Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is home to over 200 species of birds and is a roosting area for Sandhill Cranes. Join a local guide who will lead you along the Blue Heron Trails as you explore this family friendly wildlife sanctuary. The tour is tailored to nature lovers, beginning and intermediate birders, photographers, and children. If you have never been to Stone Lakes, this is a great way to get acquainted. Be prepared to walk about a mile and stand for over an hour. You will likely see numerous waterfowl, raptors, and other birds. If you are lucky, you will get to witness Sandhill Cranes as they fly-in for the night. Don’t forget your camera. A flashlight will be helpful to aide you while walking back to your car. The tour ends at sunset so it will be dark.
This is federal property, so no Lands Pass is required.
TOUR TIME: 3:45 – 5:55 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: The Blue Heron Trails is located south of Sacramento, just outside of Elk Grove. From Sacramento, travel south on Interstate 5 and take the Hood Franklin Road exit. At the stop sign, turn right, heading west for about one mile. The entrance sigh and turn lane will be on your left. Meet your guide at the Blue Heron Trails parking lot at 3:45 p.m. Be sure to stay on the trails.
You may be interested in knowing that other Sandhill Crane tours are available during the fall and winter. For more information about California Department of Fish and Wildlife tours during the season go to this CDFW website. For information about Sandhill Crane tours through the Cosumnes River Preserve, chick here.
TICKETS:
This is a free tour but you must sign up here. Click on CLICK HERE TO BOOK THIS TOUR below and follow the directions. You will not be charged for the tour but your name will be added to the list of participants.
Book this tour beginning September 5, 2023
Tour guides will receive a list of customers who have registered by October 28, 2023.
Customers who register online for a tour after that date must show the guide a hard copy or phone display of the email receipt. The receipt may go to your spam folder.
Unsold tickets will be available during the festival and can be purchased on this website.
This map can be used to search for the best route to your tour from your current location. Drive time from Hutchins Street Square in Lodi, California to this tour is approximately 30 minutes.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Meet your guide at the Blue Heron Trails parking lot at 3:45 p.m. You will pass through an electronic gate to enter the parking area. Be sure to stay on the trails.
QUESTIONS REGARDING REGISTRATION: Contact the Registration Coordinator at tours@lodisandhillcrane.org or leave a message at (800) 581-6150. Notify the Registration Coordinator in advance if special accommodations are needed. Expect a response from the Coordinator within the week.
TOURS TAKE PLACE RAIN OR SHINE.
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds (minus a 3% processing fee) are available prior to a tour upon the customer’s request at tours@lodisandhillcrane.org. A full refund is automatically issued for any events cancelled by the festival organizers.
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