Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Loop

This trail connects to other trails throughout the park, but the loop gives the best example of the varied environments to be found in Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness. Starting at the Old Corral Picnic area, head north on the Bell Canyon trail. It is the trail closest to this parking lot entrance, and blocked from the road with a barrier. Continue on Bell Canyon through trees and a field. The next trail turn off will be Star Rise trail, on the left. It will require for you to cross the creek bed twice (there may be water) before continuing uphill to the ridge line. Here you will turn left onto the West Ridge trail, with excellent views of the park. (This is also where you will be most likely to encounter rattlesnakes). Follow the ridge until you reach Dick Loskorn trail on the left. This is the most difficult trail of the loop; while it is mostly downhill the steep, dirt trail can be slippery and somewhat washed out in some areas. It is also one of the more beautiful trails of the park with dramatic views and wildflowers in the spring. It will reconnect you with the Nature Loop on the valley floor, which leads back to the parking lot.