Wulfert Keys Trail, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Along Wildlife Drive in Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the Wulfert Keys Trail is a short walk along a canal to the edge of Hardworking Bay.

The bay is named for the difficult work of the fisherman there who set their traps by hand in this bay off San Carlos Bay for crabbing.

Hardworking Bay

Across this expanse of water is mangrove-edged Pine Island, offshore from Cape Coral.

One of the northernmost places where an American crocodile has been sighted, it’s an interesting spot for wildlife watching, birding, and fishing.

Bench overlooking a bay — The end of the Wulfurt Keys Trail

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

South Florida Explorers Guide book cover

Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

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Overview

Location: Sanibel Island
Length: 0.5 mile round-trip
Trailhead: 26.474729, -82.148979
Fees: $10 per vehicle, $1 per hiker or cyclist. Access to the Visitor Center is free.
Restroom: At the Visitor Center
Land manager: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Phone: 239-472-1100

Visitor Center open 9-4, closed Fridays and Federal holidays. Wildlife Drive is open 7-5, closed on Fridays.

Leashed dogs and bicycles are permitted.

Directions

Cross the causeway to Sanibel Island (toll) and, at the T intersection, turn right on Periwinkle Rd. Turn right on Periwinkle Rd and follow the “Captiva” signs through Sanibel to Sanibel-Captiva Rd. Drive 5.1 miles to the park entrance on the right. Follow Wildlife Drive through the refuge. The Wulfert Keys trailhead is on the right where the power lines cross.

Hike

Our description is of the trail as it was before Hurricane Ian

Cross the bridge over a mangrove-lined canal, following the broad service road over a wooden bridge.

Snowy egrets are everywhere: skimming low over the canal, flying high over the trees. A belted kingfisher swoops low over the tannic water.

The trail follows a dike to the bay

You hear a plop as a large reptile drops into the water, perhaps the resident crocodile sometimes seen along this trail, or simply a large alligator.

After a quarter mile, the trail ends at the water with a sweeping view of the Wulfert Keys.

The Wulfurt Keys

These islands serve as rookeries for herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills in the spring.

Look closely at the prop roots of the red mangroves nearest the sound. They’re covered in clinging oysters.

Mangroves along the canal

Despite the seeming challenge, snowy egrets have no problem navigating their flights in and out of the labyrinth of mangrove limbs.

After enjoying the view, turn around and return to the parking area, completing the 0.5 mile walk.

Return trip

Trail Map

Explore More!

Learn more about Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Preserving more than half of Sanibel Island for the sake of its bird life, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of the top places in the United States to view rare bird species.

Nearby Adventures

Indigo Trail Get to know mangroves for miles and miles on the linear Indigo Trail, open to hikers and cyclists as a parallel route on a levee that connects to Wildlife Drive near both ends.

Cross Dike Trail Connecting Wildlife Drive and the Indigo Trail, the Cross Dike Trail at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is an easy paved walk between two impoundments.

Red Mangrove Overlook The shortest walk at the refuge, the Red Mangrove Overlook along Wildlife Drive provides a fine perspective for birding and for seeing mangrove crabs up close.

Calusa Shell Mound Trail Near the end of Wildlife Drive, this accessible boardwalk loops a site revealing the ancient Calusa culture that once flourished on Sanibel Island.

Trail Map (PDF) Volunteer! Official Website