- San Luis NWR Visitor Center and Headquarters7376 S. Wolfsen Road Los Banos, CA 93635
The San Luis NWR Complex Visitor Center and Headquarters located on the San Luis NWR includes an exhibit hall with interactive educational exhibits about wildlife and habitats, tule elk viewing, a multi-purpose room to hold conservation meetings and conduct environmental education programs for schools, and is the administrative headquarters for the refuge complex. The visitor center complements the wildlife refuges of California’s San Joaquin Valley and provides a focal point for visitors, and a launching point to explore the entire refuge complex. The facility was designed for environmental sustainability and energy efficiency and was awarded a Platinum rating under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program (LEED), and strives to produce all energy used by the facility via banks of solar panels. The visitor center serves as a great starting point during your visit to become oriented and learn about what to see and do on the refuge.
Driving DirectionsComing from the North (Modesto) on CA-99: In Turlock, take the Lander Ave/CA-165 exit toward Los Banos. Travel south on CA-165 through the communities of Hilmar and Stevinson. At the 4-way stop at the intersection of CA-165 and CA-140, continue southbound (straight) toward Los Banos for 12.5 miles. Turn left on Wolfsen Road. Follow Wolfsen Road approximately 2 miles until the pavement ends at the Refuge entrance. Continue through the gate on the gravel road and follow the signs to the Elk and Waterfowl auto tour routes. The Visitor Center is on the left immediately after passing through main entrance.
Coming from the South (Fresno) on CA-99: Travel on CA-99 north to CA-152 westbound. Travel westbound on CA-152 to Los Banos. Turn right on Mercey Springs Road (fourth stoplight after entering Los Banos from the east). Continue on Mercey Springs Road (also called CA-165) for approximately 6.5 miles to Wolfsen Road. Turn right onto Wolfsen Road. Follow Wolfsen Road approximately 2 miles until the pavement ends at the Refuge entrance. Continue through the gate on the gravel road and follow the signs to the Elk and Waterfowl auto tour routes. The Visitor Center is on the left immediately after passing through main entrance.
From Interstate 5 (north or south): Take the Los Banos/CA-152 east exit. Travel on CA-152 eastbound into Los Banos. Turn left on Mercey Springs Road. Continue on Mercey Springs Road (also called CA-165) for approximately 6.5 miles to Wolfsen Road. Turn right onto Wolfsen Road. Follow Wolfsen Road approximately 2 miles until the pavement ends at the Refuge entrance. Continue through the gate on the gravel road and follow the signs to the Elk and Waterfowl auto tour routes. The Visitor Center is on the left immediately after passing through the main entrance.From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Jose International Airport (SJC): Take US 101 southbound toward Gilroy. Take the CA-152 EAST exit toward Los Banos. Travel eastbound on CA-152 toward Los Banos. Continue into Los Banos and turn left on Mercey Springs Road. Continue on Mercey Springs Road (also called CA-165) for approximately 6.5 miles to Wolfsen Road. Turn right onto Wolfsen Road. Follow Wolfsen Road approximately 2 miles until the pavement ends at the Refuge entrance. Continue through the gate on the gravel road and follow the signs to the Elk and Waterfowl auto tour routes. The Visitor Center is on the left immediately after passing through the main entrance.
Physical address (do not use for mail):
7376 S. Wolfsen Road, Los Banos, CA 93635 (Note: In many GPS navigation units, this address will erroneously indicate to stop approximately 1 mile short of the refuge entrance. Continue on Wolfsen Rd all the way until it ends at the refuge entrance.)Visitor Center hoursMonday - Friday8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.