From Highway 99, take the Highway 165 exit at Turlock. Tours at the Merced NWR and San Luis NWR are on all-weather gravel roads and feature informational kiosks and interpretive signs, viewing platforms, picnic tables and restrooms. It is 22 miles north of Stockton via Interstate 5 and the Twin Cities Road exit. Some walking trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. A Visitors Center on Franklin Boulevard is open weekends.
Admission is free.
The conservancy also offers periodic work days for folks who wish to lend a hand and special tours through protected parts of preserve. West of the county is the sprawling Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and its 1,000 miles of waterways. Access isn't so easy without a boat, but one of the best short tours is off Highway 12, west of the Mokelumne River bridge. Drive the levees for a good look at the Mokelumne and San Joaquin rivers and Jackson Slough. Picnic, buy lunch, fish or simply stretch out under a tree and discover the charm of Huckleberry Finn country.