Cabeza Prieta NWR is 860,000 acres (the size of Rhode Island) of boundless heat scorching desert along the Mexico/US border. There are but two "roads". To call them roads is a bit misleading. They are more like wagon trails with long stretches of rock that test the stability of the internal human anatomy. The southernmost road is called "El Camino del Diablo" or "the Devil's Highway." Needless to say, a four wheel drive vehicle, elbow and knee pads are required. Refuge literature suggests carrying two (!) spare tires. In order to get a permit to go on the refuge you must watch a 25 minute "hazard warning" video and sign a two-page "hold harmless agreement." With permit in hand, you still must call as you enter the refuge and call again once you leave. As for the bighorn sheep, there are seven mountain ranges within the refuge. Most require long hikes just to arrive at base of the mountain. There is one exception, Charlie Bell Pass. This is a 17 mile wreck of a road that the ranger suggested was my best chance to see sheep. I might also see some of the endangered sonoran pronghorn on my way. It was the perfect time of day -- late afternoon. Three hours later, no pronghorn, no sheep. But, I did see an amazing sunset and mountain lion tracks.
Cabeza Prieta NWR is 860,000 acres (the size of Rhode Island) of boundless heat scorching desert along the Mexico/US border. There are but two "roads". To call them roads is a bit misleading. They are more like wagon trails with long stretches of rock that test the stability of the internal human anatomy. The southernmost road is called "El Camino del Diablo" or "the Devil's Highway." Needless to say, a four wheel drive vehicle, elbow and knee pads are required. Refuge literature suggests carrying two (!) spare tires. In order to get a permit to go on the refuge you must watch a 25 minute "hazard warning" video and sign a two-page "hold harmless agreement." With permit in hand, you still must call as you enter the refuge and call again once you leave. As for the bighorn sheep, there are seven mountain ranges within the refuge. Most require long hikes just to arrive at base of the mountain. There is one exception, Charlie Bell Pass. This is a 17 mile wreck of a road that the ranger suggested was my best chance to see sheep. I might also see some of the endangered sonoran pronghorn on my way. It was the perfect time of day -- late afternoon. Three hours later, no pronghorn, no sheep. But, I did see an amazing sunset and mountain lion tracks.
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