General Trip Planning Information
The Imperial Refuge Wilderness is open to public use. For additional information about visiting the wilderness areas of Imperial National Wildlife Refuge please contact the Refuge office (928)783-3371.
Recreational Opportunities
Recreational Opportunities:
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Wildlife Observation
- Wildlife Photography
Prohibited Activities:
- Camping and fires are not permitted on Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.
- It is illegal to remove, deface, or damage rocks, minerals, semi-precious stones, Native American artifacts, paleontological objects, or objects of antiquity.
- Collecting, possessing, molesting, disturbing, injuring, destroying, removing, or transporting any plant or animal or part thereof (alive or dead) is prohibited, except for legally taken game.
Climate and Special Equipment Needs
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is in the Sonoran Desert which can be dangerously hot and dry. Summer temperatures can reach well over 110 degrees. Be sure you are prepared for desert survival, especially during the hotter months of the year.
Safety and Current Conditions
Be sure to carry and drink plenty of water at all times of the year, use sunscreen, wear light-colored clothing and hat, and wear rugged shoes or boots.
Watch out for stinging insects, venomous reptiles, and thorny plants. Avoid putting your hands and feet under rocks or into crevices and plants, and watch where you step or sit.
Portions of the Imperial Refuge Wilderness are in historic mining districts. There are numerous abandonded shafts and adits in these locations. All abandonded mines are extremely dangerous and are closed to the public. Many are not covered, so please watch where you walk to avoid vertical shafts or vents.