U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

August 2017

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

For More Information ContactRefuge ManagerKofa National Wildlife Refuge9300 East 28th StreetYuma, AZ 85365928/783-7861928/783-8611 FAXwww.fws.gov/refuge/kofa/Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Photographs from left to right,View from Slumgullion PassSonoran Pronghorn. / © John Kulberg

Skull Rock in Kofa Queen Canyon.Kofa Cabin.Desert Bighorn SheepAll Photographs unless noted / USFWS

As rain is infrequent, most animals have adapted to survive with little water. Many species, such as the desert tortoise, obtain needed moisture from plants and like many desert animals, have adaptations that help them to conserve water. Some animals, including kit foxes and kangaroo rats, remain in cool burrows during the day to prevent water loss.

Things to Do at the RefugeVisitors are welcome to explore Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Drive across McPherson Pass in the Castle Dome Mountains and enjoy expansive views of the desert landscape. Sit quietly at Horse Tanks and look for jackrabbits, Gambel’s quail and other wildlife. Hike up to Big Eye Cabin and view historic mining structures.

Please stop at the visitor center, located approximately 50 miles southwest of the refuge in Yuma, for brochures and information about seasonal interpretive programs. The staff and volunteers can also offer assistance in planning your trip to the refuge.

ExhibitsExhibits in the visitor center in Yuma feature the biological diversity and cultural history of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Outside the building, enjoy the pollinator garden and learn to identify native plants.

HikingPalm Canyon Trail is a half-mile National Recreation Trail located at the end of Palm Canyon Road. The rocky, steep trail leads to a viewpoint where California fan palms, the only native palm species in Arizona, can be observed.

While Palm Canyon Trail is the only designated trail on Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, visitors are welcome to hike anywhere on the refuge so long as hikers do not enter mines or any posted closed area. All vehicles must remain within 100 feet of designated roads.

Welcome to Kofa National Wildlife RefugeThe Kofa Mountains rise abruptly from the plains of the Sonoran Desert, reaching a height of 4,877 feet atop Signal Peak. Desert bighorn sheep skillfully navigate the rugged mountains while turkey vultures search for carrion as they soar overhead. Below in King Valley, endangered Sonoran pronghorn forage and venomous rattlesnakes bask in the sun.

The 666,641 acre refuge was established in 1939 for the conservation of desert bighorn sheep and other native wildlife. More than 80 percent of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is protected under the Wilderness Act. This wilderness designation recognizes the relatively undeveloped nature of the land and provides outstanding opportunities for recreational activities.

Desert EcosystemThe climate of the Sonoran Desert is characterized by hot summers, mild winters and low annual rainfall (4-8 inches). Cacti are able to store large quantities of water in their leaves, stems and roots, and thrive under these harsh conditions. Towering saguaros reach up to 50 feet high while prickly pear, cholla and hedgehog cacti grow closer to the ground.

Camping and Historic CabinsVisitors are welcome to camp on the refuge for a maximum of 14 days in any 12-month period. Campfires are permitted, though only dead, down and detached wood from non-wilderness areas may be used. As wood is scarce, it is suggested that visitors bring their own supply.

Spend the night in Kofa Cabin or Hoodoo Cabin, historic cabins built by the CCC and a cattle company. They are available on a first come, first serve basis and no fee is required.

HuntingKofa National Wildlife Refuge offers hunting for bighorn sheep, mule deer, cottontail rabbit, quail, fox, and coyote. Hunters are required to have the proper licenses and permits.

Rock CollectingVisitors are permitted to collect up to 10 specimens or 10 pounds (whichever occurs first) of quartz and other rocks in the designated Crystal Hill area in a 12-month period. The collection of rocks and minerals is prohibited on the rest of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

Enjoy Your VisitKofa National Wildlife Refuge is open 24/7 including holidays. The visitor center is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except on federal holidays.

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Top, Agave in bloom.Middle, Desert Tortoise.Bottom, Thumb Butte.All photographs / USFWS

Come prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, and clothing layers. Summer temperatures can soar above 110 degrees. Daytime winter temperatures are usually mild, but it can cool down considerably at night. Monsoon rains generally occur from early July into October. Storms may cause flash flooding, so please use caution when entering washes, narrow canyons or low-lying areas.

Please be aware that most roads require a four-wheel drive vehicle. Mines and private in-holdings are closed to public entry. Unexploded ordnance may be encountered on the refuge as desert military training exercises were conducted in the area during World War II. Do not pick up any military hardware, but note its location, with GPS coordinates if possible, and report it to the refuge visitor center.

Please see the Public Use and Hunting Regulations leaflet for additional information about visitor activities and refuge regulations.