Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

Kofa NWR Table of Contents

• Map of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
• Photographs
• Access routes
• Activities
• Plants and wildlife of the wildlife refuge
• Hiking in the NWR; Palm Canyon Trail
• Kofa NWR wildflowers
• Nearby places
• Similar places

Location

Map of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

Photographs

20 views of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

Kofa NWR Access Roads

Many unpaved roads traverse the 660,000 acres of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge (see map), from the New Water and Kofa mountains in the north, across the wide King Valley in the central section to the Castle Dome Mountains towards the southwest, and the Tank Mountains in the southeast. Most of these require 4WD vehicles, and detailed maps for navigation. East of the NWR lie many more miles of uninhabited valley and mountain wilderness with only limited access. This part of Arizona, between Interstates 8 and 10 is the epitome of a hostile desert environment, but one which is well worth visiting. The most well-known attraction within the wildlife refuge is Palm Canyon, a narrow, sheltered ravine which is the last significant location in Arizona where palm trees grow in their natural habitat. The road to the mouth of the canyon is a 7 mile gravel track, heavily ribbed for most of its length, that takes around 30 minutes to drive, although it is fine for 2WD cars. Another generally good route (Blevens Road/Pipeline Road) crosses the north section of the refuge, linking with Vicksburg Road from Interstate 10. There are three other maintained routes: King Road (22 miles) passes through a gap in the Castle Dome Mountains into the vast plain of King Valley, then moves northwards to the main mining district, centered on the King of Arizona Mine, from which this area was named early last century. Another mining region is reached by Castle Dome Mine Road to the southwest; this crosses the edge of Castle Dome Plain, reaching the mine site after 9 miles. Here are found a collection of wooden buildings, some authentic, others replicas. MST&T Road traverses more open terrain to the north, ending at a communications tower, after passing various junctions along the way.

Activities

Photography, hiking, rock climbing, hunting (for such animals as deer, rabbit and coyote) and primitive camping are the main leisure activities, and many days could be spent exploring the refuge. The NWR has dozens of old mines, which are interesting to visit although the unfenced shafts and unstable tunnels can be hazardous. A few mines are still operating, and some parts of the refuge are privately owned. Colorful rocks and minerals may be found in many places, but collecting is officially permitted in only one location - Crystal Hill, in the far northwest corner, 6 miles along Blevens Road.

Plants and Wildlife of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

Various wells and springs that sustain small oases of flourishing wildflowers are found at scattered locations in the mountains, while many species of cacti are widespread across the whole area - most common are the giant saguaro, ferocacti and several types of opuntia. Wildlife, nominally the main focus of the reserve, is rather limited, as expected for this very hot, arid environment. Bighorn sheep are the largest creatures, and a herd now numbering over 1,000 has benefited from artificial enhancement of natural water sources, though they spend most time in the hills and are rarely glimpsed. Typical desert animals such as lizards and snakes are quite easily spotted.

Hiking in Kofa NWR

Kofa NWR Wildflowers

Kofa NWR - Nearby Places

• Lake Havasu (70 miles from Palm Canyon) - popular lake on the Colorado River
• Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, 50 miles - five historic sites associated with the Colorado River in Yuma

Kofa NWR - Similar Places

• Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge - particularly isolated and hostile desert preserve
• Mountain Palm Springs, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California - large groups of palm trees
• Sonoran Desert National Monument - extensive desert area either wide of Interstate 8