San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

About San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 26,800 acres of wetlands, riparian woodlands, native grasslands, and vernal pools. A thriving population of endemic tule elk is showcased on one of three auto tour routes. The refuge is host to significant assemblages of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and plants; some of which, such as the California tiger salamander, the long-horned fairy shrimp, and San Joaquin kit fox, are endangered species.The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1967 under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act. The first refuge parcel was purchased with federal Duck Stamp funds to serve as inviolate sanctuary for migratory waterfowl. The refuge has grown over the years and today it is comprised of six contiguous units: San Luis, East Bear Creek, West Bear Creek, Freitas, Blue Goose, and Kesterson. The eastern portion of the refuge is bisected by the San Joaquin River. The refuge is a major wintering ground and migratory stopover point for large concentrations of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds. From autumn through spring, the wetlands on the refuge come alive as large numbers of migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds arrive in the San Joaquin Valley. Here, the wetlands provide plentiful food and shelter, and a critical wintering area along the Pacific Flyway migration route. The wetlands also support a wide variety of other animals, including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Waterfowl generally remain until late March before beginning their journey back north to breeding areas; however, some mallard, gadwall, and cinnamon teal remain in the area to nest and raise young.Shorebirds, including species of sandpipers and plovers can be found in the tens of thousands from autumn through spring. Large flocks of dunlin, long-billed dowitchers, least sandpipers, and western sandpipers can be seen feeding in shallow seasonal wetlands. Flocks of long-billed curlews are found using

How to Get There

Coming from the North (Modesto) on CA-99: In Turlock, take the Lander Ave/CA-165 exit toward Los Banos. Travel south on CA-165 through the communities of Hilmar and Stevinson. At the 4-way stop at the intersection of CA-165 and CA-140, continue southbound (straight) toward Los Banos for 12.5 miles. Turn left on Wolfsen Road. Follow Wolfsen Road approximately 2 miles until the pavement ends at the Refuge entrance. Continue through the gate on the gravel road and follow the signs to the Elk and Waterfowl auto tour routes. The Visitor Center is on the left immediately after passing through main entrance.Coming from the South (Fresno) on CA-99: Travel on CA-99 north to CA-152 westbound. Travel westbound on CA-152 to Los Banos. Turn right on Mercey Springs Road (fourth stoplight after entering Los Banos from the east). Continue on Mercey Springs Road (also called CA-165) for approximately 6.5 miles to Wolfsen Road. Turn right onto Wolfsen Road. Follow Wolfsen Road approximately 2 miles until the pavement ends at the Refuge entrance. Continue through the gate on the gravel road and follow the signs to the Elk and Waterfowl auto tour routes. The Visitor Center is on the left immediately after passing through main entrance.From Interstate 5 (north or south): Take the Los Banos/CA-152 east exit. Travel on CA-152 eastbound into Los Banos. Turn left on Mercey Springs Road. Continue on Mercey Springs Road (also called CA-165) for approximately 6.5 miles to Wolfsen Road. Turn right onto W

Plan Your Visit to San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to San Luis National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)