The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is located in California’s Imperial Valley, 40 miles north of the Mexican border, along the southern end of the Salton Sea. The refuge has two separate managed units, 18 miles apart, each one bordered by the Salton Sea on the north and by farmlands on the east, south,
Maybe — confirm before you go.
This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 760-348-5278 · Jonathan_Shore@fws.gov
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Dewey Road, Brandt Road, Merkly Road, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Often restricted to protect wildlife — many refuges limit or prohibit pets. Check this refuge before you go.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Wildlife Refuge land.
Nearby sites
Bureau of Land Management / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Land Management Dos Palmas Preserve
CheckThis Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
Bradshaw Trail National Back Country Byway
CheckThis Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
