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Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge stretches across 37,515 acres along the lower Colorado River, protecting one of the last natural sections of this desert lifeline. From Needles, California, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, the refuge preserves 30 miles of river and 300 miles of shoreline—home to desert bighorn sheep, rare birds like the southwestern willow flycatcher, and other wildlife that rely on the river to survive.Topock Gorge is a highlight of the refuge—a 20-mile-long canyon where boaters can enjoy stunning views and watch wildlife in their natural habitat. The refuge also includes Topock Marsh, created from an old river bend, and the remote Needles and Havasu Wilderness Areas. These wildlands are peaceful and beautiful but require preparation, especially water, as desert life isn’t forgiving.
Visitors come by the thousands to boat, hike, and explore—but it's important to remember that this land belongs to the plants and animals that live here. As guests, we’re asked to follow rules that help keep the balance between people and nature.
Topock Marsh
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The 4,000-acre Topock Marsh was created from a historical river meander in 1966 when the South Dike outlet structure was ...
Topock Gorge
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The breathtaking Topock Gorge attracts many wildlife viewers in boats to this favorite lower Colorado River destination. ...
Wildlife
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It is no wonder that rare birds find a haven here within the protected marshes and miles of Colorado River shoreline. Havasu NWR forms a critical ...
History: From Petroglyphs to Parker Dam
Long before there were boats or campsites, Native people lived along the lower Colorado River. You can still see some of their petroglyphs—carvings on rock walls—in Topock Gorge. These ancient markings tell us a bit about their lives. Later, in the 1800s, gold prospectors came through, leaving behind old mine sites that tell a different story of hope and hardship.
When Parker Dam was completed in 1941, it changed the river forever. That same year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge to give migrating birds a safe place to rest and nest. The refuge has changed shape over the years, including a 1968 expansion that added the Needles Peaks area.
Needles and Havasu Wilderness
The Needles and Havasu Wilderness areas make up about a third of the refuge. These spots are remote and rugged—great for hikers who are ready for the desert's challenges. Water is the number one thing to bring, since everything out here is built to survive dry conditions. Cactus soak up water when they can, palo verde trees drop their leaves to save moisture, and even reptiles get water from the food they eat. These wilderness areas were officially protected by laws passed in 1990 and 1994.
Lake Havasu City
Map of Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
Looking from Topock Marsh toward the Needles