Hours, Prices & Directions
The trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. The Nature Center building hours are subject to change due to COVID-19 related health mandates.
Our traditional hours of operations for the Nature Center building with exhibits, information, live animals, and the book and gift stores are listed below
February through October
Open Tuesday through Sunday: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November through January
Open Tuesday through Sunday: from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
But open on Mondays that are public holidays, except Labor Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Labor Day, Monday September 5th, the Nature Center museum and discovery store will be open from 9am-12pm
Hours of operation could change, especially in stormy weather. Call to confirm hours of operation for the day (916) 876-4918.
Note: If you are planning a visit for an organized group, please review these guidelines. Space in the Nature Center and on the trails is limited so please arrange your visit in advance by calling us at 916-876-4918.
Admission
We do not charge an admission fee, but there is a recommended donation for visiting the center. As we are a non-profit, this helps us pay for care for our resident animals, maintenance of the trails and grounds, and the cost of our public weekend programs. The recommended donation amounts are:
- $2 per adult
- $1 per child
We appreciate your kindness!
Finding Our Location
The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is located inside the Ancil Hoffman County Park:
2850 San Lorenzo Way (off Tarshes Drive)
Carmichael CA 95608
The San Lorenzo entrance to Ancil Hoffman Park is permanently locked and the only way to enter the Effie Yeaw Nature Center by car is from Tarshes Drive and California Avenue. Check the map downloadable map or view to the right
Warning: Internet mapping software often gives inaccurate directions through San Lorenzo Way
Parking Instructions
Because the Nature Center is located inside Ancil Hoffman County Park, there is a $6 per car parking fee (free parking for ARNHA members).
Note: ARNHA members park for free! Consider becoming a member to receive free parking and other benefits, including supporting the Nature Center!
Highway Directions
From Auburn
- Take I-80 west
- Take Madison Avenue, east exit (left at end of ramp)
- Turn right on Manzanita Avenue Manzanita Ave. turns into Fair Oaks Blvd. Stay on Fair Oaks
- Turn left on Palm Drive
- Turn right on California Ave
- Turn left on Tarshes Drive (entrance to Ancil Hoffman Park)
- Go past kiosk, continue on Tarshes Drive to stop sign
- Turn left at stop sign (San Lorenzo Way) and continue to Nature Center
From Davis or Downtown Sacramento
- Take I-80 east towards Sacramento
- Take Highway 50 east
- Take Watt Avenue North Exit
- Turn right on Fair Oaks Blvd.
- Turn right on Van Alstine Ave.
- Turn left on California Ave.
- Turn right on Tarshes Drive (entrance to Ancil Hoffman Park)
- Go past kiosk, continue on Tarshes Drive to stop sign
- Turn left at stop sign (San Lorenzo Way) and continue to Nature Center
From Elk Grove
- Take Highway 99 north
- Take Highway 50 east
- Take Watt Avenue North Exit
- Turn right on Fair Oaks Blvd.
- Turn right on Van Alstine Ave.
- Turn left on California Ave.
- Turn right on Tarshes Drive (entrance to Ancil Hoffman Park)
- Go past kiosk, continue on Tarshes Drive to stop sign
- Turn left at stop sign (San Lorenzo Way) and continue to Nature Center
From Placerville
- Take Highway 50 west
- Take Sunrise Ave. North exit
- Turn left on Fair Oaks Blvd.
- Turn left on California Avenue
- Turn left on Tarshes Drive (entrance to Ancil Hoffman Park)
- Go past kiosk, continue on Tarshes Drive to stop sign
- Turn left at stop sign (San Lorenzo Way) and continue to Nature Center
Parking Instructions
The Nature Center is located inside Ancil Hoffman Park
2850 San Lorenzo Way (off Tarshes Drive)
Carmichael CA 95608
$6 per car parking fee - Free for Nature Center members.
