Tulare Basin

Conserving land and water in the Tulare Basin enhances educational experiences for our children, maintains scenic vistas, and provides recreational opportunities for the whole family. With today's rapidly growing urban areas, people seek natural places and open space for opportunities to replenish the soul. Tulare Basin Wildlife Partners collaborates with agencies and other landowners to provide residents and visitors with diverse recreation and education opportunities in the Tulare Basin.

When planning a visit to the Tulare Basin, keep in mind that this region is hot in the summer, with temperatures above 100 degrees. Rain falls from October to April, and dense patches of fog can foster damp, chilly weather in winter. Please plan appropriately for the time of year you visit, and remember to bring sunblock, hat, water, and layered clothing. You may want to bring binoculars, camera, and field guides as well.

Allensworth Ecological Reserve
Attraction: Upland threatened and endangered species habitat
Activities: Wildlife viewing
Hours: Permission to visit must be granted in advance
Location: From Highway 99, head west on Avenue 56 one mile to Howard Road. Turn south and go two miles to Avenue 40. Turn west and go one mile; park at gate.
Contact: California Department of Fish & Game (559) 243-4014

Atwell Island
Attraction: Nature trail with riparian habitat; a 400-acre marsh offers wildlife viewing and photography
Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, photography
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Location: One mile south of Alpaugh on Road 40/Tule Avenue, then west on Avenue 46 for one-half-mile
Contact: Bureau of Land Management (559) 949-8489

Blossom Trail
Attraction: Panoramas of blooming orchards, diverse agriculture, and historical points of interest
Activities: Self-guided auto or bicycle tour
Hours: Daylight recommended
Location: Various in Fresno County
Contact: Fresno County Office of Tourism (559) 262-4271

Buttonwillow Ecological Reserve
Attraction: Upland threatened and endangered species habitat
Activities: Wildlife and wildflower viewing (spring to summer)
Hours: Permission to visit must be granted in advance
Location: Hwy 58 east of Buttonwillow; north on Brandt Road to intersection with Seventh Standard Road
Contact: California Department of Fish & Game (559) 243-4014

Coles Levee Ecosystem Preserve
Attraction: More than a dozen rare, threatened, and endangered animals and plants, along with the last two miles of Kern River riparian habitat before Buena Vista Lake
Activities: Education programs for students
Hours: Contact for hours
Location: 20 miles southwest of Bakersfield; contact for directions
Contact: Aera Energy LLC (661) 665-5000

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Attraction: 100-year old restored and reconstructed buildings from when Colonel Allen Allensworth and four other settlers established a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans
Activities: picnicking, camping, interpretive exhibits and film, tours (prior arrangements necessary), teacher's guide
Hours: Visitor Center 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: North of Bakersfield; 20 miles north of Wasco on Highway 43; seven miles west of Earlimart on Avenue 56, then south one mile on Highway 43
Contact: California State Parks (661) 849-3433

Kaweah Oaks Preserve
Attraction: One of the last remaining valley oak riparian forests in the San Joaquin Valley
Activities: Picnicking, hiking trails, trail guides, public programs, docent-led school tours, bird watching, photography
Hours: Daily, from sunrise to sunset
Location: East of Visalia seven miles via Highway 198, then north on Road 182 one-half-mile
Contact: Sequoia Riverlands Trust (559) 738-0211

Kern National Wildlife Refuge
Attraction: A developed marsh provides wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl
Activities: Waterfowl hunting (October to January), hiking, auto tour, educational brochures, wildlife viewing, photography
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset, except Wednesdays and Saturdays during hunting season
Location: From Interstate 5 at Lost Hills, take Highway 46 east five miles to Corcoran Road. Turn north and drive 10.6 miles. From Highway 99 in Delano, head west on Garces Highway for 19 miles.
Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (661) 725-2767

Lokern Ecological Reserve
Attraction: Upland threatened and endangered species habitat
Activities: Wildlife and wildflower viewing (spring to summer)
Hours: Permission to visit must be granted in advance
Location: Hwy 58 and Lokern Road, about 2.5 miles west of Buttonwillow
Contact: California Department of Fish & Game (559) 243-4014

Lokern Preserve
Attraction: High-quality upland habitat for threatened and endangered species
Activities: Wildlife and wildflower viewing, photography
Hours: Contact the preserve manager for access
Location: 30 miles west of Bakersfield; contact for directions
Contact: Center for Natural Lands Management (661) 387-9453

Mendota Wildlife Area
Attraction: A developed marsh and floodplains with a diversity of wildlife
Activities: Fishing, boating, camping (during waterfowl season only), hunting, wildlife viewing
Hours: Daily
Location: From Mendota, go south and east on Highway 180 three miles to Whites Bridge
Contact: California Department of Fish & Game (559) 655-4645

Pixley National Wildlife Refuge
Attraction: One of the few remaining examples of the grasslands, vernal pools, and playas that once bordered historic Tulare Lake; thousands of sandhill cranes fly into roost at sunset from October to February
Activities: hiking, photography, wildlife viewing
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Location: From Highway 99 in Earlimart, go west on Avenue 56/Sierra Ave for 5.7 miles. Turn north just past the refuge sign onto Road 88, and travel one mile.
Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (661) 725-2767

Tule Elk State Natural Reserve
Attraction: Tule elk herd, once in danger of extinction, most active from late summer through early autumn
Activities: Picnicking, interpretive exhibits, wildlife viewing, photography
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to sunset
Location: North of Gorman, south of Buttonwillow and west of Interstate 5 via Stockdale Highway
Contact: California State Parks (661) 764-6881