San Luis Refuge lets Merced County slow down for wildlife

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge is one of Merced County’s easiest wildlife outings because much of it is built for slow driving. In the Central Valley, heat, distance, and muddy seasons can make an auto tour a friendly way to see wetlands, birds, and tule elk.

The refuge has auto tour routes on all-weather compacted gravel. The Waterfowl route is 8.5 miles and passes through upland and wetland habitat. In winter, the route can be especially rewarding for ducks, geese, cranes, swans, and raptors. The Tule Elk route is 5 miles and loops around a large enclosure for a resident tule elk herd. Both routes are open year-round.

Stay in the vehicle on the auto tour unless signs say you can get out. Foot traffic, bicycles, and horses are not allowed on the auto tour roads. In hot months, mornings and late afternoons are usually better for birds and mammals, so a little timing can make the trip feel much richer.