I absolutely love hiking Florida, but something that I haven’t done until now is hike along a trail that also has massive, handmade bat wings!! All around West Volusia County, you can find The Wings of the West. It’s an art series by Erica Group featuring various animal wings at locations across the county.
Ok, let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
- What Is D Ranch Preserve?
- Where Is D Ranch Preserve?
- Hiking Trails at D Ranch
- Is there wildlife at D Ranch?
- D Ranch Bat Wings
- Hiking Tips for D Ranch
- Why I recommend D Ranch Preserve
- FAQ
- More Places to Explore
What Is D Ranch Preserve?
It is 476 acres under permanent protection with Conservation Florida as of 2019. D Ranch is a former cattle ranch and although it is now conservation land, cows still freely roam on it.
The preserve is a place to hike, go birding, experience wild Florida, and photograph nature. Land here is being restored and protected. It is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year.
Where Is D Ranch Preserve?
D Ranch Preserve is in Osteen, Florida, on Reed Ellis Road, just off of SR 415 in West Volusia County.
It is close to Lake Monroe Conservation Area and Beck Ranch, two other outdoor recreation locations.
Address: 2655 Reed Ellis Rd, Osteen, FL 32764
A small grassy parking lot is located onsite.
Hiking Trails at D Ranch
There are 3.5 miles of well-marked hiking trails in D Ranch Preserve. The main trail is the red trail and it is 1.5 miles long. The other trails–white, yellow, orange, blue, and green–are found along the red trail.
All trails in the preserve are fairly easy with flat terrain, although it might be uneven with roots or sandy spots. The blue and green trails go through wetlands. None of the trails here are paved.
If you only have 20–30 minutes, walking just part of the red trail still gives you a peaceful taste of the preserve.
| Trail Name | Distance | Habitat |
| Red | 1.5 mi | flatwoods & scrub |
| White | 0.7 mi | pasture with flatwoods & scrub |
| Yellow | 0.3 mi | flatwoods & scrub |
| Orange | 0.2 mi | flatwoods & scrub |
| Blue | 1.1 mi | flatwoods & scrub, some wetland |
| Green | 0.6 mi | flatwoods & scrub, some wetland |
Is there wildlife at D Ranch?
Absolutely! The preserve is home to gopher tortoises, black bears, eagles, deer, bobcats, herons, butterflies, and many other wild animals.
Your best chance to see wildlife is close to dawn and dusk. This is when the animals are most active.
D Ranch Bat Wings
In October 2025, the bat wings at D Ranch were unveiled. They are the biggest wings of the entire Wings of the West series to date.
To find the wings, visitors must go past the large shed to the red trailhead and hike along it north (to the left) until you see the wings. You do not need to walk the entire trail to reach them. And don’t worry, there is absolutely no way to miss them!
Erica Group, the artist that created the wings, made sure to research bats during her process. She found out that bats are not actually black, but brown! You will see that when you see the bat wings. Of course they are not true to size, but she included correct coloring and shape.
Hiking Tips for D Ranch
Sun protection
For the most part, the hiking trails at D Ranch are either exposed or only provide patchy shade. Make sure that you are properly protected from the sun by wearing sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and or protective clothing.
Stay hydrated
There is nowhere to get potable water here. Make sure to bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
Bring a hiking stick
I like bringing a hiking stick because it helps with stability and can give you a little extra confidence if you come across wildlife on the trail.
Wear closed toe shoes
At a minimum, wear sturdy sneakers. I prefer hiking sneakers or hiking boots. Although much of D Ranch is dry, there are some wetland trails and seasonal wetlands out here.
Watch for cattle
Not only are there cows and bulls out here, but they also like to leave behind manure. So you definitely need to watch where you are stepping.
For the most part the cattle will ignore you, but still remain alert. If a cow is on the trail, give it space and walk around calmly. Don’t approach calves.
Stay on designated trails
This is for your safety and of course for the safety of the wildlife and plant life within the preserve.
Why I recommend D Ranch Preserve
I’ve been out to D Ranch three times so far. Every time I’ve enjoyed hiking and the wild Florida beauty found here.
Although I haven’t seen any wildlife while out there, I have seen plenty of native trees and shrubs, not to mention the beautiful wild flowers out there, most notably the purple Florida paintbrush that blooms in late summer to early fall. And where there are wild flowers, there are beautiful butterflies, moths, and bees fluttering about. If you are really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the pine lily in bloom!
D Ranch is a quiet area, you don’t have to worry about crowds out here. It’s ideal if you enjoy having the trails to yourself.
The trails out at the preserve are easy. The trickiest things are some roots and soft sand, otherwise they are clear, flat pathways.
You might see a cow or two while hiking and I really enjoy that too.
I’ve enjoyed a lot of peaceful moments out here and if you love Florida, you will experience them too. It is definitely a place to slow down and unwind. I’ve paused many times to watch leaves sway in the breeze, gaze at the sun filtering through the canopy above, and even just feel the sun on my skin.
I still have more of the trails to explore and really look forward to the wetland trails and checking out those seasonal wetlands.
And of course, I love that it is free! Many partners and volunteers have helped Conservation Florida preserve this land and open it to the public.
FAQ
When is D Ranch open?
It’s open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, though it may be temporarily closed at times for land management.
Please follow Conservation Florida’s website and socials for updates and temporary closures.
Are dogs allowed at D Ranch Preserve?
No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed at the preserve. Certified service animals are allowed.
Can visitors ride bikes at D Ranch?
No. Bicycles and e-bikes are not allowed at the preserve.
Is hunting allowed at D Ranch?
No
Is there camping at D Ranch?
Camping is not allowed at the preserve. It is a day-use area only.
What kind of facilities are at D Ranch?
There is a portable toilet and a few picnic tables. A nature center is planned for 2027.
Is D Ranch Preserve Accessible?
There are no paved areas at D Ranch. Surfaces and trails are grassy and sandy. Walkers, strollers, and wheelchairs made for off-roading and outdoor recreation would do well.
Need accommodations? Email Kr*****@*************la.org at least 3 days in advance of your visit.
More Places to Explore
If you’re looking for more places that offer conservation-focused, nature-filled experiences, here are a few of my favorites in West Volusia.