Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Calipatria

About Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Calipatria features interpretation of the Salton Sea and its ecosystems through displays and educational programs. The refuge serves as a key location for observing birdlife, with over 400 bird species documented in the area and surrounding refuge. Visitors hike a mile-long trail to a dormant volcano offering views across the Salton Sea and its desert landscape bordered by two mountain ranges. The Visitor Center provides free eight-minute video programs explaining the roles of the wildlife refuge and the natural history of the Salton Sea. Informational books, DVDs, maps, and pamphlets are available to support visitor education. The center is staffed by volunteers who assist guests in learning about the region's unique geology, wildlife habitats, and conservation efforts. The refuge attracts birding enthusiasts during migration seasons when hundreds of thousands of shorebirds, waterfowl, and gulls inhabit the area.