Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
All visitors using the auto tour at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge are required to pay an entry fee-one pass per vehicle. The fee is waived for Interagency Passholders.
Each fall, millions of ducks and geese migrate to the Sacramento Valley, with many spending the winter here. Spring migration is also a great time to visit-or revisit. The best times to take the auto tour and see the most wildlife are in fall, winter, and spring, with winter being the peak season for wildlife viewing.
The auto tour offers a chance to observe and photograph wildlife from the comfort of your vehicle, with several designated 'Park-and-Stretch' areas and observation platforms along the route to enhance the experience. It is a one-way, 6-mile loop through wetlands and uplands that begins and ends at the Visitor Center parking area. An additional 1.5 mile loop is open from March 15 to September 10, conditions permitting.
The auto tour is open 7 days a week, year-round, from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. Be sure to check the refuge website for any updates or temporary closures, and always follow posted signs.
Thank you for visiting. We hope you enjoy your time on the refuge!
All visitors to Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge are required to pay an entry fee to use the auto tour route, one pass per vehicle. Download the pass on your mobile device or print before your visit, and keep the digital pass available at all times while you are at the refuge.
Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Passes are void if altered or reproduced. Entry fees are waived for holders of valid Interagency Passes (Annual, Senior, Lifetime) and U.S. Military (Active, Veteran, or Gold Star Family).
No entry fee is required to access the visitor center, restrooms, parking lots, or walking trails.
HOURS: Auto tour is open to vehicles from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset.
All visitors must remain seated inside their vehicle while on the auto tour, except at designated 'Park-and-Stretch' areas and observation decks.
Hanging out of vehicle windows and sunroofs while the vehicle is in motion is prohibited.
The auto tour is a one-way route: parking/driving in the wrong direction is prohibited. Heed all signage.
Bicycles are allowed only from May 15 to August 15 and must stay on the auto tour road. Dismount only at 'Park-and-Stretch' areas. Bicycles are not permitted on the Pool 2 extension route.
Refuge lands may close temporarily in the event of an emergency, public safety concern, or to protect wildlife and habitat. Please check the refuge website or social media for current conditions or alerts before your visit.
Drones are prohibited.
Additional RULES and REGULATIONS apply. See website, brochures, and signage.