Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Merced National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 10,200 acres of wetlands, native grasslands, vernal pools, and riparian areas. The refuge hosts the largest wintering concentrations of lesser sandhill cranes and Ross’ geese along the Pacific Flyway. Wildlife are showcased from an auto tour route and four nature trails, which are open daily throughout the year for visitors.

Auto Tour Route Construction

NOTICE for visitors to the Merced National Wildlife Refuge: A portion of the auto tour route will be closed due to construction from June 24 to Mid-July. During this time, visitors will be able to travel a portion of the auto route on the east side to access the Bittern Marsh parking area and trailhead. During the construction closure, vehicle traffic along the east side of the tour route will be two-way traffic, so please be alert to possible approaching vehicles. During this period, also please be respectful of signs, cones, and other construction barricades. For information or to ask questions regarding these temporary changes, please call the visitor center at 209-826-3508, ext. 127.

Visit Us

Two burrowing owls on the ground outside their burrow looking at the camera. — Burrowing owls are often spotted along the refuge auto tour route. © Rick Lewis

National wildlife refuges offer us a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. The refuge offers visitors a 5-mile auto tour route and 4 nature trails to observe and photograph wildlife. There is always something to see at the refuge, but certain times are better than others and the cast of nature’s characters changes with the seasons. No matter when you visit, bring your binoculars, camera – and your curiosity! There is no fee to visit the auto tour route and nature trails.

Learn More About Visiting

Location and Contact Information

About Us

Sandhill cranes on a wetland with trees in the background. — Sandhill cranes are abundant on the refuge September through March. © Gary R. Zahm

The Merced National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 10,258 acres of wetlands, native grasslands, vernal pools, and riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

Learn more about riparian areas. It was established in 1951 under the Lea Act and Migratory Bird Conservation Act to attract wintering waterfowl from neighboring farmland where their foraging activities were causing crop damage. The refuge hosts the largest wintering populations of lesser sandhill cranes and Ross’ geese along the Pacific Flyway. Each autumn as many as 20,000 cranes and 60,000 arctic-nesting geese terminate their annual migrations from Alaska and Canada to make the refuge their winter home. Wildlife are showcased from an auto tour route and 4 nature trails, which are open daily throughout the year for visitors.

Learn More About Us

Tours

The refuge hosts tours, nature walks, and other special events throughout the year. Visit our Events page to learn about the latest scheduled events.

What We Do

The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. Refuge units are actively managed to provide critical habitat for wildlife. Past changes to the northern San Joaquin Valley – loss of habitats and species, alterations to natural hydrology, and the introduction of exotic plants and animals – necessitates intensive natural resources management activities by the refuge.

More About What We Do