Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

       There are more than 500 wildlife refuges throughout the United States that are managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the only national system of lands dedicated to conserving our wildlife heritage for future generations. One of these areas include the 37,515 acre Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
       Established in 1941, this area includes 30 river miles, 300 miles of shoreline, from Needles, California to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This natural section of the lower Colorado River moves through the 20-mile-long Topock Gorge.
       Many visitors recognize a segment of this area as the “Sandbar”, known as the popular mooring spot of partying boaters.  At one time the in spot was Copper Canyon, located three miles south of Lake Havasu City, on the California side of the lake.  Widely photographed, that popular bay – filled with hundreds of boats -  showed up in publications such as National Geographic’s. Discouraged from partying at Copper Canyon, boaters fled upriver, finding their new playground at the Sandbar. 
     While visitors enjoy this beautiful section of shoreline, we must keep in mind the precarious balance of man and nature. Four endangered bird species find a home in the refuge: the Yuma clapper rail, southwestern willow flycatcher, peregrine falcon , and the southern bald eagle. Each year the area also shelters thousands of Canada and snow geese, and ducks each winter.  Other fowl found in this area include the Western and Clark’s grebes, herons, egrets, roadrunners and quail.
       Big horn sheep, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes and bobcats are just some of the wildlife of the region. Indian petroglyphs in Topock Gorge record the existence of the early inhabitants, while the remains of abandon mines reflect more recent pioneers.       
      Visitors are asked to respect the local wildlife while enjoying the refuge.  Glass containers are not allowed, and jet powered watercraft are not allowed in backwaters off the main channel, for the 15-mile stretch from the Island/Castle Rock location, north to the Interstate 40 bridge, buoy line.
       Overnight mooring of watercraft is only allowed at the Five Mile Landing concession on the Topock Marsh, where slips are available for a nominal fee. There are free boat launches at North Dike, Five Mile Landing, and Catfish Paradise. Boats are not allowed  to make wakes in the harbor of Five Mile Landing concession on Topock Marsh and the entrance and harbor at Topock Gorge Marina. The backwaters off the main channel in most of Topock Gorge are “no wake zones”.
       Skiing is not allowed from the south buoy line to the north buoy line at Interstate 40, of Topock Gorge.  Where skiing is allowed, it is only permitted between sunrise and sunset.
       Those wanting to camp in the wilderness area, must obtain a permit and stay within the allowed areas. Much of the refuge is closed to camping.
       To reach the refuge from Interstate 40, take the Havasu NWR exit sign near the California and Arizona border, and follow the sign direction.  To reach Topock Marsh from Needles California, cross the Needles bridge into Arizona, following Highway 95 north then turn right onto Mohave County 227 and watch for the refuge sign.
       The refuge office is located in Needles, California.   When visiting the area, please protect the local wildlife and remember that the plants, animals and minerals are protected.  Special permits are required before any removal of disturbance or the wildlife, minerals or plants.
Map of the refuge.