Pahranagat
Alamo, NV 89001
Plan Your Visit
A paradise for many species of wildlife and plants, Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge serves as an essential stopover location for waterfowl and songbirds as they migrate south in the fall and back north in the early spring along the Pacific Flyway. Located in a region of Southern Nevada that only receives 6.4 inches of rain per year, the 5,382-acre refuge is truly a unique landscape where lush wetlands and tall cottonwood trees meet the Mojave Desert. Fed by the life-giving waters of Crystal and Ash Springs, here you will find acres of lakes, marshes, and wet meadows surrounded by desert uplands and a stunning array of flora and fauna. The Refuge staff invites you to visit the refuge and experience the wonder of this desert oasis!
Pahranagat NWR allows visitors to get in close proximity to wildlife. During spring and fall migrations, thousands of waterfowl blanket the lakes and marshes in a noisy, honking commotion. The water of the streams and lakes allows cottonwood and willow trees to grow. Trees provide ideal habitat for migratory songbirds. Over 260 species of birds have been reported on the refuge, including the critically endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.
A great way to start your visit at Pahranagat NWR is by checking out the Visitor Center. Here, visitors can watch a short film about the Refuge, enjoy several interactive exhibits, and learn about the local flora and fauna from refuge staff and volunteers. Visitors can also gain more information about how to spend their time while visiting the refuge and the surrounding area from our knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Visitor Center hours change with the seasons so make sure to check before visiting!
If you're interested in exploring the refuge on foot, Pahranagat offers approximately 7 miles of hiking trails. Some trails are accessible from the visitor center and contain interactive and informational nature exhibits along the way, while others may be accessed from a number of different parking lots found throughout the refuge.
Hunting and fishing are permitted on the refuge during the prescribed season. Make sure to visit their respective pages under Activities.
For those interested in experiencing this desert oasis at night, free camping is available at the Upper Lake. For more information, please read about visitor activities below.
You can also journey through the backcountry between Pahranagat and Desert National Wildlife Refuge on Alamo Road. This route requires a high clearance vehicle, is not regularly maintained, and has no gas or other services available along the route.
Know Before You Go...
Remember Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is located in desert and only receives 6.4 inches of rain each year. It is cold in the winter and extremely hot during the summer months. It is also quite dry year-round. Fall and spring offer more comfortable temperatures, but be sure to dress appropriately for the season and bring layers! It can be cold before the sun comes up and after the sun has set. Bring snacks and plenty of water, or a refillable container that you can fill at the Visitor Center. Sunscreen is a must, and insect repellant is recommended. Most of our trails are packed gravel or dirt so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to document the beauty Pahranagat as to offer as well as binoculars so that you don’t miss out on the abundant wildlife that’s here!
Driving Directions
From Las Vegas, Nevada: Travel north on I-15 for 26 miles. Take exit 64 for US-93 (Great Basin Hwy). Continue north for 64 miles.
From Great Basin National Park, Nevada: Take US-50 west for 30 miles. Turn left onto US-93 south for 169 miles. Pass through the towns of Pioche, Caliente, and Alamo.
From Saint George, Utah: Travel south on I-15 for 68 miles. Take exit 91. Turn left onto Glendale Blvd for 0.5 miles. Turn right onto hwy 168 and continue for 24 miles. Turn right onto US-93 and travel north for 33 miles.
Activities
More Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
National Wildlife Refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. National Wildlife Refuges partner with local nonprofit organizations, volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors, and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference. Find out how you can help make American lands healthier and communities stronger while doing something personally satisfying. More than 42,000 people volunteer their time and ideas each year to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Whether they work on the land, in a visitor center, or with youth, they contribute to the conservation mission that reaches back more than a century. Become a volunteer or Refuge Friend to contribute your strength on behalf of America’s natural resources
Volunteer with Us!
At Pahranagat NWR, volunteers assist refuge staff by greeting visitors at the contact station, performing custodial duties, maintenance, and clerical work. Several volunteers from the local community have also conducted projects such as raising at risk species and taking part in biological surveys. Resident RV pads with full hookups are available for long-term Visitor Center Host and Maintenance volunteers.
To learn more about volunteering at Pahranagat NWR contact the refuge at 775-725-3417.
Services
About
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is a lush wetland oasis in the Mojave Desert, nourished by the waters of Crystal and Ash Springs. It provides critical habitat for thousands of migratory birds, including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher, as well as rare fish, deer, and diverse plant communities. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge serves as a sanctuary where visitors can experience five different habitats and connect with the rhythms of nature. It is part of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex and is recognized as an exceptional regional resource for conservation and environmental education.