Cibola National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 as mitigation for the straightening, channelization, and armoring of the banks of the Colorado River by the Bureau of Reclamation to prevent flooding. The purpose of the 18,444-acre refuge is to protect and recreate the marshes, backwaters, and meanders that historically provided wintering grounds for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife that natural flooding would have formed. 
Community open house for Cibola National Wildlife Refuge at Steak N Cakes in Blythe, CA on October 5, 2024 at 10am.
Community Open House

A community open house will be held at Steak N Cakes in Blythe, CA on October 5th from 10am-12pm.  

Please check our news page for more details.

Visit Us

The lower Colorado River flowing through Cibola NWR.
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National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Visitors have an opportunity to connect with nature in multiple ways. The lower Colorado River and its backwaters provide numerous outdoor recreational opportunities as well as a vital resource: water! 

Location and Contact Information

      four snow geese in flight with blue sky
      Goose Hunt Lottery Applications are Now Available!

      Applications  are accepted from September 1st - November 1st via mail or email.  Mail in applications must be postmarked by November 1st for entry into the lottery.  

      We look forward to seeing you out on the refuge!

      Our Species

      Flock of pintail on a spit of land next to the marsh.
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      Migratory birds, wintering waterfowl, and endangered and threatened species can be found at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge contains several miles of historic river channels and backwaters that provide key habitats in a changed environment. Because of the river's life-sustaining water, wildlife thrives in this environment where temperatures reach 120 degrees in the summer and the average rainfall is two inches per year. 

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