Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

The Imperial National Wildlife Refuge contains more than 26,000 acres of federally designated wilderness and protects wildlife habitat along 30 miles of the lower Colorado River in Arizona and California, including the last unchannelized section before the river enters Mexico.

The Colorado River and associated backwater lakes and wetlands of Imperial National Wildlife Refuge are a green oasis, contrasting with the surrounding desert mountains. This land has been set aside to ensure that nature, not people is the primary influence on this quiet, scenic place.

Activities:

In addition to the Visitor Center, Imperial National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities to hike, fish, hunt, and watch wildlife.

In the desert, wildlife such as black-tailed jackrabbits and western whiptail lizards are plentiful. Watch at dawn and dusk for desert bighorn sheep and mule deer heading to the river for a drink.

Ducks, geese, shorebirds, and other waterbirds flock to the lower Colorado River each year to spend the winter. Cinnamon teal and Northern pintail are just a few of the species you will see at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.

Contact: 

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 72217
Yuma, Arizona 85365
Phone: 928/783-3371
Fax: 928/783-0652