Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
- Nature reserve
- Regional draw
- Elk Grove
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge protects wetland and grassland habitat in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta near Elk Grove.
Seasonal water and migrating birds make it an important part of the Central Valley's wildlife landscape. Blue Heron Trails provides a designated visitor experience with paved loops and interpretation around managed wetlands.
Use the refuge's current access information to choose a public trail or scheduled activity; much of the refuge is habitat management land with restricted entry. Check seasonal closures and conditions before arriving. Bring binoculars for quiet observation, stay on marked routes, and leave wildlife undisturbed.
Visitor details reviewed October 18, 2026. Check official visitor information for current access, admission, and operating arrangements. View on OpenStreetMap.
Image credit: Justine Belson/USFWS / Wikimedia Commons. Original source. CC BY 2.0. Resized and converted to WebP; may be cropped for display.