Desert National Wildlife Refuge

As the largest refuge outside of Alaska, Desert NWR is an excellent place to visit, whether for a day trip or a longer stay. Desert NWR is more than twice the size of Rhode Island – here are some highlights of different destinations to get you started to explore the refuge.

Some activities include:
• Camping
  Camping is an excellent way to experience the refuge, and we offer several options at Desert NWR, all fee-free.

  Desert Pass Campground, located on Mormon Well Road, has six primitive camp sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad, and vault toilets are available. Like most of the refuge, there is no water available, so please make sure to bring all you need.

  Backcountry and car camping are also available throughout the refuge.

• Hiking
  There are many hiking opportunities throughout Desert NWR.

  Corn Creek has five shorter trails, three of which are ADA accessible. Please see the Corn Creek Trail Map for more information.

  Other hiking opportunities in the refuge are in the backcountry. There are a few favorite hikes highlighted in Places to See, and visitors are welcome to hike throughout the refuge.

  Detailed topographic maps are available for purchase at the Visitor Center, or you can view the Southern and Northern maps online.

• Hunting
  We recognize that hunting is a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage. Hunting can instill a unique understanding and appreciation of wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs.

  Each year a limited number of hunting tags are issued for bighorn sheep.

  For more information, please see Hunting Regulations.

• Wildlife Viewing and Photography
  Wildlife viewing and photography is one of the highlights to visiting a National Wildlife Refuge!

  Desert NWR is considered to be one of the best birding sites in southern Nevada, with over 320 species seen on the refuge.

  In addition to the multitude of birds, there are also 32 species of amphibians and reptiles and 51 species of mammals, including the desert bighorn sheep the refuge was established for. See Tips for Sighting Bighorn Sheep for suggestions on how you might see some of these elusive creatures.

  Add in the over 500 species of plants and seven mountain ranges, and the photographic possibilities are endless on the refuge.

• Junior Duck Stamp Program
  The Junior Duck Stamp Program is a way for students to learn about waterfowl, wetlands, and conservation through art.