Biking
Bicycling at Sacramento NWR:
Bicycling at Sacramento NWR is limited to the 6-mile Auto Tour between May 15 - August 15. There is no shade, no potable water, and no stopping along the Auto Tour except at the 3 park-and-stretch areas. Bicycling on Sacramento NWR is otherwise not permitted and is not allowed on the seasonal Pool 2 loop extension.
Sacramento NWR has a 6-mile Auto Tour that begins at the Visitor Center and takes you through wetlands, grasslands, vernal pools and a riparian area. In order to minimize disturbance to wildlife and allow excellent viewing for everyone, bicyclists must remain on their bicycle except at the three Park-and-Stretch areas. Two observation decks and a restroom are located approximately half-way around the Auto Tour at Park-and-Stretch #2, where there is a spotting scope, benches, and fantastic views!
- Hours: 7 days a week, May 15 - August 15, 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset
- Fees: Sacramento Refuge Auto Tour requires and entrance fee ($6.00 daily, $12.00 annual, or valid Federal Duck Stamp or America the Beautiful Pass, which can be purchased on Recreation.gov). For more information, see our Passes and Permits page. Adjacent parking, restrooms, Visitor Center and trails are fee-free.
- Length: 6 miles
- Amenities: parking, information kiosk, observation decks, a restroom and a spotting scope
- Potable water is not available, so please bring your own
- Shade is limited to the observation deck, so please plan accordingly
- Bicycling: is allowed from May 15 to August 15, but is not permitted on the seasonal Pool 2 loop extension.
- Substrate: the Auto Tour is all-weather gravel but puncture vine may occur on the edges of gravel roads. You are strongly encouraged to have a can of fix-a-flat or a patch kit suitable for your bicycle's tires, in case something happens while out on the auto tour.
- Directions: View our Directional Map
- Brochure: View our Area Map/Brochure
- There is a Complex-level Bicycling Map to see when and where bicycling is allowed.
MORE TO EXPLORE!
The Sacramento NWR Complex also allows seasonal bicycling at Colusa NWR and Sacramento River NWR. FOR INFORMATION, MAPS AND DIRECTIONS, visit our:
Auto Tours, Trails and Bicycling page
