Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

Explore the wetlands of the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge near Yuma, AZ. Hunt, fish, and boat in this oasis surrounded by the Sonoran Desert.

You might not expect to find an area that’s dedicated to protecting wetlands in the Sonoran Desert, but that’s exactly what you’ll discover at the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning 25,768 acres, the refuge protects 30 miles of wildlife habitat along the Lower Colorado River.

History & Nature

The wetlands were created after the completion of the Imperial Dam back in 1938, and the Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941. Backwaters formed behind the dam, and it became the perfect spot for birds and other wildlife to move in. The Colorado River is the boundary between Arizona and California, and this refuge is the last unchannelized section before it flows into Mexico.

Things To Do

Surrounded by desert mountains, the lush area of the refuge is an unexpected green oasis. You’ll want to admire this special place quietly: the main goal of the refuge is to ensure that nature always remains the primary influence on this place of serenity.

Watch wildlife from the Painted Desert Trail or Meers Point Trail, or at one of four observation points. Hunting is one of the priority recreational uses here, where you can find quail, fox, coyote, ducks, coots, geese, white winged dove, mourning dove, deer, desert bighorn sheep, and cottontail rabbit during the appropriate season. Fishing and boating are popular at Meers Point Recreation Area and Clear Lake, so bring a boat! And don’t forget your camera, with over 200 species of migrating birds found here each winter, this is an outstanding place to snap memorable pictures.

Hotels, Lodging & Camping

By its nature, the wildlife refuge is isolated, but Yuma is approximately 40 miles away. You’ll find plenty of comfortable hotels and motels to provide you with a just the right place to relax after a busy day outdoors.