Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park

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Parks

California

Nearby: Bailey Canyon Park Mount Wilson Trail Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park is located in the San Gabriel Mountains in the state of California.

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Summary

It is a popular destination for hiking, bird-watching, and nature observation. The park features several trails of varying difficulty levels for visitors to explore.

One of the main attractions in the park is the Bailey Canyon waterfall, which can be accessed via a short hike. The waterfall is especially impressive during the spring when the snowmelt feeds it, creating a rushing cascade.

Other points of interest in the park include the Bailey Canyon Creek, which is home to several species of fish and frogs, and the diverse range of plant life, including oak and sycamore trees.

Visitors to the park should be aware that it is a wilderness area and therefore there are no facilities such as restrooms or water fountains. It is recommended to bring plenty of water and follow Leave No Trace principles when visiting.

The best time of year to visit Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park is typically from late spring to early fall when the weather is mild and the flora and fauna are most active. However, visitors should check the park's website or call ahead to verify trail conditions and any seasonal closures.

Overall, Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park is a beautiful and tranquil destination for anyone seeking a peaceful escape into nature.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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