Facility Activities

National wildlife refuges offer us a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. The refuge offers visitors over 15 miles of auto tour routes and more than 10 miles of nature trails that lead through each of the major habitat types – wetlands, uplands, grasslands, riparian woodlands, alkali sinks, and vernal pools. There is always something to see at the refuges, but certain times are better than others and the cast of nature’s characters changes with the seasons. No matter when you visit, bring your binoculars, camera – and your curiosity!
Hunting

Large flocks of teal, northern shoveler, mallard, gadwall, wigeon and northern pintail — along with snow, Ross’ and greater white-fronted geese — swarm over the mosaic of seasonal and permanent wetlands that make up a quarter of the refuge. Waterfowl generally remain until late March before...

Fishing

A section of Salt Slough, accessed via the Elk auto tour route, is open to fishing by rod and reel from the bank daily year-round. Refuge visitation hours are 1/2-hour before sunrise to 1/2-hour after sunset (dawn to dusk). Common species include striped bass, crappie, and catfish. No boats are...

Wildlife watching

The refuge offers visitors 3 auto tour routes totaling over 15 miles and 8 nature trails from which to observe a diversity of wildlife in nature. Wildlife tend to be the most active during morning and early evening hours. There is always something to see throughout the year, but the peak season...

Auto tour

Enjoy the refuge auto tour routes for spectacular wildlife observation and photography experiences! All refuge complex auto tour routes are one-way unless marked otherwise. Please stay in your vehicle on auto tour routes, except at designated areas where signage indicates getting out is...

Birding

The refuge is home to large concentrations of wintering ducks, geese, and swans. Neotropical migrants and grassland songbirds are also abundant -- all are easily viewed from the refuge's 3 auto tour routes and nature trails, which are open year-round. Many bird species occur on the refuge...

Photography

Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at the refuge throughout the year. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges.  San Luis NWR offers 3 auto tour routes and 8 nature trails, all situated and managed for ideal...

Picnicking

The refuge features a covered picnic shelter with 2 tables at the Wetland trailhead across from the visitor center.  Picnic tables are also available at the Sousa trail observation platform and along the West Bear Creek auto tour route. Please pack your trash out with you.

Hiking

The refuge features 8 nature trails encompassing over 10 miles. Nature trails are open to foot traffic only. Please stay on trails, except at special areas where leaving the trail is allowed and indicated by signage.  Dogs are allowed on nature trails, but must be on a leash and under...