 | | Cibola National Wildlife Refuge is locatedin the floodplain of the lower Colorado River, surrounded by a fringe of desert ridges and washes. The refuge encompasses both the historic Colorado River channel as well as a channelized portion constructed in the late 1960's.Along with these main water bodies, several important backwaters are home to many wildlife species that reside in this portion of the Sonoran Desert. Because of the river's life sustaining water, wildlife here survive in an environment that reaches 120 degrees in the summer and receives an average of only 2 inches of rain per year. Visitors will enjoy the many wildlife-oriented activities the refuge has to offer and enjoy the scenic beauty of this oasis in the desert.Wildlife & Birds: Over 288 species of birds have been found, including many species of migratory songbirds, Gambel's quail, roadrunners, mourning and white-winged doves, phainopepla, greater sandhill cranes, Canada and snow geese, Vermilion flycatchers, grosbeaks and many more. The bald eagle, southwestern willow flycatcher and Yuma clapper rail are among the endangered birds that use Cibola NWR. Other listed species include the desert tortoise, razorback sucker, bonytail chub, and desert pupfish.It is not uncommon to see desert mule deer, bobcat, and coyotes on the refuge, particularly while driving the auto tour loop in the early morning or evening. Management of farm fields along with restoration of wetlands and moist soil units provide habitat for thousands of Canada geese that migrate to Cibola in the winter. About 85% of Arizona's wintering goose population resides on Cibola NWR.A host of species reside on the refuge year-around. Many of the aquatic birds nest in the backwaters of the river. It is a common sight to see western and Clark's grebe young riding on their parents' back in Cibola Lake during the spring. Other common sights may include a heron and egret rookery, nesting mourning and white-winged doves, barn owls, burrowing owls, kestrels, white-faced ibis and more.Visit the Cibola Lake overlook located at the southern end of the refuge and view grebes, ducks, pelicans, geese, cormorants, terns, and more from an elevated cliff overlooking the southern end of the lake. Cibola Lake is closed from Labor Day to March 15 in order to provide the wintering waterfowl a safe and undisturbed place to roost, but you can enjoy them from a distance on the overlook.Hunting: Public hunting on Cibola NWR is permitted in specified areas. Hunting opportunities are available for the following species: Canada geese, snow geese, ducks, coots, gallinules, Gambel's quail, mourning and white-winged doves, mule deer (bow, gun, muzzle loader), and cottontail rabbits. Hunting shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable state and Federal regulations along with the following special regulations. Contact the refuge for more information including areas open to hunting.Fishing: Cibola NWR provides opportunities to fish for the following species: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, sunfish, tilapia, and common carp.Possession of the Colorado River fishing stamp allows licensed anglers of either California or Arizona to fish any open area on the refuge.Cibola Lake and adjoining lands are closed to all activities from Labor Day to March 15 in order to provide a safe and undisturbed area for the wintering waterfowl. Fishing, however, is permitted in a boat on the main channel of the Colorado River and all land and water to the west. |
| |  | | | Facilities: Cibola National Wildlife Refuge provides displays and interpretive information, There are no facilities for gasoline or food on the refuge. The only restrooms and drinking water are available at the visitor center. Camping is not permitted on the refuge. Reservations: Reservations are accepted for hunting in Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. Contact the refuge for more details. Best Time To Visit: Cibola National Wildlife Refuge is open March through August. Cibola Lake and adjoining lands are closed to all activities from Labor Day to March 15 in order to provide a safe and undisturbed area for the wintering waterfowl. Fees: Fees and permits may apply based on recreational usage. Contact the refuge for more details. Accessibility: This area is not handicap accessible. Rules: All vehicles must stay on designated roads; visitor access is limited. Fires are not permitted on the refuge.Pets must be leashed and under close control at all times.Boating and water skiing are permitted on the main channel of the Colorado River.The Old river channel, Cibola Lake, Three Fingers Lake, and all other backwaters are classified as "no-wake" zones for public safety and to protect and enhance wildlife use.All plant and animal species are protected. Disturbing or removing plants or animals is not permitted.Dumping litter, sewage, or liquid waste on the refuge is not permitted.Searching for and removing, defacing, or damaging rocks, minerals, or semi-precious stones and objects of antiquity is not permitted.Directions: To reach Cibola National Wildlife Refuge from Blythe/Quartzite, travel west on Intestate 10 to Neighbours Boulevard/78 exit. Go south on Neighbours for 12 miles to the Cibola Bridge. After crossing the bridge, continue south for 3.5 miles to headquarters. To reach Cibola National Wildlife Refuge from Yuma, travel north on U.S. Highway 95 to Quartzite. Form Quartzite travel west on Intestate 10 to Neighbours Boulevard/78 exit. Go south on Neighbours for 12 miles to the Cibola Bridge. After crossing the bridge, continue south for 3.5 miles to headquarters. | | |
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| | | | Address | | Route 2 | | Box 138 | | Cibola, Arizona 85328 |
| | | Phone | | General: (928) 857-3253 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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