U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service logo National Wildlife Refuge System Logo Celebrating a Century of Conservation
Banner graphic displaying the Fish & Wildlife Service logo, the National Wildlife Refuge System logo and the Celebrating a Century of Conservation tagline
Coachella Valley
National Wildlife Refuge
Off Interstate 10 at the Cook St exit
Riverside County, CA   
E-mail:
Phone Number: 760-348-5278
Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/coachella_valley/
Blue horizontal line
  Overview
Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Coachella Valley Refuge contains the majority of critical habitat within the Coachella Valley Preserve for the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (Uma inornata). This threatened species is restricted to the refuge dune system and a few other small areas.

The refuge also provides for the only significant acreage that is not subject to multiple uses from the recreating public; however, this system is in jeopardy as development threatens sand sources and their travel corridors.

Coachella Valley Refuge is almost entirely closed to the public to protect the Coachella Valley Federally-listed threatened fringe-toed lizard. However, there is a trail that runs through a section of the refuge available for horseback riders.


Getting There . . .
Coachella Valley Refuge is located off Interstate 10 at Cook Street exit. Planned access point is on the west side of the refuge near School Chase Road.

Get Google map and directions to this refuge/WMD from a specified address:

Your full starting address AND town and state OR zip code


Google Maps opens in a new window

NOTE: When using this feature, you will be leaving the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service domain. We do not control the content or policies of the site you are about to visit. You should always check site policies before providing personal information or reusing content.

These driving directions are provided as a general guide only. No representation is made or warranty given as to their content, road conditions or route usability or expeditiousness. User assumes all risk of use.

horizontal line


     Recreation and Education Opportunities
Learn More >>

Dark blue horizontal line

Managment Activities

Coachella Valley Refuge is currently undergoing habitat restoration.

Several stands of introduced salt cedar are being removed to allow sand movement. Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard surveys are conducted every spring and early fall.