Wild Lands & Rivers
Bautista Creek
Size: 9.8 miles
Management Agency: San Bernardino National Forest
Location: Riverside County
Description:
Bautista Creek supports the largest number of sensitive and endangered wildlife species on the San Bernardino National Forest. Although a seasonal stream, Bautista Creek is home to nationally significant populations of endangered arroyo toad and San Bernardino kangaroo rat. The endangered southwestern willow fly-catcher nests in the riparian habitat along the creek. The canyon also provides critical habitat for the endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly and supports several sensitive reptile, bird, and insect species. It is home to the largest of only two known populations of the endangered slender-horned spineflower on National Forest lands in Southern California.
Bautista Creek also has outstanding cultural and historical values. There are several documented Native American place names within the drainage. In addition, Bautista Creek was the route of the historic de Anza expeditions in 1774 and 1776, which connected Mexico with San Francisco and ultimately led to the colonization of California. Following today’s Bautista Canyon Road, the route through the canyon, is a designated National Historic Trail.