Desert National Wildlife Range
The Desert National Wildlife Range is the largestnational wildlife refuge in the lower 48, encompassing 1.5 million acres of the Mojave Desert. It forms one of the largest blocks of desert (Nelson) bighorn sheep habitat remaining in the southwest. The range’s wide variety of flora provides ideal habitat for many animals, including mule deer, elk, eared grebes, bats, western banded geckos, and Great Basin collared lizards.
CONTACT
Fish and Wildlife Service
6001 Corn Creek Rd., Las Vegas
fws.gov/desertcomplex
702-879-6110
DIRECTIONS
The field station can be reached via U.S. 95 about 25 miles north of Las Vegas. A brown sign on the east side of the highway near milepost 101 marks the four-mile gravel road.

Highland Range Crucial
Bighorn Habitat
The habitat was set aside for the protection and propagation of desert (Nelson) bighorn sheep, and public access is prohibited. However, the area’s eastern boundary follows U.S. 95, and bighorn sheep can be seen from the road.
CONTACT
4765 West Vegas Dr., Las Vegas
702-647-5000
DIRECTIONS
From Las Vegas, 45 miles south on U.S. 95.

Ash Meadows National
Wildlife Refuge
Ash Meadows is a desert wetland ecosystem providing habitat for at least 25 species found nowhere else in the world. Thirteen species are endangered or threatened, such as the bald eagle and peregrine falcon, and most depend on the isolated springs and wetlands. During winter, marshes and reservoirs are ideal for spotting a large variety of birds like eared grebes, and desert (Nelson) bighorn sheep are occasionally spotted at Point of Rocks and Devil’s Hole.
CONTACT
Fish and Wildlife Services 610 Spring Meadows Rd., Amargosa Valley
fws.gov/desertcomplex
775-372-5435
DIRECTIONS
From Las Vegas, 86 miles north on U.S. 95. State Route 373 to Spring Meadow Road, five miles east to refuge headquarters

Pahranagat National
Wildlife Refuge
The name Pahranagat comes from the Paiute Indian word meaning “valley of shining waters. ”The refuge was established to provide habitat for migratory birds. The abundance and diversity of birds is highest—and viewing opportunities are at their best—during spring and fall migrations when songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey pass through. The refuge is home to endangered species such as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and desert tortoises.
CONTACT
Fish and Wildlife Services Mile post 32,
U.S. 93, Alamo
fws.gov/desertcomplex
775-725-3417
DIRECTIONS
From Las Vegas, 21 miles north on Interstate 15 to exit 64, U.S. 93 70 miles north. Follow signs to refuge headquarters.

Railroad Valley Wildlife
Management Area
This wetland is a prime place to view more than 100 species of migratory birds, including eared grebes, waterfowl, and non-game birds. Chimney Springs, Locke’s Pond, Big Well Ponds, and Blue Eagle Pond are accessible via dirt roads.
CONTACT
Battle Mountain BLM Field Office50
Bastian Rd., Battle Mountain
blm.gov/nv
775-635-4000
DIRECTIONS
From Tonopah, U.S. 6 east 94 miles
(halfway to Ely).

Ash Springs Wildlife Area (2)
Ash Springs is one of the few remaining desert oases in Nevada. Spring-fed mineral pools provide habitat for endangered white fish, and the area is great for bird watching.
CONTACT
Ely BLM Field Office HC 33, Box 33500, Ely
blm.gov/nv
775-289-1800
DIRECTIONS
From Las Vegas, 21 miles north on Interstate 15 to exit 64, U.S. 93 81 miles north.

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge
The 163,000-acre Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge supports nearly 400 species in habitats ranging from freshwater and brackish water marshes to alkali playas, salt desert shrub lands, and sand dunes. Common barn owls frequent parts of the refuge, especially those parts near ranches and farms. Anaho Island, 50 miles west of Stillwater at Pyramid Lake, is home to one of the largest American white pelican breeding colonies in the western United States. The island is closed to the public, but birdwatchers have miles of open shoreline for viewing.
CONTACT
Fish and Wildlife Services
1000 Auction Rd., Fallon
fws.gov/stillwater
775-428-6452
DIRECTIONS
From Fallon, five miles east on U.S. 50. Turn left onto Stillwater Road and follow the watchable wildlife signs to the refuge entrance, 15 miles.

Walker Lake Recreation
Management Area
Nevada’s second largest natural lake
(Pyramid Lake is the largest), Walker is a regular stop for many migratory birds including the common loon and eared grebe. Snow geese and white pelicans frequent the lake as well.
CONTACT
Carson City BLM Field Office 5665
Morgan Mill Rd., Carson City
blm.gov/nv
775-885-6000
DIRECTIONS
From Fallon, 75 miles south on U.S. 95.
Walker Lake is along the highway.