Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
Overview
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is managed by Fish and Wildlife Service and is located near Parker, Arizona.
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
-Designated in 1990
-17,801 acres
-Havasu Wilderness was established to preserve and enhance in perpetuity 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 un 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. Approximately one-third of the refuge is Wilderness. 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 and the poisonous Gila monster.
For more information about Havasu Wilderness, please visit wilderness.net.
Things to Do at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
Permits & Passes
Special permits are required for certain activities. Reserve your permits in advance to ensure access to popular areas.
Recreation Activities
Popular activities at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge include:
Nearby Activities
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Paddling
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Plan Your Visit
Reservation Tips
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is a popular destination. Check individual facility pages for specific booking windows and availability.
Getting There
The refuge office is located at 317 Mesquite Avenue, Needles, California 92363. The coordinates are 34.837010, and -114.620274. From Interstate 40, exit on J Street and go southwest (uphill) 0.6 miles. Turn right at the refuge entrance sign and follow the signs to the administrative office. On holidays, after hours, and on weekends, a self-serve kiosk with refuge brochures and leaflets can be accessed by visitors in front of the administrative office.
GPS Coordinates: 34.29187824400000, -114.10462710300000
Contact & Resources
Phone: 760-326-3853
Additional Information:
