Field Trip to the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

Hosted by Refuge staff from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Thursday, October 17, 2024

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff from the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) invite you on a tour to view the habitat, wildlife observation opportunities, and interesting geologic features that the Refuge has to offer. You will have the chance for a slightly behind the scenes tour of our managed freshwater wetlands and farm fields. In October there will be opportunities to view a diverse array of waterbird species that are migrating through the area. The tour will continue to the Refuge headquarters where we will embark on a 2-mile roundtrip walk through a desert upland area, past a farm field, freshwater pond, and will terminate at Rock Hill, a small active volcanic feature. The 65-foot elevation gain atop Rock Hill offers panoramic views of the Salton Sea and of the agricultural and geothermal activities within the northern Imperial Valley.

 

October temperatures can remain warm with temperatures in the upper 80’s and low 90’s so bring plenty of water and sun protective clothing.  Although the trails are considered easy to moderate, we recommend good closed toed walking shoes. The Refuge can offer a few binoculars and spotting scopes, but it is recommended that you bring your own if you have them. Most of the birds are skittish of humans and must be viewed from a distance. 

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Bring your own lunch and enjoy a respite at our picnic area at the Refuge headquarters and time in the small Refuge Visitor Center and gift shop operated by the Refuge’s non-profit Friend’s Group, the Sea and Desert Interpretive Association. Proceeds from gift shop sales directly benefit Refuge programs. 

 

ITINERARY 

8am: Meet at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Unit 1, Parking area, located on Vendel Road a dirt road 2.1 miles north of the intersection of Bannister Rd and Vendel Rd. https://maps.app.goo.gl/X6QXqtNptUkLqrTP8

10am: Drive to the Refuge headquarters; 906 W. Sinclair Rd., Calipatria, CA 92233.

11am: Walk Rock Hill Trail, 2 miles round trip, with a ~65-foot elevation gain. 

12:30pm: Lunch at Refuge picnic area.

1:00pm:  Shop at Refuge Visitor Center and interact with Refuge Staff. 

1:30pm: Tour Concludes. 

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OTHER LOGISITICS:

The only facilities at Unit 1 is a single pit toilet. The Refuge headquarters offers flush toilets and potable water. All trails are ABA accessible except for the hike up Rock Hill. Tour is capped at 50 people.