If you're spending time in Taft and looking for a refreshing outdoor escape, the Wind Wolves Preserve offers an ideal adventure just about an hour’s drive southwest near Maricopa. Managed by The Wildlands Conservancy, this 93,000-acre preserve is the largest nonprofit nature reserve on the West Coast and is open daily to the public—free of charge. The preserve showcases a stunning array of landscapes, including rolling grasslands, oak-studded hills, seasonal wetlands, and rugged mountain terrain, offering a dramatic contrast to Taft’s oil-rich heritage. Whether you're an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone looking to slow down in nature, Wind Wolves provides something for everyone.

One of the most popular times to visit is during the spring wildflower season, typically from February through April. After a wet winter, the plains explode with vibrant colors—California poppies, lupines, fiddlenecks, red maids, and owl’s clover blanket the hillsides, attracting photographers and visitors from across the region. For a short and easy stroll through the bloom, the Wildflower Loop Trail near the entrance is a perfect choice at just under a mile. Throughout the preserve, you’ll find more than 28 miles of hiking trails, including the scenic San Emigdio Canyon Trail and the Tule Elk Trail, both offering opportunities to spot the preserve’s diverse wildlife.

Speaking of wildlife, Wind Wolves is home to one of California’s largest populations of tule elk, as well as mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, and an impressive variety of bird species. It’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead or hear the calls of songbirds as you walk through riparian corridors. The preserve also offers seasonal programming such as sunrise hikes, twilight walks, and nature education events for children and families. One of the biggest annual highlights is the Spring Nature Festival, held in late March, which features guided wildflower hikes, wildlife exhibits, photography contests, and more—all free to attend.

If you're looking to extend your stay, the San Emigdio Campground near the entrance provides 12 individual campsites equipped with potable water, flush toilets, shaded picnic tables, and beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Group camping is also available with advance reservations. Whether you're visiting for a few hours or a full weekend, it's important to come prepared—bring water, snacks, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Cell service is limited throughout the preserve, so let someone know your plans ahead of time, and check current trail or weather conditions by contacting the preserve’s office before your visit.

A trip to Wind Wolves Preserve is a peaceful yet invigorating experience, and it pairs wonderfully with other Taft attractions like the West Kern Oil Museum or the Oilworker Monument if you're crafting a full-day itinerary. But even on its own, Wind Wolves is worth the drive. It offers a rare chance to see California as it once was—untamed, quiet, and breathtakingly alive. Whether you’re a solo hiker, a family with kids, a photographer chasing the golden hour, or simply in need of a nature break, this preserve promises space to breathe, explore, and reconnect with the land.

For information call (661) 858-1115 or visit the Wind Wolves Preserve site.