Palm Canyon in Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
The canyon is the last place in Arizona where native California palm trees grow in their natural habitat. The last mile of the approach road climbs gradually and ends at a parking area, high enough to enjoy views over a huge area of the surrounding Sonoran Desert.
Birds are numerous most of the year in Palm Canyon.
The Palm Canyon Trail is a moderately easy, half-mile trail that winds up toward the base of the canyon.
Site Information
Region: West Coast
County: Yuma
Directions: The unpaved track to Palm Canyon leaves Hwy 95 nineteen miles south of Quartzsite. The first 3 miles are bumpy, graded and relatively wide, up to the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge boundary. The remaining 4 miles are narrower but smoother, climbing gently towards the end.
Latitude: 33.3605
Longitude: -114.1061
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: Visitor Center open Mon-Fri 8:00am - 4:30pm; road open 24/7
Admission or Fees: None
Habitats: Desert
Know Before You Go
Restrooms are available Monday – Friday during normal business hours at the Refuge Headquarters/Visitor Center in Yuma, AZ. There are no other restroom facilities located on the refuge.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Canyon Wren, Costa’s Hummingbird, Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Charismatic: American Kestrel, Anna’s Hummingbird, Lesser Goldfinch, Loggerhead Shrike, Phainopepla, Verdin
Contact Information
US Fish & Wildlife Service
9300 E. 28th Street
Yuma, AZ 85365
Phone: 928-783-7861
Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kofa/visit-us
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L607688
