Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

Continuing with my travel goal this year to look at new places, my friend Joanne suggested a trip to friend Susan and I that we visit the Cabeza Prieta Wilderness visitor center in Ajo, AZ where we were now staying after a few days in Organ Pipe Cactus NP

We arrived at the visitor center and were met by the Visitor Center host who explained that there were two general wilderness areas to visit, but if we wanted to go we would need to get a permit good for 1 year ending June 30th.  Then we were told that before we could get our permit we would need to watch a video on the rules.

The permit mostly contains what you can and can not do, as well as your personal accountability while in the wilderness.  Lastly, the permit wages the government’s liability and ensure you understand by going you assume all liability.

Ah heck, we filled out the free permit anyway.

Below is the website for the wilderness area.

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/cabeza_prieta/

The following is a brief description of the wilderness area:

Above is a screen capture from the website webpage)

As I stated above, If you go you must have a permit!!!!!

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Cabeza_Prieta/visit/permits.html

Visitor Permits

To obtain an Access Permit for:
Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (CPNWR)
Barry Goldwater Range -West
Barry Goldwater Range – East (Area B)
Sonoran Desert National Monument – Area A

GO TO: https://luke.isportsman.net  

 

• Open the drop down labeled "Account Info and Registration" and select "New User Registration"
• You will be required to watch the safety video and agree to the hold harmless agreement, after which you'll be able to obtain your access permit.
• Print two copies of your permit so that you have one to keep with you and one for your vehicle.
• The permit is good through June 30, 2020.
• While you can print off the appropriate land management map from the site, hardcopy maps will be available at the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

In addition to the Hold Harmless Agreement you agreed to online, you must be familiar with local rules and regulations specific to each land management jurisdiction you access. These are located on the back of each agency's map.

The CPNWR Office is open Monday through Friday (except for holidays) 
8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Phone: 520-387-6483

Map and Additional Rules Specific for Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (right click to download or print)

Special Use Permits
These permits enable the public to engage in legitimate wildlife-related activities and ensure that such activities are carried out in a manner that safeguards wildlife. Additionally, some permits promote conservation efforts by authorizing scientific inventories and research.

At the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, wildlife comes first. For this reason, Special Use Permits are required in order to conduct the following types of activities: 

• Commercial activities
• Hunting 
• Stock animal usage 
• Vehicle groups of five or more 
• Research 

Visit the National Wildlife Refuge System web site for more information on Special Use Permits.  Additional information can be found at How to Obtain a Permit, FAQs/Facts or Application Forms. 

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I stated above that there were two general areas in the wilderness.

1. Charlie Bell Pass

2. El Camino Del Diablo Road and Trail

Photo of wilderness area brochure 

The following map depicts the total wilderness area.

- The Charlie Bell Pass is the smaller circled area to the right on the map.

- The El Camino Del Diablo Road and Trail is the larger circled area to the bottom of the map.

Photo of wilderness area brochure 

I will be reviewing both sections of the wilderness area in separate blogs.

I can tell you that I was amazed with the unspoiled vastness of the area where science from outside influences don’t exist, except for a passing airplane.

It was certainly worth the trip.

Check out my visits to both areas.

Brent

macaloney@hotspot.com