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Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area: A Haven for Wildlife and Birdwatchers

Explore a wildlife haven in the heart of the Sacramento Valley, a short drive from Sacramento and Davis. Open daily, sunrise to sunset!

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The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, a 16,600-acre expanse of wetlands and uplands, is a haven for diverse wildlife, especially birds, located a short drive from Sacramento and Davis. It offers refuge to migratory species along the Pacific Flyway and provides recreational and educational opportunities.

A brief summary to Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal bird and wildlife viewing. The area is known for its diverse birdlife, especially during migration seasons.
  • Check the Yolo Basin Foundation website for information on guided tours, events, and seasonal closures due to flooding or hunting.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on gravel roads and trails. Be prepared for windy conditions.
  • Visit during the winter months for peak waterfowl viewing opportunities.
  • Be aware that access may be limited during hunting season (September-February) to the auto tour loop.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is located off Interstate 80 between Sacramento and Davis. **From Sacramento:** Take I-80 West. At the west end of the Yolo Causeway bridge, take the County Road 32A/East Chiles Road exit. Turn right at the stop sign and go under the freeway. Turn left onto the levee to enter the Wildlife Area. **From Davis:** Take I-80 East and exit at Mace Boulevard. Turn left at the end of the off-ramp onto Chiles Road. Go straight through the next light and travel approximately 4 miles to the end of the road. Drive up onto the levee, turn left at the top, and enter the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. **Parking:** Parking is free. There are parking spots along the auto tour route.

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Discover more about Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, a sprawling 16,600-acre area managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, is a vital component of the Yolo Basin, a natural floodplain along the Sacramento River. This unique area serves a dual purpose: flood control and wildlife habitat restoration. Created in 1997, the Wildlife Area has become a haven for a stunning array of species, particularly birds, in close proximity to the urban centers of Sacramento and Davis. The area's history is intertwined with the Sacramento Valley's transformation. Once a vast, nearly 80,000-acre wetland, the Yolo Basin was altered by human activity, including reclamation for agriculture and flood control measures. The establishment of the Yolo Bypass, a 59,000-acre floodplain, was crucial for protecting Sacramento from flooding. The Wildlife Area was established with the understanding that it would remain compatible with flood control. Today, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area features a diverse range of habitats, including managed seasonal and permanent wetlands, riparian woodlands, and grasslands. These habitats support a remarkable variety of wildlife, including over 200 species of birds, as well as fish, bats, reptiles, and amphibians. Birdwatchers flock to the area to observe waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. Popular activities include wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hunting, and nature education programs. The Yolo Basin Foundation plays a key role in education and public engagement, offering tours, school programs, and events. Visitors can explore the Wildlife Area via a six-mile auto tour route, walking trails, and guided tours. The area is open daily from sunrise to sunset, offering a chance to escape urban life and connect with nature.

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