Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge

Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve in Southern California's Topatopa Mountains covering roughly 1,000 hectares of grasslands, oak groves, and chaparral. The landscape contains varied habitats typical of this mountainous region that support rare bird species and other wildlife.

The refuge was established in 1974 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the California condor population and its habitat. This protected area became a crucial effort in rescuing this endangered species from extinction.

The refuge functions as an educational center where researchers study and monitor California condor behaviors and population dynamics in their natural environment.

Accessing the refuge requires advance permission since the entrance road crosses private property and visitor numbers are controlled. Plan your visit ahead of time and check with staff about current conditions and available times.

The refuge contains a California black walnut community recognized in the State Natural Heritage Database as an exceptional plant formation found in few other locations. This tree population represents a botanical rarity that draws scientific interest to the site.