Hiking in the Tehachapi/Stallion Springs area

Question

Hi all. I'm staying in Stallion Springs this week (I was looking for somewhere to spend a week that had decent weather and availability for a timeshare swop, and Stallion Springs Resort was it) and I'm wondering where I can find some nice hiking not too far away. I'm pretty fit, but get bored quite quickly so tend not to hike longer than around 5 miles. Ideally I'd like dramatic vistas or waterfalls. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks looks a bit too far for a day trip.

Thanks!

(And yes, definitely gonna go see the Tehachapi Loop!!)

Answer

It’s great that you’re staying in Stallion Springs! While Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks may be a bit far for a day trip, the Tehachapi and surrounding areas have some fantastic hiking opportunities that offer dramatic vistas and natural beauty. Since you're looking for shorter hikes (around 5 miles) with scenic views, here are some recommendations nearby:

1. Tehachapi Mountain Park:
This park is located just south of Tehachapi and has a variety of trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. The park offers beautiful views of the Tehachapi Mountains and valleys. The Tehachapi Mountain Trail is a great option for a 4-5 mile hike with some elevation gain and scenic vistas, making it a perfect length for your needs. While it doesn’t have waterfalls, the vistas are definitely worth the hike.

2. Bear Valley Springs:
Bear Valley Springs, located near Stallion Springs, has several hiking options. The Bear Valley Canyon Trail is a scenic 3-4 mile loop that gives you great views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s a bit of a hidden gem with less traffic, so you can enjoy a peaceful hike. You can also explore nearby Wildflower Trail for wildflowers in spring and some nice panoramic views. It's a short hike but has some nice viewpoints along the way.

3. Wind Wolves Preserve:
About 45 minutes from Stallion Springs, this preserve offers a variety of shorter hiking trails that showcase the beauty of the San Joaquin Valley and the Tehachapi Mountains. The Wind Wolves Preserve Loop trail is around 3 miles and offers impressive views of the valley and distant mountain ranges. It’s a great place for some solitude and beautiful scenery, and while it doesn’t have waterfalls, the dramatic views and diverse landscape make up for it.

4. Golden Hills Park:
Located on the outskirts of Tehachapi, this park has some easy-going trails, with some providing great views of the valley below. The Golden Hills Nature Trail is a short loop (about 2 miles) that gives you a chance to experience the local flora and fauna, plus offers some nice vistas of the area. While it’s a more relaxed trail, it’s an excellent option for a short, easy hike with great views of the surrounding landscape.

5. Alta Sierra and the High Desert Trails:
If you want something a little more challenging with a better chance of seeing unique vistas, head towards Alta Sierra. The High Desert Trail system has various options that offer 5 miles or more of hiking, with expansive desert views. Though the area is more rugged and has fewer facilities, it’s ideal for a more secluded hike with sweeping views. You may not find waterfalls here, but the vistas are expansive and beautiful.

6. The Tehachapi Loop: (Bonus!)
As you already mentioned, the Tehachapi Loop is a must-see! While it's not a hiking spot, it’s a historical and scenic spot worth visiting while you're in the area. You can view the trains as they loop around the mountain in a unique way. It’s an iconic piece of railroad history and a great place for photos, so be sure to check it out!

7. Tule Elk State Natural Reserve (In the general area):
About an hour’s drive from Stallion Springs, the Tule Elk State Natural Reserve near Buttonwillow offers a short trail that brings you close to wildlife, including the tule elk. While the trail is short (about 1.5 to 2 miles), it’s an easy way to experience wildlife in their natural habitat and take in the views of the surrounding valley.

8. Cedar Canyon Trail (in Sequoia National Forest):
If you're open to a longer day trip, the Cedar Canyon Trail is an amazing 5-mile hike in the Sequoia National Forest, with waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and a bit of a wilderness feel. While this will be a bit further than the other options, it’s a beautiful trail with plenty of scenic appeal, and it would be worth it if you're up for a short drive and a slightly longer hike.

Final Tips:
- Be sure to check trail conditions before you go, as some trails can be more rugged or inaccessible depending on the weather. - Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months, as it can get quite hot even in the higher elevations. - If you’re looking for something new and with fewer crowds, Tehachapi offers a great mix of trails that give you views of the mountains and valley without the heavy traffic of larger parks.

Happy hiking, and enjoy your stay in the Stallion Springs area!