Explore Over 803,000 Acres Of Trails, Flora, and Fauna At Arizona’s Otherworldly Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

Have you ever explored the vast wilderness that is the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge? At over 803,000 acres, there are endless ways to explore this area of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. If you enjoy hiking and seeing a wide variety of flora and fauna, a trip here is worthwhile. I think you'll love it here!

Located at the heart of the Sonoran Desert in the community of Ajo, Arizona in Pima County, lies a massive wildlife refuge just waiting to be discovered.

Welcome to Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge! At 803,418 acres, this is one of the largest wildlife refuges in the Lower 48.

When you come to this wildlife refuge, you must stop at the visitor center located at 1611 N 2nd Ave. in Ajo, AZ. Here you can get all the information you need to make your visit complete.

However, prior to your visit, you must obtain a permit. A portion of the permit must be placed on your car's dashboard while the rest of the permit must be carried with you at all times. Permits are free.

When exploring Cabeza Prieta, you'll encounter numerous plant and animal species. As one of the most biodiverse deserts in the world, the Sonoran Desert is home to more than 2,000 plant species.

The desert is also home to 60 mammal species, 350 species of birds, and nearly 100 reptiles. Keep your eyes peeled to see how many animal species you'll encounter.

At Cabeza Prieta, you are allowed to go hiking, biking, hunting, horseback riding, and backpacking.

Camping is also allowed here but campers are limited to 14 days within a 28-day period.

Have you ever explored any part of Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, or at least been to its visitor center? Tell us about your experience in the comments. To learn more about this vast wilderness area, head to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website. You can also follow the official Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Facebook account for news and updates.

Want to explore the Sonoran Desert with a guide? Take a look at the Incredible Hidden Valley Petroglyph Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert, and book your spot on Viator.