Cibola National Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Blythe

This is a great place to bird watch in the Arizona/California backwoods.

The drive to Cibola Wildlife Refuge is a bit out of the way, but entirely worth the drive. Located 15+ miles south of I-10 outside Blythe, be prepared to drive on some semi-rough road and over a short, but nerve wracking bridge to get there.

It is very worth the trek. You are greeted by the Visitor Center which has several nice displays including a hands-on area. When we visited a staff member was available to answer questions.

Outside you will find a recently updated overlook that has a free scope to check out the nearby marshy area. There are a couple of small walking trails to get a closer view.

The refuge also has a loop to drive and spot birds/wildlife. While you have to remain in your car, we really enjoyed this. On our trip we saw many waterfowl, some burrowing owls, kestrels, mule deer and more. It was a wonderful experience..even with our visit during the non-busy season. Pack binoculars for everyone in the car for the best experience.

I will definitely be back with my family during the busy fall &...

This place was magical in its own way. It's right in the middle of farmland so there are farmers driving around and tractors going back and forth yet there are thousands and thousands of birds doing what they do best, being birds. I saw big flocks of blackbirds, geese, gackles, orioles, some hummingbirds, an egret, a burrowing owl trying to coax a yearling out of the burrow, and many other birds I could not identify. This was peaceful and exactly what I needed. It's a quick drive away from the freeway and the loop is only a few miles but well worth it in my opinion. There's also a short and easy trail to walk so it is very accessible, even to those that have mobility limitations. It's a simple place that is a great testament to the cooperation between agriculture and restored...

So, I’m absolutely at a loss here. There is no water for any waterfowl that is listed in the pamphlet as a regular visitor in the spring. I did the nature trail and there were swampy patches but again absolutely no standing water at the lookout. I saw several kestrels, ibis, vultures, western cattle egret, ,and redwing blackbirds so giving a two star instead of a one star.. There should be something on the website that advises not to visit during this time of year as even the visitor center is closed and doesn’t reopen until November. Oh, and it would be nice if you would keep your flush toilets unlocked during the hours the auto loop is open. Just a thought…

May try to come back when I swing through this way again but huge...