Click on photo for more information.Pixley Vernal Pools Preserve — Tulare County’s National Natural Landmark
by Laurie Schwaller
Pixley Vernal Pools Preserve, the only designated National Natural Landmark in Tulare County, is only about four miles from Pixley. Vernal pools were once common in much of our county. They form in shallow depressions in impermeable (hardpan) clay soils after sufficient winter rains. Now vernal pools are rare here because farming deep-rips the hardpan, draining the water away from the surface. Preserved hardpan depressions like Pixley’s hold the water that yields colorful “fairy rings” of spring wildflowers at the pools’ margins, and the fascinating tiny fairy shrimp, self-burying spadefoots, and other creatures that thrive within them. Burrowing owls, ground squirrels, and raptors thrive here, too.
December 2025
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From Visalia, go west on Hwy 198 to go south on Hwy 99 toward Pixley.
Near Pixley, exit left (east) onto Avenue 120.
At the junction with Road 152, go right (south) and watch carefully for the tiny sign for Avenue 104.
Turn left (east) onto Avenue 104. Then turn left (north) onto the first paved road going north (this is Rd. 160, which may be unsigned).
Follow this road for about a quarter mile to a field of grass on your right, which is the preserve. Park on the wide dirt verge of Rd. 160.
Nearby Treasures: Pixley Park, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Allensworth Ecological Reserve, Alpaugh Park, Atwell Recreation Area.
Related (vernal pool) Treasures: Hogwallow Preserve, Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve
