Kofa Wilderness
Recreational Opportunities
The Kofa, like all national wildlife refuges, is a wonderful place to enjoy wildlife viewing. Visitors must remember, however, that refuges are places for wildlife first; people are the intruders and their presence is permitted only to the extent they don’t adversely affect the native wildlife. Practice the ideals of Leave No Trace, particularly of respecting wildlife. By respecting nature and practicing ethical conduct, your visit to Kofa will be more rewarding because you will increase your chances of observing animals. Usually, the chances of spotting a desert bighorn sheep are directly related to the amount of effort visitors are willing to exert, but on occasion you may get lucky and find some sheep grazing placidly along the lower slopes of the mountains or even in desert washes. Even if you never see a sheep, though, there are lots of other creatures to capture your attention, not to mention the magnificent desert landscape.Another popular activity on the Refuge is hunting. Limited hunting is permitted on the Refuge coinciding with designated State seasons. Contact the Refuge Manager for more information on hunting opportunities.
If you’re into strenuous activity, the Refuge offers challenging opportunities for hiking and backpacking. There are no established or designated hiking trails on the Refuge with the exception of the ½-mile trail from the parking lot to the viewing point in Palm Canyon. Backpackers and hikers are welcome to find their own way to whatever destinations they choose.
Rock climbing is permitted (no permanent anchors allowed), although not encouraged due to the poor quality of the rock. If you rock climb you do so at your own risk.
Virtual geocaching is currently allowed on the Refuge. Physical geocaches will be considered on a limited basis and require prior authorization from the Refuge Manager. Any physical geocaches located on the Refuge without specific authorization from the Refuge Manager will be considered abandoned property and subsequently removed and discarded.
Keep in mind that when recreating in the high country portions of the Refuge, desert bighorn sheep will have their lambs during the winter months--peaking January through March--so your avoidance of "peak bagging" during that time would be appreciated.
The Refuge also provides opportunities for unparalleled sightseeing on its road system. More than 300 miles of primitive roads provide access year-round, but summer temperatures are usually searingly hot, keeping all but the most intrepid users at bay.
Camping is allowed anywhere except on a few private inholdings, but camps must be set more than one-quarter of a mile from any water source. Stays are limited to 14 days in any 12 consecutive month period. Campfires are permitted, but they must be small and fueled by deadwood only and collected outside designated Wilderness. Rock collection is allowed only in the Crystal Hill Rock Collection Area in the Refuge's northwest corner. Contact the Refuge Manager for more information on rock collection on the Refuge.
Recreational cabins are available for day use and overnight stays on the Refuge. These are restored buildings from the days of mining and grazing on the Refuge. They are first-come, first-serve and no cost to the public. If you utilize these facilities, please be advised that you do so at your own risk.
Climate and Special Equipment Needs
The best time to visit the Refuge and Wilderness is during the winter months. Temperatures then are conducive to outdoor activities. Nights can get chilly, so prepare accordingly. On rare occasions, snow falls at higher elevations, but generally only lasts for a day or two. Daytime highs are typically in the 60s and 70s; nighttime lows are seldom below 40°. Rain showers are not uncommon during December - February but tend to be of short duration and low intensity.Summers at the Refuge and Wilderness are hot. Beginning in May, daytime high temperatures are over 100°F, and by mid-July peak at close to 115°. For those adventurous few who may opt for a visit during the summer, be sure to prepare for the dangerously high temperatures. Copious amounts of water are needed, even when not engaged in any physical activity (usually 1 gallon per day). Hats, sunglasses, long-sleeves, and loose-fitting clothing are highly recommended along with ample sunscreen.
Safety and Current Conditions
The Refuge and Wilderness is vast and remote. There are no services available, and often you may not be able to communicate via cell phone. Therefore, it is critical that you inform a family member or friend of your travel plans within the Refuge, and when you plan to return. You should also let them know who to contact in case of an emergency (e.g., Refuge Office or Yuma County Sheriffs Office).There are numerous abandoned mines throughout the Refuge and, though they may be intriguing, they pose serious danger to the inexperienced visitor. Be safe and stay out of them. Entry into abandoned mines is now prohibited on National Wildlife Refuges (since November 2010) in order to reduce the spread of white-nose syndrome, a bat disease that has killed millions of bats.
General Patton and other military leaders used the area that is now the Refuge for military training exercises before and during the Second World War. As a result, unexploded ordnance (UXO) is sometimes discovered. If you see anything that could possibly be UXO do not attempt to pick it up or handle it in any way. Leave it in place, take a picture, record its location,and report it to refuge officials.
Visitors may contact the Refuge Manager or another staff member for specific information and get updates on current habitat and road conditions by visiting the office or calling (928) 783-7861. The fax number is (928) 783-8611.
