Swans in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area with the Sacramento city skyline in the background. Photo courtesy of Dave Feliz.
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Yolo Causeway Bat Viewing

4.5
·109 reviews·Davis, United States

Witness thousands of bats emerge from under the Yolo Causeway at dusk – a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Bats emerge at dusk

CrowdHigh
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Swans in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area with the Sacramento city skyline in the background. Photo courtesy of Dave Feliz.

Yolo Causeway Bat Viewing

Best Time

Summer evenings

Bats emerge at dusk

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness thousands of bats emerge from under the Yolo Causeway at dusk – a breathtaking natural spectacle.

4.5
(109 reviews)

"Going to see the bats and the sunset is one of the best free activities in the Sacramento/Davis area."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Bats

Prime spots fill fast! Aim to arrive by 7:50 pm for an 8:15-8:25 pm bat emergence.

🚗 Drive Slow on Auto Loop

Watch for potholes and bumpy roads to protect your vehicle.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat Emergence

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat Emergence

Under the Yolo Causeway

Witness thousands of bats take flight at dusk in a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Wildlife Auto Loop

Wildlife Auto Loop

Drive through diverse wetland habitats and spot a variety of birds, amphibians, and reptiles.

Birdwatching Paradise

Birdwatching Paradise

An all-year-round haven for birders, with a remarkable variety of species, including White-Faced Ibis.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Bat Viewing

The Yolo Causeway bat viewing is a seasonal spectacle, primarily occurring in the summer months. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as prime viewing spots fill up quickly. Dusk is the magic hour, so plan to be there before sunset to witness the 'batnadoes' emerge.

Respect the Wildlife and Your Vehicle

While the auto loop allows you to stay in your car, be mindful of potential potholes and bumpy roads. Wildlife viewing requires patience; drive slowly and be aware of your surroundings. Some areas are restricted, so stick to marked trails or the auto tour route.

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Bats emerge at dusk
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for birding
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Location⤵️ 📍Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area 45211 Co Rd 32B, Davis, California (Approximately 10 miles west of Sacramento) ⚡️ Admission: Free Parking: Free Time to watch: June - September at sunset ⚡️ Interesting Fact: Nearly 250,000 bats are back and living underneath the Yolo Causeway for the summer.  #yolobypass #yolobypasswildlifearea #californiabats #bats #wildlife #californiawildlife #sacramento ...
@california_vlog
70 likes • 2.1K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Bats

Prime spots fill fast! Aim to arrive by 7:50 pm for an 8:15-8:25 pm bat emergence. Reddit

🚗 Drive Slow on Auto Loop

Watch for potholes and bumpy roads to protect your vehicle. Reddit

Yolo Bypass, Vic Fazio Wildlife Refuge, Davis CA, 12/7/24 If you want to see a LOT of birds, this is a pretty good place to be. Located just under 2 hours from my home in San Francisco, and en route to lots of other Sacramento area hotspots. Yolo Bypass is an auto loop, winding through miles of ponds and marshland. In December, the area is LOADED with thousands of ducks and geese, plus tons of ...
@jt_birds
61 likes • 955 views
The NorCal summer activity I didn’t know I needed 🦇 https://yolobasin.org/battalkandtour/ #northerncalifornia #davis #yolobypasswildlifearea #yolobasinfoundation #sacramento #yolocounty #bats #beaver #norcal #wildlife
@kenna.benena
34 likes • 691 views

🔭 Patience for Wildlife

The more patient you are, the more amazing wildlife you'll see. Reddit

🌅 Sunset & Bat Combo

Combine bat viewing with a beautiful sunset for a memorable free activity. Reddit

Is this the most underrated summer experience in Northern California? 🦇 Every night from late spring through summer, the Yolo Causeway becomes home to one of the most jaw-dropping wildlife spectacles in the region. Around 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats take flight at sunset, streaming out from under the bridge in a massive, swirling cloud. Most people drive over it without realizing what’s hap...
@mydaviscalifornia
27.6K likes • 137.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Bats

Prime spots fill fast! Aim to arrive by 7:50 pm for an 8:15-8:25 pm bat emergence. Reddit

🚗 Drive Slow on Auto Loop

Watch for potholes and bumpy roads to protect your vehicle. Reddit

🔭 Patience for Wildlife

The more patient you are, the more amazing wildlife you'll see. Reddit

🌅 Sunset & Bat Combo

Combine bat viewing with a beautiful sunset for a memorable free activity. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(109 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Yolo Causeway bat viewing as an amazing and spectacular free activity, especially during summer evenings. The sheer volume of bats emerging is a highlight, offering a unique natural spectacle. While the wildlife auto loop is appreciated for birdwatching and general nature observation, some note that arriving early is essential due to crowds and limited parking.

"Easily one of my favorite places to visit for photographing wildlife. It's an auto loop so you don't need to get out of your vehicle. It's where I see the most White-Faced Ibis. I recommend birding out there."

Douglas Wynn

"The bat tour was amazing! Our tour guide was fascinating to listen to. Highly recommend for all ages."

Sasha S

"Going to see the bats and the sunset is one of the best free activities in the Sacramento/Davis area.

Update: the bat colony is more popular now! We arrived too late on 7/16 (8:30 pm) and had just missed the bats. We also noticed that all the parking near the prime viewing area under the causeway was taken, so we returned 7/17 at 7:50 pm and saw the bats emerge at 8:15-8:25 pm. It was really spectacular. Go bats!"

WRL

What People Like

Spectacular bat emergence
Amazing free activity
Great for wildlife viewing

What People Dislike

Crowded parking
Bumpy roads

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Yolo Causeway bat viewing is located in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, accessible via a frontage road near the causeway. Many visitors use GPS coordinates or follow signs for the wildlife area. Parking near the prime viewing area under the causeway is limited and fills up quickly. Reddit

Public transportation options are limited for reaching the Yolo Causeway bat viewing. It's best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have your own vehicle, but confirm drop-off and pick-up points in advance. Reddit

The best spots to park for a good view of the bat emergence are typically by the entrance to the viewing area under the Yolo Causeway. Arrive early, as these spots are highly sought after. Reddit

Yes, there are marked trails available for walking within the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. However, for the primary bat viewing experience, the auto loop and designated viewing areas under the causeway are most popular. Reddit

The auto loop is generally accessible for vehicles, and some viewing areas may offer accessible parking. It's advisable to check with the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area directly for specific accessibility details regarding trails and viewing platforms. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to see the Yolo Causeway bats. It's a free natural spectacle. However, arriving early is crucial as parking and prime viewing spots are limited. Reddit

The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is generally open year-round during daylight hours for wildlife viewing. The bat emergence is a natural phenomenon that occurs at dusk during specific seasons. Reddit

There is typically no entrance fee for the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, making it a fantastic free activity for nature lovers and photographers. Reddit

The bats are most active and visible during the summer months. While they might be present at other times, summer is when the large colony emerges reliably at dusk. Reddit

You can visit the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area at any time during its operating hours. However, to witness the bat emergence, you must be present at dusk during the summer season. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

For bat photography, use a tripod and a camera with good low-light performance. Experiment with high ISO settings and a wide aperture (low f-number) to capture the bats against the twilight sky. A fast shutter speed is essential to freeze their motion. Reddit

It's generally discouraged to use flash photography for wildlife, including bats, as it can disturb them. Focus on using natural light and a tripod for sharper images. Reddit

A telephoto lens is recommended to capture details of the bats as they emerge. However, a versatile zoom lens can also be useful for capturing the broader scene of the 'batnado' against the sunset. Reddit

The area under the Yolo Causeway offers a direct view of the bat emergence. Photographers often position themselves along the frontage road or designated viewing areas to get the best vantage point. Reddit

The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a haven for birdwatchers and photographers. You can photograph various bird species like White-Faced Ibis, waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors, as well as amphibians and reptiles. Reddit

ℹ️ ❓ General Information

The Yolo Causeway bat viewing is a spectacular natural event where thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the causeway at dusk. It's often described as a 'batnado' and is a popular free activity. Reddit

Bring a comfortable chair or blanket if you plan to sit, snacks, water, and insect repellent. A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing the spectacle. Reddit

Restroom facilities may be limited or seasonal. It's advisable to check the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area's official information or plan accordingly before your visit. Reddit

Yes, it is generally safe. However, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when driving the auto loop slowly and watching for wildlife. Stick to designated areas and follow any posted guidelines. Reddit

Pet policies can vary. It's best to check the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area regulations regarding pets, as they may need to be leashed or are not allowed in certain areas to protect wildlife. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Yolo Causeway bat viewing is a fantastic and educational outing for families. The sheer spectacle of thousands of bats emerging at dusk is captivating for children of all ages. It's a memorable, free activity that sparks curiosity about nature and wildlife. Reddit

Tips for families: Arrive early to secure a good spot and allow kids to get comfortable before the main event. Bring snacks and drinks, as facilities can be limited. Consider bringing binoculars for closer views of the bats and other wildlife in the surrounding wetlands. The auto loop is also a fun way for kids to see birds and other animals from the safety of the car. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Yolo Causeway offers incredible opportunities for wildlife and nature photography. The bat emergence at dusk is a prime subject, creating dramatic 'batnado' shots against the twilight sky. Photographers often utilize telephoto lenses to capture the bats and experiment with low-light settings to achieve stunning results. Reddit

Beyond the bats, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a haven for bird photography. The wetlands are teeming with diverse bird species year-round, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors. The auto loop provides easy access for capturing wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior. Remember to use a tripod for sharper images in low light and be patient to capture those perfect moments. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

For those on a road trip or looking for a unique day trip from Sacramento or Davis, the Yolo Causeway bat viewing is an excellent, budget-friendly option. It offers a chance to witness a remarkable natural phenomenon without significant cost. Reddit

Tips for day-trippers: Combine your bat viewing with a daytime exploration of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area's auto loop for birdwatching or a scenic drive. Pack a picnic to enjoy before sunset. Ensure you have enough gas and check your vehicle's condition, as the auto loop can be bumpy. Plan your departure time to avoid peak traffic if possible.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spectacle of the Batnado

The highlight of any visit to the Yolo Causeway is the mesmerizing emergence of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats from beneath the Yolo Causeway. This phenomenon, often referred to as a 'batnado,' occurs primarily during the summer months as the bats leave their roost to forage for insects. Visitors gather at dusk, typically between 8:15 PM and 8:25 PM, to witness this incredible display of nature. The sheer volume of bats creating a swirling vortex in the sky is a breathtaking sight that has captivated many. Reddit

To ensure the best viewing experience, arriving early is crucial, especially on weekends. Prime parking spots near the causeway fill up quickly, and the earlier you arrive, the better your chances of securing a good vantage point. The experience is often enhanced by the accompanying sunset, making it a truly magical and memorable event. Many visitors describe it as one of the best free activities in the Sacramento/Davis area. Reddit

While the bat emergence is the main draw, remember that this is a natural habitat. It's important to be respectful of the wildlife and their environment. Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that could disturb the bats. The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a testament to the beauty of natural ecosystems, and observing the bats is a privilege that requires a mindful approach.

Exploring the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Beyond the famous bat viewing, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area offers a rich experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers year-round. The area features an auto loop, allowing visitors to drive through diverse wetland habitats while staying in their vehicles. This is an excellent opportunity for wildlife spotting, with a high chance of seeing various bird species, amphibians, and reptiles. Birdwatchers, in particular, rave about the variety of birds present throughout the year, including the abundant White-Faced Ibis. Reddit

For those who prefer to explore on foot, marked trails are available, offering different perspectives of the wetlands. It's recommended to drive slowly and cautiously on the auto loop, as the roads can be bumpy and may have potholes. Being patient and observant will reward you with sightings of the area's diverse fauna. The wildlife area is a crucial habitat, supporting a wide array of species and contributing to the region's biodiversity. Reddit

Whether you're interested in birding, photography, or simply enjoying a peaceful natural setting, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area provides ample opportunities. Remember to check for any specific guidelines or recommendations upon arrival, such as staying in your vehicle on the auto tour, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and wildlife.

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