Cibola National Wildlife Refuge

Visit this wildlife refuge at the Arizona and California state border, one of the last major stopovers of the Pacific Flyway.

The Cibola National Wildlife Refuge is in the floodplain of the lower Colorado River between Arizona and California. Migratory birds use this refuge as a major stop-over, and over 250 different bird species have been identified here. Keep your eyes out for Canadian geese, golden eagles, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, snowy egrets, and southwestern willow flycatchers (the last one is endangered). Other wildlife you may see in the refuge include mule deer, Gambel's quail, bobcats, and coyotes. This is a premier bird watching area, and visitors are welcome to drive the three-mile Canada Goose Loop. Please remain in your vehicles to view and photograph the wildlife. If you'd rather walk around take the mile-long nature trail instead. It has viewing benches along the way and an observation deck by a pond frequented by waterfowl and many other birds. 

The Hart Mine Marsh is open during the winter from 10 AM to 3 PM and is a beautiful, quiet area to view wildlife.  Anglers can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, sunfish, tilapia, and carp at this wildlife refuge. You must have a valid fishing license, and be advised that Cibola Lake and the adjoining lands are closed between October and March due to wintering waterfowl. Do not forget your binoculars and stop by this beautiful natural habitat on the way to or from Arizona.