Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

This protected area spans 860,010 acres of Sonoran Desert terrain, featuring mountain ranges, valleys, and diverse ecosystems supporting 275 animal species.

The refuge establishment in 1939 resulted from an Arizona Boy Scouts campaign to protect desert bighorn sheep, with Major Frederick Russell Burnham leading conservation efforts.

The name Cabeza Prieta translates to 'dark head' in Spanish, referring to the distinctive mountains in the northwestern section of the refuge.

Visitors must obtain a Barry M. Goldwater Range Access permit and use four-wheel drive vehicles on unpaved roads, as no facilities exist within the refuge.

The refuge shares 56 miles of border with Mexico, connecting to El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve to create an international conservation corridor.

Operator: US Fish & Wildlife Service

GPS coordinates: 32.23249,-113.44273

Latest update: March 3, 2025 12:55