Fallon National Wildlife Refuge

Fallon National Wildlife Refuge provides limited recreation opportunities to visitors who enjoy getting away from it all. But a trip to Fallon NWR is not for the casual visitor – it takes a lot of planning and awareness to enjoy viewing the unique landscape and diverse wildlife found here. Regulation of recreation activities allows for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats. The refuge is always open, there are no entrance gates or fees, and there are no visitor facilities within the refuge boundary. There is no cell service, and most roads are either un-maintained or cross through private lands.

Vehicles should be high-clearance, 4-wheel drive, and carry a shovel or tow strap. Notify friends or family where you are going, take a GPS unit and fully charged cell phone. Carry plenty of water during hot weather.

Visitors may access the refuge via Indian Lakes Rd, to the east of Fallon off Hwy 50 at Rio Vista Road. Follow Indian Lakes Rd Northeast for about 8 miles, past a series of small impoundments to the west. The road becomes Timber Lakes Rd (unpaved, non-maintained road with no signs) and after 4 miles, you will reach a right hand eastward turn in the track. This track continues for 1 mile East where another track makes a sharp left turn North; from this point drive about 1/2 mile until you see a brown refuge sign indicating the boundary. This road continues NW into the refuge further, through a seasonal wet area called Duck Lake – and northwest towards Battleground Point (there are no site names or signs within the refuge) on the main road track or at the entry area; do not park off the road as you very possibly will become mired in the soft sand and alkali playa. No overnight parking is allowed on Fallon refuge.

Hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public. Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged, but make every effort not to disturb or harass wildlife as this is illegal. Hunting is currently allowed on the refuge, only during open state/Federal hunt seasons. Firearms and other weapons are subject to state law. At all times, persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of state law. Shotguns using nontoxic shot, archery and muzzleloading weapons may be discharged within the refuge boundary ONLY while hunting. NO target shooting is allowed.

Other prohibitions on the refuge are no fishing, no dogs off-leash, no trash disposal; no OHV/ATV/UTV vehicles; no collecting of plants, animals, minerals, antlers and artifacts.