Description

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, covers 5,380 acres along a ten-mile section of Pahranagat Valley. The refuge includes a spring-fed riparian valley corridor with a series of broad, shallow lakes, brushy thickets, bulrush and cattail marshes, native grass meadows, and large cottonwood trees, all of which are surrounded by Mojave Desert scrub. These wetlands in the desert support a great variety of wildlife, and the refuge is an important stopping point for waterfowl and other migratory birds.

The refuge, located in the Pacific Flyway, was established in 1963 to provide and protect riparian habitat for migratory waterfowl and other migratory gamebird species in this arid area. In this respect, the refuge has been great a success, and more than 230 species of birds have been recorded.

Historically, the White River flowed through the Pahranagat Valley, but now the riverbed generally is dry and water in the valley comes from large, thermal springs. Water is captured on the refuge in four main impoundments: North Marsh, Upper Pahranagat Lake, Middle Marsh, and Lower Pahranagat Lake. Maynard Lake, a narrow lake in the canyon at the southern edge of the refuge, occasionally has water during wet years.

Recreational opportunities on the Refuge include birding, wildlife observation, camping, fishing, and hunting. Camping and picnicking are permitted along the east shoreline of Upper Lake. Birders need to realize that this area is hunted and fished.

Location

The Pahranagat Valley is located about 90 miles northeast of Las Vegas on Highway 93 in Lincoln County.

To get to Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge from Las Vegas, drive north on Interstate 15 to Highway 93. Turn left onto Highway 93, and drive north for 58.2 miles to the southern boundary of the refuge at Maynard Lake (Table 1, Site 700). Continue north past Lower Lake (61.6 miles), Middle Marsh (65.6 miles), and Upper Lake to the turnoff to Upper Lake (69.5 miles), which is just past the lake itself (Site 701). If you are watching the highway signs, this turnoff is 3.7 miles before (south of) Alamo.

With a 70-mph speed limit on this 2-lane road, it takes about 1 hour to get to Upper Lake from the Interstate. There are several viewpoints along the highway were you can safely pull off the pavement, park, and look down on the lakes. Each of the lakes has an access road (the old highway) that parallels the main highway. Access to Middle Marsh and Lower Lake is prohibited during some times of year.

Hours

Always open.

Fees

None.

Specialties

Birding is best during the spring and fall migrations when large numbers of songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and raptors can be seen. Winter waterfowl birding is good too. Common ducks include Pintail, Cinnamon and Green-wing Teal, Mallard, and Redhead.

Coots always seem to be abundant. Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and White-faced Ibis can be found around the lakes and in the marshes. Black-necked Stilts, American Avocets, Spotted Sandpipers, Wilson's Phalaropes, and other shorebirds are found feeding in shallow water and on the edges of the lakes. Greater Sandhill Cranes can be seen during spring (February and March) and fall (October and November) migrations. Hawks are common during winter, as are Bald and Golden Eagles. During spring and summer, the cottonwood and willow trees provide habitat for nesting warblers, orioles, and flycatchers. Open fields in and around the refuge attract Loggerhead Shrikes, Western Meadowlarks, Mourning Doves, various species of blackbirds, Gambel's quail, Greater Roadrunners, and various species of sparrows. Watch for unusual species too, such as the Reddish Egret seen during September 2004.

For More Information

Visit the refuge website, call 775.725.3417, or write the refuge manager at: Refuge Manager; Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge; Box 510; Alamo, NV 89001.

A bird list is available online, and copies are placed at the refuge office and information kiosks throughout the refuge.