Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
An urban wildlife refuge offering peaceful trails, abundant birdlife, and opportunities for nature photography. Free to enter and explore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak wildlife activity
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Best Time
Peak wildlife activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An urban wildlife refuge offering peaceful trails, abundant birdlife, and opportunities for nature photography. Free to enter and explore.
"Ample free parking and nicely maintained trails with lots of birds to see."
Bring Your Own Water 💧
No water faucets on-site, so pack plenty of drinking water and hand sanitizer.
Binoculars are Key 🔭
Essential for spotting and identifying the wide variety of birds and wildlife.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Birdwatching Paradise
Throughout the refuge
Spot diverse local and migratory birds, from tiny songbirds to large waterfowl. Bring binoculars!
Wildlife Encounters
Trails and wetlands
Keep an eye out for rabbits, skunks, and even migratory geese. Critter prints often mark the paths.
Informative Nature Trails
ADA walking trails
Enjoy flat, well-maintained trails with educational signage about local history, flora, and fauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Essential Packing List
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Water 💧
No water faucets on-site, so pack plenty of drinking water and hand sanitizer.
Binoculars are Key 🔭
Essential for spotting and identifying the wide variety of birds and wildlife.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
Trails are flat and well-maintained, but comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Check Opening Times ⏰
While generally open year-round, it's wise to confirm hours before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Water 💧
No water faucets on-site, so pack plenty of drinking water and hand sanitizer.
Binoculars are Key 🔭
Essential for spotting and identifying the wide variety of birds and wildlife.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
Trails are flat and well-maintained, but comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Check Opening Times ⏰
While generally open year-round, it's wise to confirm hours before your visit.
No Dogs Allowed 🚫
To protect wildlife, pets are not permitted within the refuge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Stone Lakes for its free access, well-maintained trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially birds. However, some note the lack of shade and basic restroom facilities. Despite minor drawbacks, it's considered a peaceful spot for nature observation and photography.
"I took the short drive from Sacramento during a recent visit there and really enjoyed my visit. There was ample FREE parking. The toilets are "pit toilets" so not the nicest things you've ever seen, but serviceable (especially for guys).
The grounds were quite nicely maintained and there were a lot of birds to see. The hiking trails were nice, well maintained, and the one I was on was flat.
I'm a ham radio operator and this is part of the "Parks on the Air" program (US-0215). I went in the early morning and there was only a few others around. I setup my radio in their pavilion area for some shade. The band conditions that day were not the best, but there was no discernible interference from anything nearby, which really helped. I was able to make contacts into Alberta Canada to the north and as far east as Ohio.
The weather that week in Sacramento was in the mid 80s and it was about the same here near Elk Grove. Very enjoyable.
I would definitely recommend this as a place to visit, walk around, and to operate a radio from (if that's your thing). I'm sure the photography options here are great as well."
Ryan Huggins
"Weekday afternoon visit & had the trail to myself. Loved all the critter prints in the pathway & information signage. Saw lots of birds & wildlife. Would love to come back when flowers are in bloom"
Rosanna Mendoza
"The refuge was established in 1992 by the U.S. federal government as a flood detention basin. It also serves as a habitat for local and migratory wildlife with a natural lake and wetland. The entire National Wildlife Refuge is close to 6000 acres. But the area open to the public is a much smaller with ADA walking trails (some concrete paved and others are packed gravel). Roughly two miles of trails. So it’s not actually a place for a hike, more so to relax and soak in nature. The paths have information boards along the way. I do luv an information board. Pretty neat to learn more about the history, land, vegetation, and wildlife.
Talking about wildlife, on my last visit, a skunk crossed my path. I lucked out and it scurried away. Danger averted! Plus talking about lucky... I was fortunate enough to see a variety of birds, a rabbit, plus an outrageous large flock of loud chatty migratory geese flying above. That was unexpected. It was a spectacular sight. Also on the topic of animals, dogs are not allowed. Probably a good thing since they might want to venture off the path into the tulle. Besides critters that live in there, there are ticks.
