Desert National Wildlife Refuge is the largest wildlife refuge outside of Alaska and protects the largest intact habitat for the Desert Bighorn Sheep in the Mojave desert.
Attention: Changes to Entry to Desert National Wildlife Refuge

The schedule for public entry to the Desert National Wildlife Refuge has changed to protect wildlife, improve visitor experiences, ensure the safety of staff and visitors, and increase security of facilities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service implemented the change incrementally to enable visitors to adjust.

Visitors may enter the refuge between 4:00 a.m. and sunset. An automatic access gate was installed on Corn Creek Road in January 2023, and is now fully operational. The gate opens at approximately 4:00 a.m. and closes at sunset. Visitors can exit the refuge after sunset by slowly pulling up to the gate to activate the sensor and open the gate. The refuge remains open for backcountry camping; however visitors must enter the refuge between 4:00 a.m. and sunset. If those who are camping on the refuge leave and cannot return prior to sunset, they will be able to reenter the refuge at 4:00 the next morning. Emergency services are able to enter the refuge 24 hours a day.

We appreciate the public's patience with these changes. Questions and/or concerns may be directed to the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex Manager at 702-515-5451 or via email to desertcomplex@fws.gov.

Visit Us

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Visitor Center

Open Thursday - Monday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

The trails and restrooms at the Visitor Center are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The refuge backcountry roads are accessible 24 hours a day to passenger vehicles and street legal motorcycles. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are prohibited. Please check the current road conditions before setting out.

Location and Contact Information

      Know Before You Go

      With recent rains, please be extra cautious when traveling any spur roads, as there may be unreported washouts, loose soils, or sharp rock!

      Use of 4WD, high-clearance vehicles with good tires is always advised when traveling the backcountry at Desert NWR. As always, please see the Current Conditions page for the latest information on refuge roads. We appreciate your understanding. 

      About Us

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      Straddling the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts, the Desert National Wildlife Refuge protects a wide variety of ecosystems across a diverse landscape. The refuge was established in 1936 in order to provide habitat for the desert bighorn sheep and other desert wildlife. Today, it is the largest wildlife refuge outside of Alaska. All told, it protects hundreds of different species of plants & animals across seven different life zones.

      Tours

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      To schedule a program, tour, or field trip of Desert National Wildlife Refuge, contact Jennifer Heroux at 702-515-5453, or via email at jennifer_heroux@fws.gov.

      What We Do

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      Every national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
      A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

      Learn more about national wildlife refuge       was created for a special purpose. Some were created to protect migratory birds, others to protect threatened or endangered species or unique habitats, while others fulfill another special purpose. Desert National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the Desert Bighorn Sheep and other desert wildlife. All activities allowed on the refuge must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was founded.

      Services
      Images of Junior Duck Stamp Artwork from 2023 contest
      Host the Federal Duck Stamp or Junior Duck Stamp Art Exhibit

      Do you want to showcase some of the nation’s premier artwork? Would you like to celebrate art, conservation, and the outdoors?  Are you looking for a centerpiece or side exhibit for your special event, museum, art gallery, or exhibition? Each year the top placing artwork from the Federal...

      Service
      Duck Stamps
      Watermarked 2024-2025 Federal Duck Stamp featuring a Northern Pintail
      Sell Duck Stamps

      Do you want to be part of one of this country's oldest and most successful conservation efforts? Do you want to connect with your community and help facilitate outdoor recreation and support youth conservation education programs?

      Selling Federal Duck Stamps and Junior Duck Stamps at your...

      Service
      Duck Stamps
      Angler
      Hunter

      Our Organization

      Human Dimension
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      The mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is "working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people."

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington,DC
      A bison grazing in the foreground with mountains and a city and electrical infrastructure in the background
      The Urban Wildlife Conservation Program improves lives by expanding access to green space, education and outdoor recreation for Americans living in and around cities. Program members work to clear social and historical barriers and foster new connections that advance conservation and strengthen...
      Program

      Our Species

      Mojave Desert Tortoise
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      Although Desert NWR was established to protect the desert bighorn sheep, countless other species have benefited from these protections. Today, the refuge is home to over 500 species of plant, over 320 species of birds, 52 species of mammals, 32 species of reptiles, and so much more.

      Our Library

      Be sure to check out all of the past stories and news from the refuge!

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      Watch the Refuge Video
      This 17-minute video is the perfect introduction to Desert NWR.
      Story
      Land Management
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      Watch Us on PBS
      Visit the refuge virtually, courtesy of PBS!
      Story
      Land Management

      Get Involved

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      Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban communities to make a lasting difference. Find out how you can help make American lands healthier and communities stronger while doing something personally satisfying.

      Projects and Research

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      At Desert NWR, there are a variety of opportunities for projects and research, including citizen science. A special use permit is required for most activities.