Cosumnes River Preserve Winter Sandhill Crane & Waterfowl Boardwalk Trails

About this adventure

Located just 25 minutes south of Sacramento in Galt, the Cosumnes River Preserve protects more than 50,000 acres of pristine Central Valley wetlands, vernal pools, and riparian forests. Winter is the preserve's most spectacular season, when tens of thousands of migratory waterfowl, tundra swans, and magnificent Sandhill Cranes—standing nearly five feet tall with six-foot wingspans—overwinter in the flooded fields. Families can embark on the universally accessible 1-mile River Walk and Lost Slough Boardwalk, which extends out over shallow marshlands allowing children to observe cranes feeding, preening, and performing their dramatic leaping courtship dances up close. The visitor center offers free loaner binoculars for kids, wildlife guides, and interpretive displays. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: The Lost Slough Boardwalk is flat, wide, and fully wheelchair/stroller accessible with wooden guardrails; packed gravel paths around the visitor center. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Benches positioned at scenic boardwalk viewing overlooks; covered picnic pavilion and modern restrooms at the Visitor Center. • Age Suitability: All ages; children are captivated by the sheer size, trumpeting calls, and numbers of cranes. • Sensory Tips: Natural acoustic spectacle of thousands of trumpeting cranes calling at dusk; bring a warm fleece jacket, binoculars, and a camera.