Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
Bighorn sheep habitat, palm canyons, broad valleys, mines, and volcanic ranges reward self-reliance in one of western Arizona’s least serviced public landscapes.
Artwork inspired by Ed Mell
Kofa was established to protect desert bighorn sheep and now spans rugged mountain ranges and wide Sonoran Desert valleys. Palm Canyon offers a short introduction, while most refuge roads lead into genuinely remote terrain with wildlife, historic mining traces, and minimal infrastructure.
There is no conventional visitor center at the refuge interior. Gravel roads vary from passenger-car suitable to high-clearance four-wheel-drive routes, and flash floods or washouts can change them. Travel with offline maps, emergency water, tire equipment, and a conservative turnaround.
- Established
- 1939
- Purpose
- Desert bighorn conservation
- Allow
- Half to full day
Quick guide
- Interpretive pair
- Palm Canyon ↔ Kofa Mountains
- Closing move
- Desert bighorn habitat
Four deliberate moves through Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
- Start Palm Canyon
- Use the signed route for a manageable first visit.
- Scan slopes
- Look for bighorn at distance in cool hours.
- Know vehicle
- Match every road to clearance and tire condition.
- Leave a plan
- Share route and return time before cell service ends.
Good to know
A map pin is not a staffed entrance. Heat, punctures, deep sand, and navigation errors can become emergencies far from help. Do not enter mines or drive on unsigned tracks.
Notice these
- Palm Canyon
- Kofa Mountains
- Desert bighorn habitat