Description

The Moapa Valley is a broad, flat valley set in dry Mojave Desert Scrub between two limestone mountains ranges. Water emerges from several springs, including hot springs at about 88°F, in the upper end of the valley to create a fairly large riparian and oasis area. Water from the springs converges downstream to form a fairly large stream (the Moapa River). People have lived in the area for thousands of years, and much of the land is now used for farmland or pasture. Much of the rest of the valley is thickets of fan palms, date palms, and honey mesquite.

At the upper end of the valley, the US Fish and Wildlife Service manages the Moapa National Wildlife Refuge, and the Southern Nevada Water Authority manages the Warm Springs Preserve. The road between the two areas provides birding opportunities for people willing to look over the fence.

The Wildlife Refuge area (west of the road) was an old resort with hot springs, pools, buildings, palm trees, and brushy thickets. This area is now closed to the public, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service has been working to restore the oasis. I'm not sure when they expect to reopen the area to the general public, but it is now open only on special occasions such at Public Lands Day.

The Warm Springs Preserve area (east of the road) was part of the resort, and the Water Authority is working to restore the area with plans to open it to the public

Bird the area by walking the road, being careful of the traffic. The road is posted at 25 mph, but don't bet your life that people drive the speed limit. The shoulders are narrow, so pay attention to the traffic. Traffic generally is light, so you can bird the rest of the valley by driving slowly and stopping to investigate interesting spots from the road.

Location

The Moapa National Wildlife Refuge is located northwest of Moapa, about 1.25 hours from Las Vegas.

Hours

The road is always open (well, sort of). It probably should be considered day-use only. The Wildlife Refuge is open only on special occasions, and the Warm Springs Preserve is not yet open to the public.

Fees

None.

Specialties

The area is good for desert species such as Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Verdin, Black Phoebe, Gambel's Quail, and Lucy's Warbler, and migrants such as Red-shouldered Hawk, Killdeer, Hooded Oriole, sparrows, and warblers. Watch for the endemic fish (Moapa Dace, Moapa White River Springfish) and snails (Moapa Pebblesnails) too.