Great Valley Grasslands State Park

Great Valley Grasslands State Park is a nature reserve in Merced County featuring native grasslands, seasonal pools, and wetlands along the San Joaquin River. The park supports many bird and plant species adapted to these water and grassland habitats.

The reserve was created in 1982 by merging two earlier state recreation areas to protect the region's native grasslands. This combination established a larger protected space for the ecosystems that naturally occur here.

Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts come here to observe migratory birds and rare species that depend on these wetlands and grasslands. The open landscape gives visitors a sense of the natural environment that once covered much of California's interior.

A loop trail of about 6 miles on levee roads allows visitors to explore the park, accessible via Highway 165. The best times to visit are spring and fall when bird migration is active and water levels are higher.

The area is recognized as an international Ramsar Wetland, highlighting how crucial these often-overlooked habitats are for migratory birds. Many visitors are surprised that the wide, seemingly empty landscape is one of North America's most productive ecosystems.