Almanac note · Outdoors
San Luis Refuge lets Merced County slow down for wildlife
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge has auto tour routes for wetland views, winter birds, tule elk, and quiet wildlife watching.
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.
Where to see it
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
Official sources
Official source trail
Reviewed June 30, 2026
California Porch explains the path. The official source is still the place to confirm the current rule, fee, form, map, deadline, or office decision.
Use the official page before you spend money, file paperwork, rely on a deadline, or change a property.
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