Trail Conditions

Updated:11/27/2023

Parking Areas: OPEN

Restrooms: Upper parking lot (Open)/Boardwalk parking lot (Open)

REMINDER: Pets are not allowed at the Preserve.

River Walk Trail: OPEN!

Wetlands Walk Trail:  OPEN!

Boardwalk Trail: OPEN!

Please keep in mind that the bridges going over Willow Slough can become very slippery when wet or icy. Please walk slowly and with caution.

Sandhill Cranes and Other Migratory Birds

The Sandhill Cranes are currently at the Preserve.

Sandhill cranes begin to arrive in late September/early October.

You’ll likely start seeing them in the wetlands near the trails in mid-October.

The height of the Sandhill crane season is December. During the month of February and early March cranes will likely be leaving in groups. By mid-March they are generally gone.

To view a map of common places to view cranes at Cosumnes River Preserve, click here.

The ponds in the wetlands are flooded on a rotational basis to meet the needs of migrating waterfowl. To learn more about flooding and managed wetlands, click here.

Road Updates

Franklin Boulevard:

  • Franklin Blvd is OPEN if you are accessing the Preserve through Thornton
  • A section of Franklin Blvd is CLOSED until 2024 please follow the detour signs to access the Preserve if you are using Twin Cities.

Desmond Road:

  • OPEN

Bruceville Road:

  • OPEN