El Capitan Canyon Resort/Trails and Bill Wallace Trail

El Capitan Canyon Resort/Trails and Bill Wallace Trail

Capitan, California 93117

Tips for Birding

Park outside the campground on the western edge of the El Capitan Canyon Resort (see about this location notes), The Resort itself is not open to the public (you can not park where the current drop point is shown). 

Birds of Interest

In Spring, Lazuli Buntings are numerous. Other spring birds of note include Yellow-breasted Chat, Ash-Throated Flycatcher, and nesting Costa's hummingbird. Regulars include: Canyon Wren, Violet-Green Swallow, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, American Kestrel, Common Yellowthroat, House Wren, California Quail, and other birds common to the area.

About this Location

Public access is through the Bill Wallace Trail and there is free parking here (NOT in the location pinned in the current entry, which is the private El Capitan Canyon Resort).  The public parking area is right outside the campsite part of the resort, but it is open to the public.

Notable Trails

Out-and-Back from parking lot: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/bill-wallace-el-capitan-trail

Loop from parking lot: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/canyon-and-ridgetop-trails

Higher trail loop accessed from first link above: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/bill-wallace-loop

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

  • Roadside viewing

Content from Ken Shih and Conor McMahon

Last updated November 11, 2023