Pennington Ranch Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Pennington Ranch Park is a beautiful natural space located in the state of California.
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Summary
With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and range of activities, there are plenty of reasons to visit this park. One of the top attractions is the opportunity to witness the annual migration of monarch butterflies, which takes place between September and November each year.
Other points of interest include the park's many hiking trails, which offer visitors the chance to explore the area's diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Wildlife enthusiasts will also enjoy the park's abundant birdlife, as well as the chance to spot animals like coyotes and bobcats.
In addition to its natural attractions, Pennington Ranch Park also offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, picnicking, and camping. The park's campground features a range of facilities, including restrooms, showers, and fire rings, making it an ideal destination for overnight stays.
Overall, the best time to visit Pennington Ranch Park is during the fall months, when the monarch butterfly migration is in full swing. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique attractions and activities. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and range of recreational opportunities, Pennington Ranch Park is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of California.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
Gridley Municipal Park
Regency Park
Oroville Wildlife Area
Park and Recreation Area