Walk on the wild side!
Enjoy wildlife watching and amazing views on one of Imperial’s hiking trails.
Meers Point Recreation Area
Free boat ramp, accessible fishing dock and picnic tables. Not to mention, large and
smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and more!
A Closer Look
Enjoy images of wildlife you
will find on Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.
Where Wildlife Comes First
Refuges are managed for wildlife and habitat and to ensure future generations
will always have wild places to explore!
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge protects a 30 mile stretch of the lower Colorado River, including the
last un-channelized section of the river before it enters into
About the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
Of the nearly 26,000 acre Imperial
National Wildlife Refuge, 15,000 are designated wilderness. The important
designation helps ensure this amazing desert landscape is protected for future
generations. Wilderness designation offers protection from logging or mining and
prevents the construction of permanent roads, vehicles or structures.
In 1903 President
Theodore Roosevelt established the Pelican Island Bird Reservation, the first of
53 federal reserves he would create during his time in office and the roots of
what is today known as the National Wildlife Refuge System. The 26th president
was a dedicated naturalist throughout his life and is considered by many to have
been the country’s “Conservationist President.” The Refuge
Rallus longirostris yumanensis
The Yuma clapper rail has very specific needs, including marsh habitat where they
can nest and forage on small fish, insects and crayfish. This type of habitat has disappeared from much of the lower Colorado River but is still found on Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. The long-legged bird with a short tail
will give a loud distinctive call that sounds like hands clapping rapidly,
hence its name. Through monitoring and restoration efforts, the refuge is
actively working to protect and enhance habitat for this unique and highly
Page Photo Credits All photos courtesy of USFWS unless otherwise noted., Scenic reflection / Jenny and Oliver Davis ©, Enjoying a hiking trail / Jenny Davis ©, Colorado River / USFWS, First catch! / USFWS, Bobcat / Henry Detwiler ©, Vast landscape view / Jenny and Oliver Davis ©
Last Updated: Aug 13, 2014