I Got You, Bird

Visiting Sonny Bono NWR and Slab City on the Salton Sea

The Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge doesn’t get many human visitors, but more than 30,000 birds make it a point to visit this hidden gem every year. It consists of 2,200 acres of wetland, farm fields, and desert across two separate units on the Salton Sea’s sparsely populated south shore. Bring your binoculars and go bird-ID crazy on the 2-mile Rock Hill Trail, which starts next to the informative visitor center. You might see a covey of quail and some burrowing owls right off the bat.

Continue as the trail heads north toward the sea. You’ll spot geothermal factories behind you, and ahead of you, a giant hill that is actually an inactive volcano. On your right, look for ducks, coots, American avocets, and perhaps even yellow-footed gulls, which make this their sole US migratory stop. Listen for the low, varied “keks” of the Yuma clapper rail, an endangered marsh bird that hides and nests among the cattails. The volcano-top spot provides an excellent vantage point (and a helpful bench after the climb!) of the Salton Sea and Sonny’s refuge, and barren desert stretching 40 miles south to the Mexican border.

When you’re ready, head back the way you came and give some last looks to the many waterfowl crowding the water—it truly is a refuge, a peaceful sanctuary that Sonny Bono fought hard to preserve.

BONUS WEIRDNESS: Just northeast of the refuge is Slab City, an art community named after abandoned WWII concrete that is often described as a decommissioned place of anarchy. Its landmark is Salvation Mountain, a painted hillside created by Leonard Knight in 1984. Then there’s East Jesus, an open-air sculpture museum that features some of the most unique and detailed installations you will ever see—all made from recycled material. Kind locals give free tours daily.

From the north, take the I-10 east to CA-86 south to CA-111 south. Continue 48 miles. Then exit west on Estelle/Sinclair Rd. and drive 5.6 miles to the refuge. From the south, take I-8 to Exit 111 and drive 30 miles north on Forrester Rd. to the refuge. Slab City is 14 miles northeast: Exit Niland Ave. from CA-111 and head east, following signs for Salvation Mountain and East Jesus. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View