Imperial National Wildlife Refuge park
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
Some of the reasons to visit the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge include its diverse range of ecosystems, which include wetlands, sandy beaches, and desert scrubland. The refuge is home to over 400 species of wildlife, including river otters, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
Some of the specific points of interest in the area include the Painted Desert Trail, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding desert landscape, and the Imperial Wildlife Viewing Area, where visitors can watch for birds and other wildlife.
Interesting facts about the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge include that it serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway, and that the refuge is home to one of the largest remaining stands of cottonwood-willow forests in the southwestern United States.
The best time of year to visit the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is during the fall and winter months, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. Visitors should also be aware that the refuge has limited facilities, so it's important to come prepared with food, water, and appropriate gear for outdoor activities.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Martinez Military | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore Site | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Imperial Dam Long Term | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Senator Wash Reservoir South Shore Site | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Squaw Lake Recreation Site | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Senator Wash Reservoir South Mesa Ltva | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Imperial National Wildlife Refuge as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
What can I do at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Imperial National Wildlife Refuge?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.