U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Cabeza PrietaNational Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy your refugeCabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (CPNWR) offers excellent opportunities to explore one of the most biologically diverse deserts in this country. At first the Sonoran Desert may seem like a harsh environment but with quiet observation, the reward will be memories for years to come. The information below will help ensure visitor safety as well as preserve the integrity of Cabeza Prieta NWR for future generations.

Wildlife ProtectionCPNWR is home to over 275 different species of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep and two endangered species, the Sonoran Desert pronghorn and lesser long-nosed bat. Federal law prohibits collecting or disturbing plants, wildlife, rocks or artifacts.

Good News!The refuge was created in 1939 in part to help rescue desert bighorn sheep from sharp decline due to over hunting and poaching. Today the refuge sheep population is doing very well. As of 2014, the refuge has over 600 sheep.

In 2003 refuge staff lent a hand to the floundering Sonoran desert pronghorn herd. Its numbers had dwindled to a mere 21 animals when

wildlife biologists stepped in. Thanks to many partners and helping hands from a variety of concerned biologists, government agencies and private entities the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was able to save the pronghorn from extinction. Today it is one of the most successful “come-back” stories in wildlife history.

Visitor PermitsA current Visitor Permit is required for each visitor 18 years old and older. Before entering the refuge each time, visitors must register at one of the entry kiosks to validate their permit.

CampingVisitors are encouraged to camp at one of the established campgrounds on the refuge, although dispersed camping is allowed. The campgrounds are primitive with no amenities other than picnic tables. Please bring your own campfire wood and remove any extra when done camping. Camping is limited to 14 days in a 28-day period. No camping within a ¼-mile of any game water source. Vehicles must be stay within 50 feet of the centerline of the road. Back country campers may use dead and down wood for fire. Back country campers may not camp within ¼-mile of wildlife waters.

Roads and VehiclesOnly street-legal motorcycles and street-legal all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), as defined by Arizona state law, are allowed on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. See www.azgfd.gov/ohv

Motorcycles and ATVs must be fitted with an 80 square inch high-visibility flag that extends a minimum of eight (8) feet above the ground surface.

All vehicles (including motorcycles and ATVs) must stay on the public roads (see refuge map). Vehicle travel on any other roads, trails, or off-road is prohibited.

All public use roads are primitive, unpaved, and minimally or unmaintained. Non-OHV vehicles must be high clearance and four-wheel drive to use the El Camino del Diablo and Christmas Pass roads. Two-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance may use the Charlie Bell Road.

If a road is impassable due to flooding, mud, deep sand or a lawful closure do not drive off-road to circumvent such areas. For this reason, it is best to be prepared with enough fuel for unexpected turn backs. Visitors should contact the refuge visitor center for the latest travel and safety information including sensitive wildlife areas.

Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and other vehicular traffic especially law enforcement traffic which may, in the course of duty, travel at high speeds.

If there are more than four vehicles in your group, you must apply for a Special Use Permit prior to entering the refuge. The issuance of the SUP is at the discretion of the refuge manager. Contact the refuge for more information.

There are no services on the CPNWR; this includes fuel, restrooms and cell service.

WaterThere are no sources of safe drinking water on the refuge. You must bring your own water supply. A minimum of 2 gallons per person per day with a 2-day reserve is recommended.

HorsebackPack and saddle stock are allowed under a Special Use Permit. Contact the refuge for more information.

Garbage and WastePack out all garbage and waste products. Practice “Pack it in, Pack it out.” Individual human waste and paper should be buried well below the soil surface and be at least 200 feet from water sources and camp areas. The disposal of portable toilet contents is illegal to dump anywhere except at approved dumping sites off the refuge. These sites can usually be found at R.V. or trailer parks.

Fires and FirewoodCharcoal or propane stoves are recommended for use on the refuge in order to preserve the natural appearance of the campsite. However, wood fires are permissible by adhering to the following rules:

• Only allowed at the designated campsites. See refuge map.

• Visitors must bring their own wood. Due to the scarcity of wood and valuable wildlife habitat, the collection of firewood or vegetation of any kind is prohibited within the refuge with the exception of backcountry hikers. Backcountry hikers may use dead and down wood for campfires.

• Use established fire rings or fire grates. Do not create new fire rings. Before leaving camp make sure the fire is out and cold.

HuntingThe only permitted hunting on the refuge is desert bighorn sheep. Contact the refuge for additional information. Target shooting or the discharge of a weapon is strictly prohibited except for legally licensed and permitted hunters while actively hunting during the hunt season.

Leave No TracePractice an outdoor ethic to sustain a healthy, vibrant refuge and other public lands for all people to enjoy now and into the future See www.LNT.org

• Plan ahead and prepare

• Travel and camp on durable surfaces

• Dispose of waste properly

• Leave what you find

• Minimize campfire impacts

• Respect wildlife

• Be considerate of other visitors

Unexploded OrdinanceThe military used the refuge as a gunnery and bombing range and many types of ordinance still remain. If you encounter ordinance leave it alone. DO NOT TOUCH

Abandoned Mines and WellsAbandoned mines and well shafts are unstable and dangerous and are closed to the public. Mines provide excellent habitat for several bat species. Both for your safety and the wellbeing of these species please avoid these sites.

Sonoran pronghorn / © Sean KnappDesert bighorn / © John Kulberg

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