The Wilds of this Wildwood

The Wildwood Canyon Trail is a 2.5-mile lollipop loop near Yucaipa, in the Wildwood Canyon Park Property—meaning, this area is owned by the State Park system, but it’s not very developed. No entrance fees, no facilities, no maps at the trailhead (take note!) … just miles of beautiful trails through forests of oak trees, chaparral, and sage scrub in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains.

The trail begins on the Oak Tree Loop trail at the south end of the parking lot (near all the signage boards). Shortly after starting, the trail forks, and the lollipop loop begins: Heading clockwise will mean a steep ascent and a longer, gradual descent, while counterclockwise will mean a longer, gradual ascent and a steep descent. The difference isn’t super drastic either way, so really it comes down to personal preference (this write-up is based on a clockwise loop).

The trail passes through a canyon stacked with towering oaks. As you ascend 439 feet, you’ll feel it, but the trail eventually exits into a field with views of the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains.

At the next junction, take the left fork to stay on the Oak Tree Loop, but only for a few minutes: in 0.1 mile the trail forks again; this time take the right fork onto the McCullough Loop.

Stay on this trail at the next junction, but at the following junction take the left fork to complete this loop (NOTE: There aren’t many trails in this area, but paying attention at the junctions and downloading a map ahead of time will help you keep your hike from getting longer than planned.) The trail starts heading south/southwest back into the canyon, eventually meeting up back at the first junction and completing the loop portion. From there, take the original trail back to the parking lot!

HOLIDAY BONUS: After finishing the hike, head over to 123 Farm in Cherry Valley for some holiday cheer at their annual Christmas Nights event!

Over one million lights light up the lavender fields and olive trees throughout the farm as you walk around enjoying the festive displays, shopping vendors, and food offerings. You can even reserve a s’mores pit and vista with Santa!

Wildwood Canyon Park Property is located near Yucaipa. Parking is free in the large dirt lot near the trailhead. Trail is dog friendly! 123 Farm is located at 10600 Highland Springs Ave. in Cherry Valley. Christmas Nights runs through December 23, open Wednesday through Monday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Must buy tickets online (no tickets will be sold onsite). No pets allowed at 123 Farm.

Stories and photos by Natalie Bates, @wanderwithnatalie