PahranagatBrochure and Map |
Brochure and Map of Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Nevada. Published by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
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Pahranagat
© U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
What is a National Wildlife Refuge?
National Wildlife refuge
Simply put, national wildlife refuges are places where wildlife comes first. With over 550 refuges
throughout the United States, the National Wildlife Refuge System is the only network of federal
lands dedicated specifically to wildlife conservation.
The Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex
© Southern Nevada Agency Partnership
Southern Nevada has four national wildlife refuges all within an hour and a half drive from
Las Vegas: Desert, Pahranagat, Moapa Valley, and Ash Meadows. Many wildlife refuges, like
Pahranagat NWR, were established to protect and enhance the resting and feeding grounds of
migratory birds, creating a chain of stepping stones along major migration routes. Others, like
Desert, Moapa Valley, and Ash Meadows, were established to conserve the natural homes of our
rarest wild species, including desert bighorn sheep, unique wildflowers, and rare desert fish.
of colorful song birds
and a diversity
of ducks and
other waterfowl
passing through the refuge.
Cast a line for fish or enjoy
a paddle across one of the
lakes. Or, simply stop by the
refuge to walk the surrounding
trails and enjoy the shade of the
cottonwoods and willows.
Get away from the rush and noise of the city. The national wildlife refuges in southern Nevada
allow you to experience a real sense of wilderness, marvel at the beauty of the Mojave Desert,
watch rare wildlife in their native habitat, and know it will be here for generations to come.
America’s Great Outdoors
- William Shakespeare
© Southern Nevada Agency Partnership
Vicinity Map
© U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
“One touch of nature makes
the whole world kin.”
PAHRANAGAT
NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGE
(
Ä
Refuge Regulations
(
/
ASH MEADOWS
NATIONAL
WILDLIFE
REFUGE
The lakes and marshes are home to rare and endangered aquatic and bird species. Please
keep them and their home safe - no swimming or wading.
Boating
Only non-motorized boats or boats with
electric motors are permitted on Upper
Lake, Middle Marsh Unit and Lower Lake
throughout the year. An area to launch
small craft is located on the southeastern
side of the Upper Lake. Please be sure
that water craft have been thoroughly
cleaned, drained and dried to prevent the
introduction of quagga mussels and other
non-native aquatic life.
© Southern Nevada Agency Partnership
Camping
Indian
Springs
§
¦
¨
15
North
(
Ä
Las Las Vegas
Vegas
Henderson
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
(775) 725-3417
Horseback riding is not allowed on the refuge. Please help prevent the spread of invasive
plants by riding your horse in areas outside of the refuge.
Only street legal vehicles are allowed in the refuge – no all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Please
protect wildlife habitat - stay on designated public access roads.
Cooking fires are allowed in campsite grills. Check for any fire restrictions that may be
in place before making a fire. Please bring all of your own firewood – the downed wood
provides habitat for wildlife and returns nutrients to the soil.
About the Southern Nevada
Agency Partnership
Firearms and weapons may only be discharged during legal hunting activities. Transportation
and possession of firearms must be in accordance with federal and Nevada state laws.
The Southern Nevada Agency Partnership
Explosives and fireworks are not permitted.
Fourteen primitive lakeside campsites
are available free of charge along Upper
Pahranagat Lake on the refuge. Sites
are available on a first-come, first-serve
basis (no reservations). A few sites can
accommodate multiple tents, camping
trailers or RVs. No electrical, water or
waste treatment facilities are available.
Vault toilets (no flush) are provided.
Visitors may stay for a maximum of
fourteen days.
is a partnership of four federal land
management agencies: Bureau of Land
Enjoy the petroglyphs, pictographs, fossils, and archaeological sites, but take only pictures.
Don’t remove any artifacts - it not only prevents future visitors from being able to enjoy
them, but is also a violation of federal law.
Management (BLM), National Park
Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS), and U.S. Forest Service
(USFS). The agencies work with one
another, the local communities, and many
organizations to conserve and enhance
© Kurt Kuznicki
Hunting of geese, ducks, coots, moorhens,
quail, snipes and rabbits is permitted on
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in the
refuge’s public hunting areas (generally south
end of refuge) during the official hunting
season. Dove hunting is permitted daily
during the regular hunting season (typically
September). Please inquire with refuge
staff or online at ndow.org for a full listing
of Nevada regulations and annual dates for
hunting seasons.
