Butterfield Stage Trail Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Butterfield Stage Trail Park is a 400-acre park located in the state of California.


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Summary

It is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and historical significance. The park is named after the Butterfield Overland Mail Company, which used to run stagecoaches on the trail that passes through the park.

One of the main reasons to visit Butterfield Stage Trail Park is to experience the natural beauty of the area. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and birds. Visitors can hike along the park's trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The park also has picnic areas and campsites for visitors who want to spend more time in the park.

In addition to its natural beauty, Butterfield Stage Trail Park also has several points of interest for history buffs. The park is home to several historical markers and plaques that explain the history of the Butterfield Overland Mail Company and the role the park played in the development of the American West.

Interesting facts about Butterfield Stage Trail Park include the fact that it was once a major stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail route, which connected the East Coast to the West Coast. The park also played a significant role in the California Gold Rush, as many miners used the trail to travel to the gold fields.

The best time of year to visit Butterfield Stage Trail Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. Summer can be hot, and winter can be rainy, so visitors should plan accordingly. Overall, Butterfield Stage Trail Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and natural beauty of the American West.

       

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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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