Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is a wilderness area that was created for the conservation of the desert and the protection of the desert bighorn sheep.

The refuge covers 665,400 acres across the Yuma Desert.

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Animals, Hiking & Camping Map, Arizona

The rugged landscape features undulating hills and scattered water points that provide a habitat for water birds within the dry landscape. These water points also sustain fauna across the refuge, with the most common plant species being cacti. Some wildlife species thrive in the desert, with the most common species being the bighorn sheep. As the largest creatures in the refuge, these sheep spend a lot of time roaming the hills. Other animals that thrive in the refuge include snakes and lizards.

The eastern side of the refuge is more remote and is home to livestock grazing areas that existed before 1980. Some of the remnant structures include corrals, windmills, and two cabins, among other structures. Look out for the popular Kofa Cabin, which is a stone and mortar facility constructed back in the 1930s. It is important to note that most of the structures have not been renovated for many decades, and caution must be exercised when exploring the area.

The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is also home to old mines located in the mountains – evidence of past mining activity. Once used to extract lead, gold, and silver, the mines give a glimpse of the refuge’s past. Since the mines are not secured, so they present a significant danger to visitors and must therefore not be explored.

Some of the fun activities to enjoy while at the refuge include rock climbing, hiking, and photography. The refuge’s rugged landscape, coupled with the mountain peaks, provides excellent shots for nature photography. Adventure seekers also enjoy hunting of animals such as coyotes, rabbits, and deer.

The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge also provides simple camping options and is a great way to experience Arizona’s wild outdoors. Most of the refuge’s access roads are unpaved, so it is advisable to use a 4WD car and detailed maps to traverse the wilderness.