WildlifeHidden gem
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
Calipatria, California
Migratory bird refuge at the south end of the Salton Sea, with a 2-mile trail up a volcano and an observation tower.
- Cost
- Free
- Booking
- No need to book
- Time to allow
- 2 hours
The refuge's visitor centre is at 906 W Sinclair Road and has maps, checklists and a bookshop. The 2-mile out-and-back Rockhill Trail climbs a volcano and gives views over the Sea. More than 400 bird species have been recorded, and Unit 1 on Bannister and Vendel Road has photo blinds and a tower.
Good to know
- Bring water, sunscreen and a hat; the refuge is 227 feet below sea level
- Call for visitor centre hours
- Best for birds in winter
- Best time
- Winter
- Open
- All year; best November-March
- Getting there
- Sealed roads, short dirt spurs
- Vehicles
- Campervans fine
- Dogs
- Dogs on a lead
Facilities
- Toilets
Data: Roadtrip. Things change: check opening times, prices and rules before you go.
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