© Southern Nevada Agency Partnership
Hunting
Domesticated animals can carry diseases fatal to their wild relatives. They are often illadapted to survive on their own and may eat some of the native species. If you have a cat,
goldfish, or any other pet you can no longer take care of, please find a new home for it away
from the refuge – no animal dumping.
the federal lands of southern Nevada for
© U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The abundance of wetlands on the refuge
supports a large and diverse population of
wildlife. As one of the most popular birding
locations in southern Nevada, visitors can
expect to see several species of waterfowl
and song birds throughout the year. Hikers
exploring during the early morning or evening
hours often see some of the refuge’s many
mule deer.
© Southern Nevada Agency Partnership
Wildlife Observation
MOAPA VALLEY
NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGE
For more information about
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge,
including volunteer stewardship
opportunities, regulations and any permit
requirements, please visit us at
www.snap.gov or contact:
Please help keep your refuge clean - pack out all garbage and food waste.
© U.S. Fish & WIldlife Service
Catfish, carp, and largemouth bass may be
found in the Upper Lake as well as many
other areas of the refuge. Fish can also
be found in a pond just north of Whin Dike.
The North Marsh is closed to fishing from
the first of October to the first of February.
168
Even the best behaving pet can unintentionally scare or harm our wildlife. Please keep your
pet leashed at all times and remember to clean up after them.
© U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The three mile Upper Lake Trail encircles the
lake and provides an excellent opportunity to
see waterfowl throughout the year. Running
between the Upper Lake Trail and the
refuge’s headquarters, the Davenport Trail
climbs into drier desert habitat of the refuge
and offers several scenic overlooks. Hiking is
also available on roads throughout the refuge.
© U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Fishing
93
95
160
Hiking
(
/
(
Ä
DESERT
NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGE
373
Refuge Recreation
2012
© U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Nevada
© U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, established in
1963, preserves important habitat for birds migrating
through eastern Nevada. Birds traveling from as far
away as Alaska and Central America make use of the
refuge’s abundant food resources and nesting habitats.
Visit this unique oasis during the spring and fall
migrations for the best chance to see festive displays
© U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Few landscapes are as contrasting as Pahranagat
Valley’s lush wetlands and the surrounding Mojave
Desert. Life-giving waters from Crystal and Ash Springs
flow through the valley, nourishing the Pahranagat
National Wildlife Refuge and offering ideal wetland
and riparian habitats for thousands of migratory birds,
numerous birds of prey, deer, and rare fish.
© U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
© U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Wilderness in Your Backyard
current and future generations.
About Friends of
Nevada Wilderness
Friends of Nevada Wilderness is a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated
to protecting Nevada’s wild heritage. We
inform the public about the importance of
Nevada’s public lands, and team up with
Life in the Valley
federal land management agencies and
People of Pahranagat Valley
volunteers—people just like you—to care for
Nevada’s wild places. Together, we work
Crystal and Ash Springs, located north of the refuge, make the wetlands and
riparian areas of Pahranagat Valley possible. The source of these springs is water
rising from an aquifer deep underground in porous carbonate rocks.
Bulrush grows in marshes, providing nesting habitat and cover for migratory waterfowl, such as
redheads, gadwalls and mallard ducks. These birds feed on aquatic plants, algae, beetles and snails.
Cottonwoods and willows flourish along the shorelines and provide cover for yellow warblers,
vermilion flycatchers, and other song birds. During spring, the endangered southwestern
willow flycatcher also uses this vegetation for breeding and foraging. Red-tailed hawks
nesting in cottonwood trees feed their young with the valley’s bounty of voles and mice.
