Marker
  • Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
    906 West Sinclair Road Calipatria, CA 92233-9744
  • The refuge trails are open from sunrise to sunset. The days and hours for the visitor center, which is located at the Rock Hill Unit, may vary based on availability of staff and volunteers. The visitor center is closed on all national holidays.

    Driving Directions

    From Interstate 10 East, take the Highway 86S exit towards Brawley/El Centro.  Continue south on Highway 86S for approximately 15 miles.  Turn left of Route 195, also called 66th Avenue.  At the next stop sign, turn right onto Highway 111 and continue south for approximately 60 miles.  Once you pass through Niland, continue south 4 miles to Sinclair Road and turn right.  Head west of Sinclair Road until you arrive to the Refuge Headquarters parking lot.  Sinclair Road ends at this point.  

    From Interstate 10 West, take the Dillon Rd. exit south towards Highway 86S.  Head south on Highway 86S approximately 15 miles.  Turn on Route 195, also called 66th Ave.  At the next stop sigh, turn right onto Highway 111 and continue south for approximately 60 miles.  Once you pass through Niland, continue south 4 miles to Sinclair Road and turn right.  Head west on Sinclair Road until you come to the Refuge sign.  Sinclair Road ends at this point. 

    Coming from either direction on Interstate 8, exit onto Forrester Road.  Travel north towards the town of Westmorland.  Continue north through Westmorland on Forrester Road, which turns into Gentry Road.  Continue north on Gentry Road until you see the Refuge sign and parking area.  Gentry Road ends at this point. 

    Summer (May/June - October): Visitor Center is closed but trails are open.
    Visitor Center
    Closed
    Trails, Observation Platforms, & Bathrooms
    Sunrise to Sunset
    Winter (November - April): Both Visitor Center & trails are open
    Visitor Center: Tuesday to Sunday (hours variable upon Volunteer availability)
    8 a.m.-3:30 pm
    Trails, Observation Platforms, & Bathrooms
    Sunrise to Sunset