About Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge
Located in Southwest Arizona, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge was originally established in 1939 as a Game Range for the conservation and development of natural wildlife resources. The name Cabeza Prieta (in Spanish meaning “dark head”) refers to the distinctive lava-topped, granite peak in the western portion of the refuge. In March of 1975, Cabeza Prieta Game Range was re-established as Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and became part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Encompassing 860,010 acres, the Refuge provides valuable habitat for Sonoran Desert wildlife. In 1990, the passage of the Arizona Desert Wilderness Act designated 803,418 acres (93 percent) of the Refuge as wilderness. As a wilderness, vehicles and other modern conveniences are only allowed on the refuge's limited road system, with most of the refuge preserved for visitors wanting a more natural experience.
How to Get There
Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge’s office and visitor center are in Ajo, Arizona. The coordinates to the Refuge’s visitor center are 32.385579, -112.872383. Take I-10 west to exit 112. Follow Highway 85 south to Gila Bend and continue south on 85 approximately 40 miles to Ajo. Watch for the brown sign with Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge on it. It will be on the west (right) side of the highway. Take Highway 86 (Ajo Way) west across the Tohono O'odham reservation to the town of Why, turn right, and follow Highway 85 north to Ajo. Watch for the brown sign with Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge on it. It will be on the west (left) side of the highway. Take I-8 east to Gila Bend and follow Highway 85 south approximately 40 miles to Ajo. Watch for the brown sign with Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge on it. It will be on the west (right) side of the highway.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1324) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge?
Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge’s office and visitor center are in Ajo, Arizona. The coordinates to the Refuge’s visitor center are 32.385579, -112.872383. Take I-10 west to exit 112. Follow Highway 85 south to Gila Bend and continue south on 85 approximately 40 miles to Ajo. Watch for the brown sign with Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge on it. It will be on the west (right) side of t…
How do I contact Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 520-387-6483 or email: margot_bissell@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
