the yolo bypass wildlife area
acres
migratory birds
species of birds
visitors
Please note: The east section of the auto tour loop out of Parking Lot A to the second bridge is currently closed until repairs can be made to the road.
about the Yolo bypass wildlife area
Covering 25 square miles and home to over 200 species of birds, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is located alongside one of America’s busiest throughways, I-80, and next to a bustling metropolitan area, Sacramento.
The 16,000-acre Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) is one of the largest public/private restoration projects with 6,000-acres of land in the Yolo Bypass floodway restored to wetlands and other associated habitats, and more restoration in the works.
The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Closed Christmas day or when flooded.
History
The California Department of Fish & Wildlife intensively manages the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area to promote an increase in waterfowl and other bird populations. CDFW maintains and repairs public facilities and access routes, enforces wildlife protection laws and regulations, controls invasive plant growth, and facilitates the flow of water through the YBWA.
President Bill Clinton dedicated this remarkable area in November 1997, and hailed the project as a national model for meeting the challenge of “trying to improve our economy and lift our standard of living while improving, not diminishing, our environment.” He also acknowledged the extraordinary collaboration and effort that have enabled our mosaic of seasonal and year round ponds, grasslands, and riparian forest to thrive.
The establishment of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area and the work of the Yolo Basin Foundation have been widely regarded as a model for planning and completion of other wetland projects in the Yolo Bypass. The Bypass is a key component of the habitat restoration planned as part of the Cal/Fed Bay Delta Accord process now underway, and is a vital element of the Central Valley Habitat Joint Venture’s habitat restoration goals. The Foundation is an important local player in implementing these many plans.
Functions of the Yolo Bypass
The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is managed for many uses and provides a wide variety of benefits. The functions are:
Flood Control
Wildlife Habitat
Farming
Education
Recreation
seasonal activities
Explore the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area all four seasons!
Caravan with our expert guides, making several stops along the way to get a closer look at the many species of birds and other wildlife that utilize the more than 400 acres of reconstructed wetlands.
Tour the YBWA with an experienced field trip guide the third Sunday of the month from October through June. Look for migrating and resident waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, otters, beavers, and more!
Hunting
Hunting is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, not Yolo Basin Foundation. However, we share information about recreational hunting to keep everybody safe and promote proper use of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Click here for more information about why we share information about hunting.
The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area has restricted hunter access during waterfowl and pheasant hunting seasons. Adult hunters are required to purchase a Type A hunting pass in advance in order to exchange for an entry permit.
The following game may be seasonally pursued at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area:
For more information on hunting in the YBWA click here.
If you have questions, please call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife YBWA Headquarters at (530) 757-2461.
Caravan with our expert guides, making several stops along the way to get a closer look at the many species of birds and other wildlife that utilize the more than 400 acres of reconstructed wetlands.
Tour the YBWA with an experienced field trip guide the third Sunday of the month from October through June. Look for migrating and resident waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, otters, beavers, and more!
Caravan with our expert guides, making several stops along the way to get a closer look at the many species of birds and other wildlife that utilize the more than 400 acres of reconstructed wetlands.
Following a presentation on bat natural history, the group will carpool out to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area to watch the flyout of the largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats in California.
Caravan with our expert guides, making several stops along the way to get a closer look at the many species of birds and other wildlife that utilize the more than 400 acres of reconstructed wetlands.
Tour the YBWA with an experienced field trip guide the third Sunday of the month from October through June. Look for migrating and resident waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, otters, beavers, and more!
Hunting
Hunting is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, not Yolo Basin Foundation. However, we share information about recreational hunting to keep everybody safe and promote proper use of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Click here for more information about why we share information about hunting.
The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area has restricted hunter access during waterfowl and pheasant hunting seasons. Adult hunters are required to purchase a Type A hunting pass in advance in order to exchange for an entry permit.
The following game may be seasonally pursued at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area:
For more information on hunting in the YBWA click here.
If you have questions, please call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife YBWA Headquarters at (530) 757-2461.
Visitor information
The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is open to the public everyday of the week from sunrise to sunset except on December 25 and during periods of flooding.
- Permits and fees for daily public use are not required.
- Sunrise/Sunset times are posted on the front gate as well as in Parking Lot A.
Waterfowl, pheasant, and dove are hunted in the Wildlife Area during their respective seasons. Hunting and fishing regulations are posted on the California Department of Fish & Wildlife website. Please contact the CDFW for further information on open seasons and regulations.
California Department of Fish & Wildlife
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters
45211 County Rd 32B (Chiles Rd)
Davis, CA 95618
(530) 757-2461
Hours
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
If you have encountered sick or injured wildlife, please review this document to identify the proper reporting procedures.
- No horses allowed
- No dogs allowed
- No bicycles allowed
- No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)(opens in new tab)
- No camping allowed
- Vehicles must stay on the gravel tour route or parking lot areas.
Where to Find the YBWA
45211 County Road 32B (Chiles Road)
The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is approximately two miles east of the Headquarters office.
From Davis take I-80 East and exit at Mace Blvd. Turn left at the end of the off-ramp (Chiles Road). Go straight through the next light and travel approximately 4 miles to the end of the road. Drive up on to the levee, turn left at the top, and enter the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area.
From Sacramento take I-80 West. At the west end of the Yolo Causeway bridge take the first exit (County Road 32A, East Chiles Road). Turn right at the end of the off-ramp and go under the freeway. Turn left onto the levee and enter the Wildlife Area on the left.
Our Programs
The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is the site of the Discover the Flyway program for schools implemented by the Yolo Basin Foundation and in partnership with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. More than 4,000 students, teachers and parents visit the area annually to learn about the importance and beauty of this local wetland and its significance for their lives.
Free guided tours of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area are available the third Sunday of each month from October to June.
History of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
Yolo Basin Foundation was founded in 1990 as a community based organization to assist in the establishment of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. We have a unique partnership with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife that makes the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area accessible to thousands of people each year.
View our interactive Story Map below to learn about how the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area was formed through grassroots efforts!