Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve

a gravel road running down a scrubby, gentle slope toward a seaside estuary

Overview

Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve is positioned upon a narrow, curving arm of California's Monterey Bay. The Reserve consists of over 1,700 acres of varied coastal habitats, from salt marsh to woodlands and grasslands, teaming with wildlife. Extensive nature trails and the Elkhorn Slough Visitor Center are popular with visitors of all ages.

  Wildlife Viewing

  Hiking Trails

  Nature Education

  Visitor Information

  Limited Cellular Service

  Enhanced Accessibility

CDFW Lands Viewer(opens in new tab)
Printable Map (PDF)(opens in new tab)

This property exists adjacent to Moss Landing Wildlife Area. Both properties are administered by the Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve.

Central Region (Region 4)

Monterey County

1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA 95076 (Approximately 15 miles south of Santa Cruz)

Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Directions: Travel on Highway 101 to Prunedale and take Exit 337 San Miguel Canyon Road. After a short distance, turn left onto Castroville Boulevard. In three miles, turn right onto Elkhorn Road. The entrance to the Reserve is 2.2 miles along Elkhorn Road on the left, marked as Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Ecological Reserve Contact: (831) 728-2822

Central Region Office: (559) 243-4005 ext. 151

More information is available from the Elkhorn Slough Foundation(opens in new tab).

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Notice: You may not operate a drone on any CDFW-managed land without a Special Use Permit (PDF)(opens in new tab).

Wildlife Branch - Lands Program
Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090