwillow. It protects a small herd of tule elk, an endemic California subspecies that was once hunted almost to extinction. For travelers interested in California wildlife, the species is connected here with its conservation history.
Buttonwillow Tree and Local History
The Buttonwillow Tree gave the town of Buttonwillow its name and served as a landmark along an old route across the valley. The town’s history thus connects the origin of its name with the tree’s former role in guiding travelers through the valley.
Buttonwillow Raceway Park
Buttonwillow Raceway Park is a road racing facility just outside the city of Buttonwillow in Southern California. It adds a distinct motorsports focus to the nature and history themes. If you plan to visit the raceway, check its current operating status and event schedule in advance, as operations and schedules may change.
In the broader Kern destination
The broader Kern destination includes other distinct visitor experiences. Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area is in eastern Kern County, next to State Route 14 on the western edge of the Mojave Desert. Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park is open to the public only as part of guided tours; check tour dates before your trip. Recreation opportunities at Lake Isabella are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Ricardo Campground in Red Rock Canyon State Park has 50 basic campsites, drinking water, pit toilets, fire rings and tables. Facilities may change, so check amenities before your trip.
Explore more destinations: Mojave, Delano, Pine Mountain Club, Lost Hills, Wofford Heights, Tehachapi, Inyokern, Taft
For the broader travel overview: Kern.
