Desert National Wildlife Range

The Desert National Wildlife Range spans a large area in the Mojave Desert region and features mountain ridges, valleys, and open plains with sparse vegetation. The refuge is crisscrossed by access roads and open to visitors during designated periods.

The refuge was established in the 1930s to protect bighorn sheep and other desert wildlife from declining numbers. This action made it one of the largest wildlife protection areas in the nation.

Several Native American tribes used and moved through this land over centuries, and visitors can still encounter signs of their presence in certain areas. This deep connection to the desert landscape remains woven into the region's identity.

The site is best explored by car since distances are large and shade is scarce throughout the terrain. Bring plenty of water and plan your visit for early morning hours when temperatures are cooler.

The refuge supports hundreds of different animal and plant species living together in this desert landscape. This variety of life makes it an important habitat despite the harsh conditions.

Location: Clark County

Location: Nye County

Location: Lincoln County

Inception: 1936

Elevation above the sea: 1,354 m

Operator: United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/desert

GPS coordinates: 36.76670,-115.43300

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41