Visiting the Cosumnes River Preserve
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go on the Preserve?
Visitor use at the Preserve is concentrated on two developed trails and the Visitor Center to limit disturbance to the habitats and wildlife species. There are regularly scheduled guided walks, paddles, and bird surveys that may visit other places on the Preserve as well. Please stay on the trails and obey all rules. And remember, no trespassing!
What are the Preserve's hours of operation?
Cosumnes River Walk & Lost Slough Wetlands Walk – sunrise to sunset year-round.
Boardwalk – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round.
Visitor Center – Staffed by volunteers WEEKENDS 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. September through June. Open in July and August from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. Open most weekdays - hours vary.
Paddling put-in location – sunrise to sunset year-round. The put in location is just off the upper parking lot past the Visitor Center.
Can I bring my pet to the Preserve?
Domestic pets and horses are not permitted on the Preserve.
What should I bring to the Preserve?
It is important to be prepared when you come to the Preserve. Be sure to bring with you plenty of drinking water, insect repellent, binoculars, sunscreen, and a trash bag to haul out your own trash.
Can I take home a leaf or feather that I found along the trail?
Collecting is not allowed on the Preserve. Please leave rocks, feathers, plants, animals as you found them so that others may enjoy them as well. If you want to take home a souvenir, Cosumnes River Preserve t-shirts and note cards are available for purchase at the Visitor Center during normal open hours.
Can I hunt or fish on the Preserve?
Hunting, fishing, and camping are not allowed at the Preserve. It is legal to fish or hunt from a boat in the river, a state navigable waterway, but not from the land. You must have the proper licenses and may only hunt or fish during the proper seasons.
Where are the trash cans?
The Preserve's rule is to pack out everything that you packed in, and please DO NOT LITTER.
Where are the rest rooms?
There are flush toilets located at the Visitor Center, available only during the Visitor Center's open hours. There are additional rest rooms located in the parking lot just south of the Visitor Center as well as at the parking lot located next to the Lost Slough Wetlands Boardwalk entrance.
Can I smoke at the Preserve?
Smoking and fires are not allowed on the Preserve.
Can I bicycle on the Preserve?
Bicycles are not allowed on the Preserve's trails, but can be locked up at the Visitor Center, or ridden on Franklin Blvd., a county road.
Can I bring my school class to the Preserve?
The Preserve hosts many self-led field trips each year. Learn more about field trips here.
Can I bring my boat to the Preserve?
The Preserve has a put-in location for canoes, kayaks, & non-motorized boats ONLY. Learn more about paddling here.
Cosumnes River Preserve * 13501 Franklin Blvd. Galt CA 95632
(916) 684-2816
info@cosumnes.org