CALIFORNIA · PLACES & PERSPECTIVES
Imperial Valley
Desert agriculture, dunes and migratory birds
Imperial Valley lies in California’s far southeast, near the Mexican border and south of the Salton Sea. Irrigated farmland sits beside stark desert terrain. It makes an interesting regional journey for visitors drawn to birdlife, landscapes and the relationship between water and agriculture.
Choose a refuge visit
The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge offers designated places to observe wildlife at the southern end of the sea. Birds and access conditions vary by season. Use current refuge maps and remain on authorized routes; agricultural fields and restoration areas are not general visitor access points.
Understand the dunes before exploring
The Imperial Sand Dunes are a major landscape east of Brawley. Some areas permit off-highway vehicles, while North Algodones Dunes Wilderness has different protections and excludes motorized travel. Select a legal viewpoint or route that matches your plans instead of assuming the entire dune field operates under one set of rules.
MAKE IT YOUR JOURNEY
Plan your visit
Plan around cooler weather and the specific places you intend to visit. Distances, fuel stops and limited shade matter even on a sightseeing drive. Check BLM permits, closures and vehicle rules for dune activities. A visit to the northeastern Salton Sea state recreation area is a different drive from the refuge at the southern end.