In winter, bald eagles soar above the lakes, looking for fish or ducks while golden
eagles scan the wider landscape for cottontails and jackrabbits.
to heal wildlife habitat, maintain trails, and
Named Pahranagat by Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), the valley has been the inspiration for vibrant
human activity for thousands of years. The abundance of fresh water, game for hunting, and the
potential for irrigation supported a flourishing culture. Numerous rock etchings, or petroglyphs, can
be found throughout the valley. One common image is known today as Pahranagat Man. With a
tradition of respect and care for the land, Nuwuvi maintain their strong ties to Pahranagat Valley.
protect natural resources for current and
future generations. Join us today, and make
a difference that lasts a lifetime.
Horse thieves from Arizona and Utah began entering the valley during the mid-1860s. Making use
of the valley’s rich vegetation and water, rustlers rested their stolen herds before traveling on
to California. The 1870s saw the arrival of settlers who found markets for farming goods in the
silver mining camps north of the valley. A stone structure from this time period still remains on the
refuge. Small windows, a single entrance, and thick walls indicate the need for security during the
early lawless days of the valley. Pahranagat Valley continues to attract people today due to the
valley’s rural lifestyle and the outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities that it offers.
Map Disclaimer
SNAP gives no warranty, expressed or
implied, as to the accuracy, completeness,
timeliness, or adequacy of the contents
of this map, and distribution of this map
does not constitute any such warranty.
© Southern Nevada Agency Partnership
The abundant water resources of the refuge also draw a number of mammals. Mule deer and coyotes
wandering the refuge’s meadows and treed areas can be seen during the early and late hours of the
day. Bring binoculars and enjoy the diversity of wildlife found at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge.
SNAP reserves the right to make changes,
corrections, or improvements at any time
without notice. Boundaries depicted on
this map are for information only and
may not be suitable for legal, engineering,
or surveying purposes. Private lands
may have access restrictions; obtain
permission before entering private land.
Protect the Wilderness: Minimize Your Impact
Conditions of backcountry roads vary
seasonally and with weather conditions;
check with the local ranger station or
In order to protect the
unspoiled wild nature of
wilderness for future visitors,
it is crucial to minimize
the impact of your visit by
following these general Leave
No Trace principles:
Plan Ahead & Prepare
Leave What You Find
Respect Wildlife
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you will
visit. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or
historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other
natural objects as you find them.
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not feed, follow or
approach animals.
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Concentrate use on existing footpaths, washes, and campsites
Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter
including toilet paper. Leave the site cleaner than you find it.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry.
Instead, consider using a lightweight stove for cooking or even
try “no cook” meals. Be aware of seasonal fire restrictions.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their
experience. Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud
voices and noises.
visitor center for current road conditions.
© Southern Nevada Agency Partnership
Leave No Trace
of Your Visit
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INTERSTATE 15 - 56.6 MI.
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115° 15'
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115° 00'
168
LEGEND
Las Las Vegas
Vegas
Henderson
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE BOUNDARY
STREAM - PERENNIAL
PIT - GRAVEL / SAND / CLAY
FEDERALLY ADMINISTERED LAND
REFUGE HEADQUARTERS
LOCATED OR LANDMARK OBJECT
SECTION LINE
INFORMATION KIOSK
TANKS / TOWER (Small)
7.5' QUAD BOUNDARY
PARKING
POWER SUBSTATION (Small)
HIGHWAY
CAMPGROUND
SPRING / SEEP
ROAD - PAVED
RESTROOMS
ROAD - UNPAVED
TRAILHEAD
ROUTE SUBJECT TO SEASONAL RESTRICTIONS
PICNIC AREA
TRAIL - NON-MOTORIZED USE
REST AREA
CONTOUR - INDEX - 600' INTERVAL
PHOTO BLIND
MARSH / WETLAND
CONTOUR - INTERMEDIATE - 120' INTERVAL
PEAK / SUMMIT
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
CONTOUR - DEPRESSION - 120' INTERVAL
POWER TRANSMISSION LINE
UTM TIC / GRID
LAKE OR POND - PERENNIAL
LAKE OR POND - INTERMITTENT
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
PRIVATE OR UNDESIGNATED
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NATIONAL
WILDLIFE
REFUGE
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19
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MAP SCALE 1:31,680
23
PAHRANAGAT
NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGE
373
3618
4164
22
DESERT
NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGE
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