Cosumnes River Preserve & Sandhill Cranes
The Cosumnes River Preserve was created to protect land along the Cosumnes River, and to provide habitat for numerous bird and wildlife species. The terrain at the preserve includes wetlands and uplands, with two main visitor walks taking you through this diverse landscape.
The preserve serves as home to Sandhill Cranes that swoop in every winter and reside on the preserve and nearby areas. You'll also find many species of ducks, having migrated along the Pacific Flyway.
Additional animal species found at the Cosumnes River Preserve:
- Tundra swans
- Snow geese
- River otters
- Foxes, bobcats, deer and other mammals
- Raptors (hawks, kestrels)
- Reptiles and amphibians (lizards, frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes)
Cosumnes River Preserve Location
Cosumnes River Preserve Website
The preserve is about 25 miles south of Sacramento and about 85 miles from San Francisco. From San Francisco, take the Bay Bridge east to Highway 24. After reaching Walnut Creek, take 680 north, then 242. Travel about 3 miles on 242, and exit to Highway 4 east to Pittsburg. Drive about 16 miles to 160 north (toll road). After 12 miles, you'll turn right on Highway 12 and go east for 15 miles until you reach I-5. Go north on I-5 to the Twin Cities Road exit. Turn right, then right again on Franklin. Drive about 2 miles into the preserve and you'll see the visitor center on the left.
Note: There are limited hunts in the preserve, and there is hunting adjacent on the Cosumnes River and sloughs during waterfowl season (October through January). If you're walking the River Walk Trail, you may hear nearby gunshots and see duck blinds and duck hunting at close range. There is no hunting near the wetlands across from the visitor center. But ducks and waterfowl in this area are understandably skittish so close-up viewing isn't easy.