Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in southwestern Arizona that spans over 26,000 acres of desert and wetlands.
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Summary
The refuge offers visitors a chance to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area while protecting the habitat of the region's unique wildlife.
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.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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 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.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
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.
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