Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Many visitors are drawn to the refuge by the colorful and sometimes rare bird species seen here. The many wetlands provide fresh water for a diversity of wildlife found in the otherwise arid Chihuahuan Desert.
The refuge supports wildlife-related activities such as wildlife watching and nature trails, wildlife photography and hunting. Exploring San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge takes an adventurer’s spirit. Its remoteness can make accessibility challenging. The refuge is currently open to non-motorized traffic only and refuge gates remain closed and locked.
Fees
There is no charge to visit.
Points of Interest
Visitors are encouraged to stop by the refuge headquarters building for information on the San Bernardino or Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge.
Know Before You Go
Keep the following in mind when planning your trip to the refuge:
- This is a large and dry landscape so be sure to carry plenty of water.
- Because of its remoteness and proximity to Mexico, certain portions of the refuge do not have cell phone reception within the United States. Cell phone connections to Mexico are likely, which require international calling charges.
- Many of the people you encounter may not speak English.
- Unattended vehicles could be damaged or stolen.
- Remote areas of the refuge can encourage illegal activity. Be aware of your surroundings and make note of landmarks in case you need to be able to describe it to a law enforcement official.
- Because of law enforcement pursuits, there is the possibility of high-speed driving on the refuge. Expect drivers to be distracted.
Visitor Tips
Wildlife photography:
While there are no permanent photo blinds on the refuge, the natural landscape and numerous wetlands provide many opportunities for photographers to get some amazing photos. San Bernardino’s amazing landscape and wildlife make it a favorite among nature photographers.
Trails
Black Draw Trail
Open Season: Open weekdays during daylight hours. Portions of the trail may be close during times of possible flooding.
Length: 2.2 miles
Location of trail: Main entrance gate or from Slaughter Ranch
Surface: Natural
This trail leads visitors through every habitat type found on the refuge including wetlands, desert grassland, mesquite bosque (forest) and more. There is an observation deck on the overlook at the west mesa and interpretive panels at various locations along the trail.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Locations
The headquarters is located separately from the refuge about 12 miles north of Douglas along Highway 191.The physical street address is 7628 North Highway 191, West San Gabriel Road.
GPS coordinates to the refuge headquarters are 31.50366, -109.65578.
GPS coordinates for the refuge main gate are 31.34564, -109.28284.
From Douglas to the refuge headquarters:
The headquarters are located on Highway 191 approximately 11.3 miles north of the Highway 80 and Highway 191 junction, four miles west of Douglas.
From Douglas to the refuge:
From 15th Street, go east (15th St. becomes Geronimo Trail). The refuge is approximately 14.5 miles east of Douglas on Geronimo Trail.
From Interstate 10 East to the refuge:
Take exit 303 at Benson. Drive through Benson and follow signs to Tombstone. Almost three miles south of Tombstone, turn left onto Davis Road. Stay on Davis Road for 26 miles. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Highway 191. The entrance to the refuge headquarters is seven miles south of Davis Road on the right hand side of Highway 191. The Office is one mile west of Highway 191.
From Interstate 10 West to the refuge:
Take exit 5 at Road Forks, New Mexico. Stay on Highway 80 through Douglas and turn right at Highway 191. Approximately 11.3 miles turn left onto the refuge headquarters entrance road. The headquarters is one mile west.