1 / 3Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary
đ Silverado, CA
Peaceful 12-acre sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon offering free entry, nature trails, creek access, bird observation, picnic areas, and a hands-on discovery center. Open weekends; parking is sparse on busy days.
This is one of my favorite places to get away from the rat race. It's a beautiful drive into Modjeska Canyon and the bird sanctuary is at the very end of the road with limited parking. The sanctuary is well kept and there's a variety of bird species that come through here. There's even a little museum across from the sanctuary. But the main attraction for me is the canyon behind the museum. If you go up the Harding Truck trail about 1 mile, you will see a road drop down into a valley. Go down to the streambed, turn right, and follow the hiking trails past the Sycamore trees that guard the canyon. If you hike far enough, there are swimming holes with tree swings and waterfalls. Plenty of flora and fauna, too.
đ Family Action Verdict
Best for families with school-age children who enjoy quiet wildlife observation, hands-on science exhibits, and short nature walks. The discovery center activities and bird species variety reward patient explorers.
âšī¸ What to Know Before You Go
đŦ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews â369 Google reviews
Iam Eternity
4 years ago
âThis is one of my favorite places to get away from the rat race. It's a beautiful drive into Modjeska Canyon and the bird sanctuary is at the very end of the road with limited parking. The sanctuary is well kept and there's a variety of bird species that come through here. There's even a little museum across from the sanctuary. But the main attraction for me is the canyon behind the museum. If you go up the Harding Truck trail about 1 mile, you will see a road drop down into a valley. Go down to the streambed, turn right, and follow the hiking trails past the Sycamore trees that guard the canyon. If you hike far enough, there are swimming holes with tree swings and waterfalls. Plenty of flora and fauna, too.â
ken nelson
6 years ago
âThis is a special gem that is easy to get to and to get around. I enjoy visiting for photography. Access is easy and a few show strolls around the sanctuary yield good results. It can be busy with hard parking on busy weekends. Smile and walk a bit, it will be ok! Make sure to leave a small donation at the gate, it helps.â
Jessica Watson (Psychomelon)
2 years ago
âSo pretty. Loved our time here. Free. Donations can be made in the gift shop. If you have kids the is a lot to do in the gift shop it's like a discovery center also. There is creek access, birds to see, beautiful trees. Pack out and pack in. It's a zero waste facility.â
cheng dalila
2 years ago
âNot too big but so much fun! Especially for kiddos! There is a small but super good arranged science center, a lot things to explore and learn for kids . Trails are good too.â
Reviews from Google
Overview
Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary sits at the end of Modjeska Canyon Road, spanning 12 acres with a natural history museum, interactive discovery center, bird observation deck, and creek access. Weekend-only opening times keep the experience intimate. Trails behind the museum lead to swimming holes and waterfalls for older children and adults. The facility is zero-waste â pack everything out. A small donation box in the gift shop supports operations.
