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 on Route 195 (also called 66th Ave). 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 on 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 left on Route 195 (also called 66th Ave). 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 on Sinclair Road until you come to the Refuge sign (Sinclair Road ends at this point).

From Interstate 8 (coming from either direction), 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 Rd. ends at this point).

At the Visitor Center

Your first stop should be at the Visitor Center, located at the junction of Sinclair and Gentry Roads. The Center is surrounded by agriculture fields, the Salton Sea, and Alamo river and freshwater wetland habitats. Inside, you will find a bird diorama and a bookstore. Proceeds from the sale of books and other educational items benefit the Refuge’s educational programs.

Outside, a self-guided trail will introduce you to the habitats found in a desert ecosystem. There is also an observation tower and picnic area located near the main parking lot. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., April through September. In October through March, the Visitor Center is open Monday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset.

The Visitor Center is closed on all national holidays.