San Luis Refugewinter wildlife
Goose and duck numbers peak in January across the San Luis NWR Complex, per the Fish and Wildlife Service's nature calendar (Jan 1–31). This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in San Luis Refuge · September
- Kesterson Unit open (on foot) · Feb–Sep
- Monarch butterfly fall migration peak · Sep
- Sandhill cranes: back from mid-September, large numbers still visible in February (San Luis NWR Complex calendar) · Sep–Feb
94days to the next winter wildlife seasonJan 1–31, local timing
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Jan: Goose and duck numbers peak (January, across the San Luis NWR Complex)Jan
- Kesterson Unit open (on foot)NowFeb–Sep
- Feb: Tule elk bulls shed their antlers (February, San Luis NWR Complex calendar)Feb
- Mar: Waterfowl head north, most gone after late MarchMar
- Apr: Wildflowers around the vernal poolsApr
- Aug: Tule elk rut and bugling peakAug
- Sep: Monarch butterfly fall migration peakNowSep
- Sandhill cranes: back from mid-September, large numbers still visible in February (San Luis NWR Complex calendar)NowSep–Feb
- Winter raptors: eagles, falcons and ferruginous hawks (December–January)Dec–Jan
Where to watch
- Waterfowl auto tour route8.5-mile drive-only gravel loop from the visitor center, open year-round; winter geese, cranes and tundra swans
- West Bear Creek auto tour route2.25-mile drive from the West Bear Creek Unit entrance on Hwy 165, open when its wetlands are flooded (generally fall through spring)
San Luis Refuge in pictures
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Species (Nature's Calendar) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Auto Tour (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Hunting (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at San Luis National Wildlife Refuge?
Goose and duck numbers peak in January across the San Luis NWR Complex, per the Fish and Wildlife Service's nature calendar: Jan 1–31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at San Luis National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 94 days (Jan 1–31, local timing).
Is the West Bear Creek tour route open in winter?
Generally yes: it opens when its wetlands are flooded, usually fall through spring, and closes in summer. Timing shifts from year to year. Its entrance is on Hwy 165, separate from the main entrance on Wolfsen Road.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Auto Tour ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What are the hours?
The refuge is open daily from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. The visitor center is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except holidays, and staff can share recent sightings.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on the nature trails, on a leash and under control at all times. On the auto tour routes you stay in your vehicle except where signs allow getting out.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Auto Tour ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are the tour roads OK after winter rain?
Yes: the auto tour routes are compacted gravel built to stay firm even in wet weather.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Auto Tour ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there hunting in winter?
Yes: waterfowl hunting runs on set days each week through the waterfowl hunting season, with reservations made through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Hunting ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in San Luis National Wildlife Refuge?
Waterfowl auto tour route: 8.5-mile drive-only gravel loop from the visitor center, open year-round; winter geese, cranes and tundra swans; West Bear Creek auto tour route: 2.25-mile drive from the West Bear Creek Unit entrance on Hwy 165, open when its wetlands are flooded (generally fall through spring).
What is San Luis National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Wildflowers around the vernal pools (Apr), Kesterson Unit open (on foot) (Feb–Sep), Tule elk rut and bugling peak (Aug), Monarch butterfly fall migration peak (Sep), Goose and duck numbers peak (January, across the San Luis NWR Complex) (Jan), Sandhill cranes: back from mid-September, large numbers still visible in February (San Luis NWR Complex calendar) (Sep–Feb), Winter raptors: eagles, falcons and ferruginous hawks (December–January) (Dec–Jan), Tule elk bulls shed their antlers (February, San Luis NWR Complex calendar) (Feb) and Waterfowl head north, most gone after late March (Mar).