National Wildlife Refuge San Luis

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

National Wildlife Refuge San Luis is a protected area in the state of California that is home to a diverse range of wildlife species.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

There are several good reasons to visit the refuge, including bird watching, hiking, fishing, and wildlife photography. The refuge covers an area of over 26,000 acres and is home to over 240 bird species, as well as several endangered species like the San Joaquin kit fox.

One of the main points of interest in the refuge is the San Luis Reservoir, which is the largest off-stream reservoir in the United States. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities in the reservoir. Other notable areas include Kesterson Reservoir, which is home to a large number of waterfowl, and the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, which is a popular destination for bird watching.

Interesting facts about the refuge include the fact that it provides habitat for several threatened and endangered species, as well as migratory birds that travel thousands of miles each year. The refuge also plays an important role in the conservation of the San Joaquin Valley ecosystem.

The best time of year to visit the National Wildlife Refuge San Luis is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the bird populations are at their peak. However, visitors should be prepared for the hot and dry conditions that are common in the summer months. Overall, the refuge offers a unique opportunity to experience California's wildlife and natural beauty in a protected and preserved environment.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks