Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is an approximately 1,300 acre coastal estuary. Habitats include open water, mudflats, salt marsh, coastal dunes, seabird nesting islands, riparian, and freshwater marsh. More than 200 avian species have been identified at Bolsa Chica and the reserve is very popular with birders and photographers.

Facilities

This property features two parking lots: one on the north side of the Reserve, another further south across from Bolsa Chica State Beach. Each parking lot connects to a 4-mile network of public hiking trails, including scenic overlooks and educational interpretive panels.

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Interpretive Center (operated by the Bolsa Chica Conservancy) features educational exhibits. It is located adjacent to the north parking lot on Warner Avenue. Public restrooms are also available adjacent to the Center.

Free docent-led tours of the Reserve are provided by three non-government organizations: Amigos de Bolsa Chica, Bolsa Chica Conservancy and Bolsa Chica Land Trust. Both the north and south parking lots feature a bulletin board which includes current tour information.

Accessibility

The Interpretive Center and adjacent restrooms are equipped with wheelchair-accessible ramps. Gravel and packed sand trails and wooden boardwalks over the waterways allow considerable wheelchair access.

Connectivity

There is reliable cellular phone service available on this property. There is no public Wi-Fi service available.

Learn more about Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and its history, wildlife and habitat.

History

The total area of this reserve has increased over time. In the 1970s, the State acquired 300 acres of the Bolsa Chica wetlands. The property was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1993. In 2005, funds from proposition 50 allowed for the purchase of 118 acres on the Bolsa Chica Mesa. Finally in late 2006, following a major restoration project that included the creation of a new marine basin, an additional 923 acres was added bringing the total acreage to approximately 1,341.

Learning About the Land

Tours

Docent-guided tours on the Reserve are available from Amigos de Bolsa Chica(opens in new tab), Bolsa Chica Conservancy(opens in new tab) and Bolsa Chica Land Trust(opens in new tab).

Species

• Nesting bird species: Ridgway’s rail (formally light-footed clapper rail); Western snowy plover, California least tern, Belding’s Savannah sparrow, white-tailed kite, black skimmer, elegant tern, Forster’s tern, Caspian tern, white-faced ibis, American avocet and black-necked stilt
• Other noteworthy birds: peregrine falcon, burrowing owl, California gnatcatcher, Northern Harrier, Cooper’s hawk, osprey, reddish egret, and tri-colored blackbird
• Land mammals: coyote, raccoon, striped skunk, cottontail rabbit, California ground squirrel, pocket gopher, brown marsh rat, deer mice, and bats
• Reptiles: California legless lizard, Southern Pacific rattlesnake, common king snake, San Diego gopher snake, two-striped garter snake, Southern alligator lizard, Western fence lizard and side-blotched lizard
• Marine life: over 60 species of marine fishes, marine invertebrates, and occasionally California sea lion and green sea turtle
• Plants: rushes, bulrushes, sedges, California sage, mule fat, and coyote bush
• Rare and endangered plants: California seablite, woolly seablite, coast woolly-heads and red sand verbena

Photos and Media

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Belted kingfisher with silverside smelt at Bolsa Chica. Photo by: Steven Eric Smith.

    

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Reddish egret at Bolsa Chica. Photo by: Steven Eric Smith.

    

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Ridgway’s rail with crab at Bolsa Chica. Photo by: Steven Eric Smith

    

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Osprey with jacksmelt at Bolsa Chica. Photo by: Steven Eric Smith.

    

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An interpretive panel at Bolsa Chica’s south parking lot facing the pedestrian bridge spanning Inner Bolsa Bay. Photo by: Kelly O’Reilly.

    

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Notice: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of CDFW-managed lands.

Refer to the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF)(opens in new tab) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

Hunting

There is no hunting permitted at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

Fishing

There is no fishing permitted at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

Rules and Visitor Use

Notice: Due to active oil and gas production by California Resources Corporation, a portion of the Reserve is closed to public access.

Be aware of the following rules while visiting Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve:

• No horses allowed
• No dogs allowed (service dogs excepted)
• No bikes allowed
• No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)(opens in new tab)

In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center at (714) 846-1114.