Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge stretches along the Colorado River where the Sonoran and Mojave deserts meet, creating a mix of different habitats. The site includes wetlands and shoreline areas that support a wide range of wildlife.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt created this refuge in 1941 to protect vital breeding and resting areas for migratory birds along the Colorado River. This action helped secure key stopover points for bird populations moving through the region.

The refuge sits next to Historic Route 66, where travelers encounter signs about wild burros that roam here, linking nature conservation with American road culture.

The best way to explore is from the North Dike parking area, where guided tours are offered regularly, especially during the cooler months. Visitors should set aside several hours for a visit and morning trips tend to offer the most wildlife viewing opportunities.

Toprock Gorge is a remote canyon accessible only by boat, featuring towering cliff walls where visitors rarely venture. Desert bighorn sheep and mountain lions make their homes among these dramatic rock formations.