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Contact Us | Site Map | Southwest Region 2 Refuges | National Wildlife Refuge System | USFWS National Site

Regulations
As identified in the Code of Federal Regulations 50 CFR and Refuge Specific Regulations

Changes to the Topock Marsh seasonal closure:
The closed portion of Topock Marsh will be closed to all entry from October 1 through the last day of the State quail season to decrease disturbance to wildlife. Closed Area signs mark the boundaries.

Topock Marsh, Topock Gorge, and Havasu Wilderness form three distinct areas, each with its own attractions and regulations designed to protect the rare beauty of Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

Mobile Conveyances
Remember, refuge plant life is fragile. All mobile conveyances, including motorized vehicles (electric or gas), motorcycles, and bicycles must stay on developed roads and in designated parking areas. The wilderness area is open to foot traffic only. All mechanical transports, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorbikes, bicycles, horses, or other pack animals are prohibited.

Havasu Wilderness Area
(Marked by regulatory buoys and/or signs)
Within Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is the Havasu Wilderness Area. It stretches for 15 miles along the Colorado River from the north buoy line at river mile marker 234 (at the Interstate 40 bridge) to the south buoy line at river mile marker 219 (near Castle Rock). The Refuge has established specific boating regulations for the wilderness area. The wilderness area is open to foot traffic only. All mechanical transports, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorbikes, bicycles, horses, or other pack animals are prohibited.

Personal Watercraft
Motorized personal watercraft (PWC) such as Sea Doos, Wave Runners, and Jet Skies are not allowed in the backwaters off of the main Colorado River channel. Waterbirds such as grebes, bitterns, and herons build their nests in vegetation near open water. Wakes from PWCs can knock these nests loose from vegetation, causing mortality of nestlings or abandonment of the nest by the parents.

Air-thrust Boats
We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats or air-cooled propulsion engines, including floating aircraft.

No Wake Zones
All other watercraft allowed into these backwaters are restricted to wakeless speed or otherwise will be posted as no watercraft entry. Please respect the regulatory buoys placed in these backwaters.

Water Skiing and Recreational Towing
You cannot water ski, tube, wake board, or tow other recreational crafts from the north buoy line at Interstate 40 to the south buoy line near Castle Rock. State and Federal regulations apply in all areas on Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

Hunting Restriction (Oct. 1 to February 4)
The Havasu Wilderness Area is closed to all migratory waterfowl hunting.

Other hunting is permitted according to State regulations. The wilderness may be accessed by land or water. No hunting is permitted within a one quarter mile of the Colorado River. Please call Refuge Headquarters at (760) 326-3853 for our Hunting Brochure or to ask about designated hunting areas.

Topock Marsh
A portion of Topock Marsh is closed to all entry annually from October 1 through February 4 to decrease disturbance to wildlife. Closed Area signs mark the boundaries.

Personal Watercraft
PWC use is not allowed on Topock Marsh.

Air-thrust Boats
We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats or air-cooled propulsion engines, including floating aircraft.

Overnight Mooring and Camping
Fivemile Landing on Topock Marsh has boat slips, tent, and recreational vehicle camping available for a nominal fee.

Camping
All overnight camping is prohibited both on land and water with the exception of Fivemile Landing on Topock Marsh.

Fires
No open wood fires are allowed on the Refuge, except in the designated camping area of Fivemile Landing. Enclosed charcoal or propane fires are permitted; however, all ash shall be carried out of the Refuge and disposed of properly.

Collecting
All plants, animals, rocks, fossils, items of antiquity, archaeological resources, and minerals are protected. Possession of these objects or parts and pieces of these objects is prohibited.

Pets
Out of respect for wildlife and other visitors, as well as for your pet's safety, we require that your pet be leashed at all times. Maximum leash length is 6 feet. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.

For Your Safety
Glass containers are not allowed on the Refuge.

Carrying, possessing, or discharging a weapon is not allowed on the Refuge unless specifically authorized.

Fireworks are strictly prohibited on the Refuge and in the State of Arizona.

Accidents involving damage to property, injury to the public, or to wildlife must be reported to Refuge Headquarters.