Blue Ridge National Wildlife Refuge

Blue Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is a protected forest area in the Sierra Nevada with dense stands of ponderosa pine and incense cedar. The land covers steep mountain terrain where trees grow thickly across the landscape.

This refuge was established in 1982 to protect roosting habitat for the California condor population. It was created to support this endangered species in its native mountain environment.

The refuge represents collaborative land management between federal agencies, state departments, and private owners to maintain essential California condor habitats.

Public access is limited to protect the natural environment. Visitors should check ahead about accessible areas and understand that much of this land is off-limits for conservation reasons.

The ridge rises sharply from the surrounding valley, giving the endangered birds excellent conditions for flying and roosting. This steep terrain is what makes the location so valuable for the species and shows how landscape shapes animal habitat.

Location: California

Inception: 1982

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/blue_ridge

GPS coordinates: 36.27980,-118.84500

Latest update: December 12, 2025 08:00