Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

Updated April 15, 2024

17 Best Things to Do in Yuma, AZ (for 2025)

## Imperial National Wildlife Refuge (Yuma, Arizona): what to expect, what to do, and how to plan it well

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge protects 25,768 acres and 30 miles of habitat along the lower Colorado River near Yuma, Arizona. Fish and Wildlife Service
It exists largely because the river’s backwaters and marsh edges created by Imperial Dam (completed in 1938) became critical wetland habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife—an unusually productive ribbon of water in a stark desert system.

Location (as provided): 12812 Wildlife Way, Yuma, AZ 85365
Coordinates (as provided): 32.9982265, -114.4869061
Phone: (928) 783-3371 Fish and Wildlife Service

### Why this refuge feels different from “desert hiking” Arizona
This part of the lower Colorado River is described as a “green oasis” against surrounding desert mountains, with backwaters that provide key habitat.
It’s also noted (on Recreation.gov) as including the last un-channelized section of the river before it enters Mexico and more than 15,000 acres of federally designated wilderness.

## Know before you go: hours, fees, and the one thing that surprises first-timers

### Fees
There is no charge to visit. Fish and Wildlife Service

### Hours (important nuance)
– Lands, roads, and trails: daily, dawn–dusk Fish and Wildlife Service
– Headquarters office hours: Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Fri 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; closed federal holidays Fish and Wildlife Service
– Visitor Center hours:
– Nov 1–Mar 31: Fri–Sun 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (closed federal holidays) Fish and Wildlife Service
– Apr 1–Oct 31: weekends closed; for the rest of the year, the refuge asks visitors to call Monday–Friday before arriving to confirm staff/volunteer availability. Fish and Wildlife Service

### No overnight camping
Overnight camping is not permitted on the refuge. Fish and Wildlife Service

## Getting there from Yuma (the exact turns)
From Yuma (or Quartzsite), take Highway 95, turn west onto Martinez Lake Road between mile markers 46 and 47, continue about 10 miles, then turn north onto Red Cloud Mine Road and follow the brown signs about 3 miles to the refuge and visitor center. Fish and Wildlife Service

## What to do at Imperial NWR

### Start at the visitor contact station (even if you’re “just driving through”)
The refuge specifically positions the visitor contact station as the best starting point: you can watch a 10-minute orientation video, see live native fish on display, and pick up maps/brochures. Fish and Wildlife Service
If you only have 15 minutes, their own suggested plan is: browse exhibits, grab brochures, and check out the observation platform near the visitor center. Fish and Wildlife Service

### Two short hikes that punch above their mileage

#### Meers Point Trail (0.8 miles, moderate)
– Open: year-round
– Length: 0.8 miles
– Surface: gravel
– Access: from headquarters/visitor center or Meers Point Fish and Wildlife Service
This one-way trail connects the visitor center to Meers Point Recreation Area, with an observation platform at the trailhead and facilities at Meers Point including a comfort station, picnic tables, boat launch, and trash receptacle. Fish and Wildlife Service
The refuge notes possible wildlife sightings here including birds, coyotes, and mule deer. Fish and Wildlife Service

#### Painted Desert Trail (1.3 miles, moderate)
– Open: year-round
– Length: 1.3 miles
– Surface: gravel
– Trailhead access: about 3 miles north of headquarters via Red Cloud Mine Road Fish and Wildlife Service
The refuge describes panoramic views of the Colorado River valley and colorful volcanic-ash formations (they characterize them as ~30,000 years old on the Visit Us page). Fish and Wildlife Service
Outdated-data flag: a separate USFWS “tear booklet” describes volcanic colors as 20–30 million years old, which conflicts with the “30,000 year-old” wording on the main Visit Us page. I can’t reconcile that discrepancy from the sources here, so treat the age claim as uncertain and consider verifying with refuge staff or a geology reference before publishing it as a hard fact. Fish and Wildlife Service

## Wildlife watching and birding: when it’s best and why
USFWS notes that spring and fall offer the greatest variety of birds and the best birding opportunities at Imperial, and that the refuge is important as a wintering area for Canada geese and many species of ducks. Fish and Wildlife Service
That same refuge birding document states 275 species have been observed on the refuge. Fish and Wildlife Service
Outdated-data flag: the bird list is labeled 2010 and references taxonomy supplements through 2008; use it as a directional checklist, not a guarantee of current occurrences or nomenclature. Fish and Wildlife Service

USFWS also gives practical viewing advice:
– Dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife. Fish and Wildlife Service
– In warmer seasons, activity drops during hot afternoons and windy days. Fish and Wildlife Service
– Bring binoculars, sit quietly, and avoid feeding wildlife. Fish and Wildlife Service

## Safety, accessibility, and inclusive planning notes

### Heat is not a footnote here
USFWS explicitly notes summer temperatures can reach 120°F and average annual rainfall is about two inches. Fish and Wildlife Service
They recommend bringing plenty of drinking water, plus sunscreen and season-appropriate clothing. Fish and Wildlife Service

### Restrooms
Restrooms are available inside the headquarters/visitor center, plus comfort stations in the headquarters parking lot, Meers Point, and Painted Desert Trail. Fish and Wildlife Service

### Pets and service animals
USFWS states pets must be under your control at all times, and only service animals are allowed in the Visitor Center. Fish and Wildlife Service

### Wilderness access constraints
Travel in wilderness areas is by foot or horseback only. Fish and Wildlife Service
That matters for visitors who need mobility accommodations: the refuge still offers vehicle-based wildlife viewing and short, developed trail options, but wilderness travel has inherent access limits. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

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