Pixley National Wildlife Refuge

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Pixley National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve located in the San Joaquin Valley of California.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The refuge is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, reptiles, and mammals. Visitors can enjoy activities such as wildlife watching, hiking, and fishing.

One of the main reasons to visit Pixley National Wildlife Refuge is to experience the diversity of bird species that can be found there. Some of the birds that can be seen at the refuge include sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis, and northern pintails. In addition to bird watching, visitors can also explore the 6-mile hiking trail that winds through the refuge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Another point of interest at Pixley National Wildlife Refuge is the wetland areas. These areas provide habitat for numerous species, including endangered and threatened species such as the blunt-nosed leopard lizard and the San Joaquin kit fox. Visitors can also learn about the history of the area and the role that the refuge plays in conserving wildlife by visiting the visitor center.

Interesting facts about Pixley National Wildlife Refuge include that it was established in 1951 as a breeding ground for waterfowl and other migratory birds. The refuge covers an area of 6,599 acres and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The best time of year to visit Pixley National Wildlife Refuge is during the winter months, between November and February. This is when the migratory bird population is at its peak, and visitors can see large flocks of birds flying over the refuge. Additionally, the cooler weather during this time makes hiking and other outdoor activities more comfortable.

       

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