PRESERVE SAFETY ALERT
The West Walker River is running full, cold, and fast due to the historic snowpack in the Sierra Nevada. Portions of our trail system have washed away. All visitors are strongly encouraged to keep out of the river, stay away from unstable banks, and avoid any unnecessary risks. The Preserve may close under advisement from the local fire department.
WEST WALKER RIVER PRESERVE
Situated in the Antelope Valley farming community, just off highway 395 in the Eastern Serra town of Coleville, lies the 89-acre West Walker River Preserve (formerly Aspen Glen Reserve) that encompasses a mile of the east bank of the West Walker. The property has cottonwood trees along the river and riparian thickets dominated by California wild rose. In a region that has seen much of its native plant habitat converted to alfalfa grown for cattle grazing, the wetlands and native vegetation on West Walker River Preserve remains a refuge for bear, deer, foxes, bobcats and quail.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
RESERVE HOURS
Dawn to Dusk
ADMISSION
FREE
CONTACT US
(909) 797-8507
easternsierrapreserves@wildlandsconservancy.org
GETTING HERE
Larson Lane
Coleville, CA 96107
Get Directions
THINGS TO DO
AMENITIES
PROHIBITIONS
SAFETY
LEAVE NO TRACE
Pack it in, Pack it out.
Take any trash you make with you.
Leave What You Find.
Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect Wildlife.
Learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look.” Observe wildlife from a distance so they are not scared or forced to flee.
Be Considerate of Others.
One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to maintain courtesy toward other visitors. It helps everyone enjoy their outdoor experience.
Principles courtesy of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
RESOURCES
ANTELOPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT
In 2022, Kindergarten to 2nd-grade students at Coleville’s Antelope Elementary School created a community flyer about select wildlife that can be seen on the reserve. Flyers are available at the Walker General Store or you can download below.
CONSERVATION OUTCOMES
The water rights appropriated to West Walker River Preserve are being left in steam to assist the recovery of the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout. The Mono County Community Plan recommends a fishing and hiking trail along the West Walker River through the private farmlands which are naturally resistant to public access. The Wildlands Conservancy stewardship of West Walker River Preserve will encourage landowners to recognize they have a real partner in the trail’s construction and maintenance. The Wildlands Conservancy is looking for acquisition opportunities to expand this Reserve, expanding the trail system and its fishing and birdwatching opportunities, which are being promoted by the community’s reliance on tourism.
