 | | With its majestic rock cliffs; its ribbon of cool water running through classic Sonoran Desert; and its cattail-filled marsh harboring rails and waterfowl, the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge offers a little bit of everything for both wildlife and people.The Bill Williams River NWR holds one of the last stands of natural cottonwood-willow forests along the lower Colorado River, creating a unique ecosystem that provides good habitat for resident and migratory wildlife.The rare riparian habitat of Bill Williams River NWR draws a variety of neo-tropical migratory birds from Central and South America to their breeding grounds in the north. Bright colors from birds like the yellow warbler, vermilion flycatcher, and summer tanager flash like sparks in the desert sky as they flit across the riverbed.About a dozen endangered Yuma clapper rails spend the summer months in the cattails of the marsh and may winter. More likely heard than seen, their dry kek-kek-kek echoes at dusk and dawn. Another endangered bird, the southwestern willow flycatcher, nests on the refuge in the willow trees lining the river.Crisscrossing tracks in the sand chronicle the nighttime excursions of cottontails, javelina, and deer, as well as predatory coyotes, bobcats, and the less common cougars.Rattlesnakes are highly mobile at dawn and dusk and may be active during any month. In daytime heat they recede to cooler spots, such as rodent burrows or crevices.Things to do at the Refuge: Watchable Wildlife/Viewing Opportunities The delta area, including much of the cattail marsh, can be viewed from several turnouts off Arizona Highway 95. The riparian area along Bill Williams River is best seen by driving the road that begins approximately .3 of a mile south of the river bridge and ends approximately 3 miles east of the highway. Flooding in 1993 washed out most of the road, but driving is still possible for approximately 3 miles from Highway 95. Visitors are welcome to explore the rest of the refuge on foot. A 1/4-mile long, informative nature trail is open during office hours.Fishing and Boating Fishing for striped and largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and other fish is permitted on Lake Havasu according to Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations. Please use catch-and-release techniques with any native fish captured and report captures to refuge personnel. |
| |  | | | Facilities: There are no facilities at Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to enter Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. Best Time To Visit: Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge is open year-round. Fees: Unknown Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Camping, fires, firearms, trapping, and off-road vehicle operation is prohibited. All vehicles, including other forms of transportation including but not limited to bicycles, horses, mules, and motorcycles are confined to the La Paz County road right-of-way. The maximum speed is 25 mph. Travel beyond the road is by foot only. Boating is permitted only at NO WAKE SPEED. Water skiing and personal watercraft are prohibited. All applicable Arizona boating regulations must be followed.Domestic animals must be kept under control (such as on a leash). This includes dogs used for hunting. All vehicles and drivers must be licensed.All plants, animals, and minerals are protected. Removal or undue disturbance of any of these (except for those species legally taken by hunting or fishing) is prohibited. No prospecting, metal detectors or rock hounding is allowed.Please leave only your footprints; take all litter with you.Directions: To reach Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge from Lake Havasu City, follow Arizona Highway 95 south approximately 23 miles between mileposts 160 and 161. | | |
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| | | | Address | | 60911 Highway 95 | | Parker, Arizona 85344 |
| | | Phone | | General: (928) 667-4144 | |
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