CALIFORNIA · PLACES & PERSPECTIVES
Merced
Central Valley birdlife and a western approach to Yosemite
Merced is a San Joaquin Valley city with connections toward Yosemite through the foothills. Before heading into the mountains, consider a different landscape nearby: the seasonal wetlands and wildlife of Merced National Wildlife Refuge.
Explore the refuge at its own pace
Merced National Wildlife Refuge has an auto-tour route and nature trails for wildlife observation. Birdlife changes with the seasons, with large concentrations of waterfowl and sandhill cranes from autumn through spring. Bring binoculars and use the designated observation areas rather than approaching wildlife.
Separate the valley visit from the park journey
Merced can be part of a west-side Yosemite approach, but the national park is not beside the city. Choose your park entrance and accommodation location before deciding how much to add to the travel day. Check the current YARTS schedule if considering a bus connection.
MAKE IT YOUR JOURNEY
Plan your visit
A refuge outing can take a short stop or a substantial part of the day, depending on your interest in birds and walking. Summer heat makes timing important. For onward Yosemite travel, check entry arrangements, road conditions and transport reservations with the operators. Do not confuse Merced, the city, with a visitor area inside Yosemite.