Another thing to note is that there is no shade out there. So I don't go there in hot weather months. However, the refuge is open daily, year round. Access is totally free. There are no fees. Luv that.
Amenities: The restroom has a non flush toilet and no wash basins. Actually there are no water faucets on site. So you’ll probably want to bring your own hand sanitizer and drinking water."
Lillian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is located near Elk Grove, California. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available upon arrival.
Information on public transportation options to the refuge is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
While specific directions can vary, using a GPS or mapping service with 'Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Elk Grove, CA' should guide you directly to the entrance.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at the refuge, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, the refuge is part of the 'Parks on the Air' program. The pavilion area is a good spot for radio operations with no discernible interference.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is completely free. There are no admission fees for visitors.
The refuge is open daily, year-round. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific seasonal hours or closures before your visit.
No advance booking or tickets are required as entry is free and open daily.
While not explicitly mentioned as frequent, the refuge does offer guided walks and paddle tours seasonally. Check their official website for schedules.
Yes, Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge offers seasonal waterfowl hunting. Specific regulations and seasons apply.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The refuge features approximately two miles of ADA walking trails, some paved concrete and others packed gravel. They are well-maintained and offer a relaxing nature walk.
While the trails are nice and well-maintained, they are relatively short (around two miles total). It's more of a place for a relaxing nature walk than a strenuous hike.
You can see a variety of birds, rabbits, and potentially skunks. Migratory geese are also a spectacular sight when present.
No, dogs are not allowed at Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, likely to protect the native wildlife.
No, there is very little shade at Stone Lakes, so it's best to avoid visiting during the hottest parts of the day or summer months.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food or dining facilities within Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors should plan to bring their own food and drinks.
While there are no designated picnic areas, visitors can bring their own food and enjoy it in designated areas, keeping in mind there's limited shade.
The nearest dining options will be in the nearby city of Elk Grove, which offers a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Information regarding alcohol consumption is not readily available, but it's generally advisable to err on the side of caution in natural preserves.
Yes, you can bring a cooler with your own food and drinks. Remember to pack out all trash.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Stone Lakes offers great photography opportunities, especially for wildlife and bird photography. The early morning and late afternoon light is ideal.
Birdwatching and general wildlife photography are popular. Keep an eye out for waterfowl, songbirds, and small mammals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, often referred to as the 'golden hours'.
Tripods are generally permitted for photography, especially during less crowded times. Ensure you are not obstructing trails or other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities for food. The lack of shade means planning your visit for cooler parts of the day is essential to keep kids comfortable. While dogs aren't allowed, the opportunity to spot birds and other small creatures can be exciting for young explorers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring your telephoto lenses and binoculars to get the best views and shots of the wildlife. While tripods are generally allowed, be mindful of other visitors and ensure you're not blocking pathways. The quiet atmosphere during off-peak hours is ideal for setting up and patiently waiting for the perfect moment.
🐦 Birdwatchers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Refuge's Purpose
The refuge spans nearly 6,000 acres, but the area accessible to the public is significantly smaller, focusing on providing a managed experience for visitors. This accessible portion includes ADA walking trails, designed to be inclusive and allow people of all abilities to enjoy the natural surroundings. The trails are a mix of concrete paving and packed gravel, ensuring a smooth experience for walkers and those using mobility aids.
Navigating the Trails and Amenities
When it comes to amenities, visitors should be prepared. The restrooms are basic 'pit toilets' and do not have wash basins or running water. Consequently, it's highly recommended to bring your own hand sanitizer and drinking water, as there are no water faucets available on site. The lack of shade is also a significant factor; visitors are advised to avoid the refuge during the hottest months or peak sun hours.
Wildlife Spotting and Conservation
It's important to remember that this is a natural habitat, and visitors should respect the wildlife. Dogs are not allowed within the refuge, a measure likely in place to prevent disturbance to the animals and their environment. Additionally, be aware of potential ticks in the area, especially if venturing off the marked trails. The refuge's conservation efforts ensure that these species have a safe place to thrive.
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