Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

03/05/2026

Interested in learning about part of the refuge? Space is available for folks that want to hike down Charlie Bell Pass, visit the Sonoran pronghorn pen, or drive up to the viewing area of Child's Mountain with a staff member on Monday, March 9th.

For more information, email [email protected] as timing is specific and space will be limited.

Photo credit: USFWS

02/13/2026

Join us at 4:30 pm in our parking lot to caravan to the top of Child's Mountain! Tomorrow, February 14th. We suggest closed-toed shoes, something warm to wear for after the sunset, and a flashlight for after. Let us know if you have any questions and see you there.

Photo credit: USFWS

01/30/2026

We're looking for maintenance fellow at the refuge. Are you interested? Do you know someone who would be great for the role? Apply at their website: https://mobilizegreen.bamboohr.com/careers/946 and check out the other opportunities around the country.

10/01/2025

Due to the federal government shutdown, this account is not being actively updated.
For more information, please visit:

Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

04/21/2025

As the temperatures rise, be careful of rattlesnakes! We have seen a few out so far this year.

If you do see (or hear!) a rattlesnake, be sure to give it plenty of space and let it move along.

Video credit: Matthew Wilcox/USFWS

04/19/2025

Fun fact: There are over 3,400 petroglyphs that can be found at Cabeza Prieta!

The petroglyphs are believed to be dated to the Archaic period of 8000 BC-AD 500. and were inscribed by the indigenous peoples that lived on the land. If you’d like to witness these petroglyphs for yourself, Charlie Bell Pass is an excellent area to go to! Within 700 feet of the Charlie Bell well, there are 2700 petroglyphs to view for a true historic sight.

04/03/2025

Come join the refuge for a volunteer day at the Visitor Center!

On April 18th, from 9 AM - 12 PM, refuge staff will be installing bird-safe window treatments and new signs for the nature trail. We'd love your help.

For any questions, contact the refuge office at 520-387-6483 or [email protected]

01/30/2025

Join us this Saturday for an Astronomy Night at Bud Walker Park! Rangers from Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the refuge will be present with telescopes to provide a window into outer space!

01/28/2025

Sorry, a Red-tailed Hawk took my camera!

Luckily, it look this wonderful photo of the Pinacate Lava Flow! The Pinacate Lava Flow comes from a geologically recent volcano located just over the international border in Mexico. If you travel the El Camino del Diablo, you'll get to experience driving over the cooled, black, lava.

(Also, this photo was taken by a USFWS biologist on an aerial survey, not a bird! 😁😆)

Photo: USFWS/Greta Schmidt

01/13/2025

Check out this photo of our state bird: the Cactus Wren!

Cactus Wrens are often spotted perched on saguaros or nesting in cholla. Sounds like a prickly situation!

Photo: USFWS/Matthew Wilcox

01/11/2025

Do you love the night sky? If so, join us tonight for sunset & astronomy on Childs Mountain!

We will be leaving the Cabeza Prieta Visitor Center at 4:45 PM, 3 hours after this post!

Hope to see you there!