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Los Banos Wildlife Area
4.4 ★★★★☆ 116 Google reviews · Running trail in Los Banos, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Los Banos Wildlife Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Birding, fishing & hunting are popular at this expansive wetland area & migratory bird habitat.
What runners say about Los Banos Wildlife Area
Went for a Afternoon drive with my 2 grandchildren ages 8 & 5 and always wanted to check out the wildlife refuge. Pulled into parking lot and it was empty, there’s a hut where you sign in and fill out a card with your card info & your name.
Heard about this place from a YouTube video. Decided to try it out Sunday Feb 16th. Hit up the first lake on the trail, think it’s called Upper Ruth Lake. Caught 3 bass from the bank a couple solid 2 1/2 lb’ers and a stud of a fish, my new PB 6lbs13oz. Great place to fish.
Great place for a walk or drive. Beautiful in fall or early spring and AMAZING wildlife!!
Extensive wildlife refuge with several miles of hiking trails and a lengthy auto trail. Like all wetlands it has a plethora of Red Wing Blackbirds; we also saw a number of Great Blue Herons ( and got photos of several) three versions of egrets, several kites, and various flycatchers.
Trail conditions & character
“Pulled into parking lot and it was empty, there’s a hut where you sign in and fill out a card with your card info & your name.”
Plan your run at Los Banos Wildlife Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewildlife.ca.gov
- Phone+1 209-826-0463
Running trails near Los Banos
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Persimmon Park
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Park with a playground, picnic tables and a baseball diamond, plus plenty of open space.
Los Banos Wildlife Area Birding Trail
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Oliveira Park
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Relaxed, clean park offering a basketball court and a playground, plus picnic tables and restrooms.
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge - Main Unit
4.5 ★★★★★ 525 reviews
Extensive protected wetlands & grasslands with a wealth of native plant and animal species.
Wetland Nature Trail
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