The Refuge is closed to public access due to the sensitive nature of California condor recovery efforts and physical access limitations, like no public roads leading to the Refuge.

Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1974 for the recovery of the endangered California condor. This 2,471-acre Refuge adjoins the southern boundary of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, a component of the U.S. Forest Service, Los Padres National Forest. The 53,000-acre Sanctuary contains critical California condor nesting and roosting habitat. Strategically located adjacent to the Sanctuary, the Refuge helps buffer these nesting and roosting areas from human disturbance and protects a portion of the foraging habitat within a much larger area where the condors have historically foraged and fed. Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge also protects a variety of plant communities that provide habitat for other species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Visit Us

While the Refuge is not open to the public due to the sensitive nature of work conducted by the California Condor Recovery Program, there are opportunities for the public to visit the Refuge through volunteer workdays and guided tours provided by staff and Partners such as the Friends of California Condors Wild and Free. For more information about tours and workdays visit friendsofcondors.org.

You can also visit the Refuge virtually using the TimeLooper Xplore California Condor Recovery app available for free in the Googleand Appleapp stores.

Location and Contact Information

      Tours

      Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge north of Fillmore, CA is home to the California condor, the condor recovery program, and is the gateway to condor country. Tours for the public are offered by lottery through the Friends of California Condors Wild and Free. For more information and to get on their list, please go to friendsofcondors.org.

      Though the refuge is closed to the public and has been since its establishment due to the sensitive nature of California condor recovery activities, field trips may be arranged for educational groups and interested organizations to see these magnificent birds and their habitat. However, weather and other conditions may cancel or postpone any scheduled visitation. Scheduling and capacity is limited. To check availability please email: hoppermountain@fws.gov

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.