Trails
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place to visit whether you are looking to take a leisurely walk, engage in some birding, or finding a new challenging trail. Whether you go on a short walk or hike a longer trail, there are over 30 miles of trails for you to explore.
Dogs on a 6-foot leash are permitted only on the the Tidelands Trail, Harrier Spur Trail, Quarry Trail, and Marshlands Road near the Visitor Center in Fremont. Dogs are prohibited on all other trails and lands throughout the refuge
Trail Closure Alert:
Mallard Slough Trail is closed due to construction as well as sections of Alviso Slough Trail at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Alviso California.
South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project (Phase I) between the Alviso Slough/Guadalupe River and Coyote Creek is underway. The project, once completed, will protect north San José, including the community of Alviso and the Regional Wastewater Facility, from a 100-year coastal storm and rising seas.
Construction hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30p.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends as necessary, excluding holidays. Construction is scheduled to finish in June 2025.
Trail Surface: Flat, compacted dirt levee. Trail turns to mud after rain.
Dogs are Not permitted on this trail.
This trail is best to view salt marsh restoration over time. Salt marsh habitat attract endangered Ridgway's rails and salt marsh harvest mice. Mudflats attract shorebirds and native plants attract pollinators and songbirds. Enjoy an informative kiosk and interpretive panels at the observation platform.
Dogs are Not permitted on this trail.
1.7 miles one way (longer section).
0.3 miles one way (shorter section).
Restrooms and water are in the parking lot 400 feet from the trailhead.
Dog are Not permitted on this trail.
Bank Fishing is allowed at the end of the trail.
Trail Surface: Uneven, but flat compacted dirt levee.
Dogs are Not allowed on this trial.
Trail leads through tidal salt marsh, restored from
a commercial salt crystallizer bed. This trail is
probably the best place on the refuge to view the
endangered Ridgway’s rail as it comes out at low
tide to feed in the muddy slough channels.
Dogs are Not permitted on this trail.
Trail surface: Flat, compacted dirt levee. The trail turns to mud after rain.
Dogs are Not allowed on this trail.
Additional Uses: From Carl Rd. Trailhead: Waterfowl hunting in designated areas within the managed ponds is permitted mid-October to late January. check signs and the Hunting section on the webpage.
Dogs are Not allowed on this trail.
The trail takes you over a salt marsh that attracts egrets, herons, shorebirds, and more. Great for wildlife viewing.
The trail connects to Mallard Slough Trail. Easily connects to Marsh View Trail. Marsh View Trail provides an alternative access to the Environmental Education Center, and New Chicago Marsh and Mallard Slough Trails.
The trailhead is accessible from the parking lot of the Environmental Education Center in Alviso.
Dogs are Not allowed on this trail.
Northern shovelers, shorebirds, and grebes fill the pond in the winter while Forster's terns and American avocets use the pond in the summer. There are excellent views of the dominant salt marsh vegetation such as pickleweed, Pacific cordgrass, and gumplant which has yellow flowers late into the summer.
To access the trail park at the main parking lot at 1 Marshlands Rd. Fremont CA 94555 and go to the flagpole. Walk the Tidelands trail and cross the wooden footbridge over the Newark Slough to the Newark Slough Trail.
Restrooms and water are located nearby at the Visitor Center/Gift shop.
Dogs are Not allowed on this trail.
Dogs are Not allowed on this trail.
See Shoreline trail for more info and access to this trail.
Additional Uses: Trail is used by waterfowl hunters to access hunting blinds within the salt ponds mid-October to late January. Check signs and the refuge website for exact dates.
Trail Surface: Flat, compacted gravel road. Can get muddy after rain.
Dogs are Not allowed on this trial.