Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

About Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, originally named Havasu Lake National Wildlife Refuge, was established by Executive Order by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 for the primary purpose of providing migratory bird habitat. The refuge is comprised of 37,515 acres along the lower Colorado River in Arizona and California. The refuge protects 30 river miles and encompasses 300 miles of shoreline from Needles, California, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. One of the last remaining natural stretches of the lower Colorado River flows through the 20-mile long Topock Gorge. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is within the Pacific Flyway, a major north-south migratory route along the western coast of the United States. Hundreds of birds stop here to rest and refuel during their long journey. Many species also breed and overwinter here. Because of its importance to birds, the refuge is considered an Important Bird Area in the state of Arizona. Come out and enjoy Havasu National Wildlife Refuge -- it's definitely for the birds.Havasu Wilderness was established in 1990 to preserve and enhance in perpetuity the wilderness values of designated lands. The Wilderness Act of 1964 created the National Wilderness Preservation System "in order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas in the United States, and it's possession, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition..."The Havasu Wilderness lies within the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge which stretches along the Colorado River for 30 miles between Needles, California and Lake Havasu City, Arizona it encompasses 17,801 acres which is approximately one-third of the refuge. The Wilderness is rich in wildlife including quail, geese, ducks, grebes, cranes, rails, herons, egrets, falcons, eagles, bighorn sheep, coyotes, porcupines, foxes, and bobcats. Here you may see the endangered desert tortoise an

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How to Get There

Havasu refuge does not currently have a visitor contact station but guests can stop by the visitor use areas listed below. Just follow the google maps link to get directions to each location.Mesquite Bayshttps://maps.app.goo.gl/aFtbVSo8TugYVL6v5Castle Rockhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/YWa1hC15CAigVS5w9Catfish Paradisehttps://maps.app.goo.gl/dm3t1HC1DLbUJEBv65-mile landinghttps://maps.app.goo.gl/B5QAqUtT9bzSKb3m7Pintail Slough/North Dikehttps://maps.app.goo.gl/bttTyAQJUBNGh9vU8

Facilities at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

This recreation area contains 2 facilities — campgrounds, trailheads, and visitor centers.

• Havasu NWR Waterfowl Hunt - Pintail Slough Management Area — Permit
• Havasu Wilderness — Facility

Plan Your Visit to Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to Havasu National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)