There’s nothing like the great outdoors in Merced County, CA, home to wonderful spots that offer fresh air, stunning views, unique wildlife, and plenty of recreational activities.
Check out the unique outdoor destinations below:
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
7430 West Sandy Mush Road, Merced, CA
Covering more than 10,000 acres of wetlands, native grasslands, riparian areas, and vernal pools, the Merced National Wildlife Refuge is every bird watcher’s paradise. The wildlife refuge is home to around 60,000 geese, 25,000 tricolored blackbirds, and 15,000 sandhill cranes. They thrive alongside owls, hawks, eagles, and even ground squirrels.
Aside from the birds and wildlife, the Merced National Wildlife Refuge offers the best vantage points to witness majestic sunsets over the pond waters. The wildlife refuge has two viewing platforms, three short hiking trails, and a fivemile driving loop.
Thinking about paying a visit to the Merced National Wildlife Refuge? Go when the bird population is at its highest from December to February.
Lake Yosemite
5614 North Lake Road, Merced, CA
Hailed as the number one recreational spot in Merced County, Lake Yosemite is a manmade reservoir that offers plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors are welcome to go fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boating, and picnicking. Anglers can also catch a variety of fish like catfish, bass, bluegill, and trout (early spring only).
Centrally located, Lake Yosemite is just minutes away from UC Merced
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
7376 South Wolfsen Road, Los Banos, CA
If you want to see elk in California’s Central Valley, check out the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge in Los Banos. The wildlife refuge houses a growing population of tule elk, a subspecies that’s native to California. You can also spot endangered species such as the long-horned fairy shrimp, the San Joaquin kit fox, and the California tiger salamander.
Great Valley Grasslands State Park
Gonzaga Road, Stevinson, CA
Home to the last and largest contiguous block of wetlands in California, the Great Valley Grasslands State Park is a unique state park in Merced County. See what nature has to offer by going on a six-mile hike through the native grassland. You can try your hand at fishing for bass and catfish from the San Joaquin River.
Several rare plant and animal species such as the California tiger salamander, the vernal pool fairy shrimp, and the alkali sacaton perennial can also be found in this state park.
Los Banos Waterfowl Management Area
18110 Henry Miller Avenue, Los Banos, CA
Observe majestic waterfowl in their natural habitat at the Los Banos Waterfowl Management Area. Also known as the Los Banos Wildlife Area, this 6,200-acre waterfowl refuge is filled with lakes, sloughs, and managed marshes. Apart from waterfowl, you’ll also find other wildlife such as raccoons, beavers, muskrats, striped skunks, and Western pond turtles.
Henderson Park
3335 East Merced Falls Road, Snelling, CA
Located right along the scenic Merced River, Henderson Park is a beautiful park in the eastern portion of Merced County. The peace and quiet make it the perfect spot for picnicking and fishing for rainbow trout. The park’s indoor clubhouse, kitchen, and fireplace are available for rent as well.
Explore what Merced County real estate has to offer you and more. Call Soldavi Realty today at 209.975.7653 or send an email to info(at)soldavi(dotted)com. Count on us to assist you beyond buying or selling a home.