Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you do the following:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
  • Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • Bighorn Close up-promo

    Desert Bighorn Sheep

    Depending on the year, there are 600 to 800 bighorns on the refuge - yet they can be hard to find!

    Tips for Sighting Desert Bighorn Sheep

  • Eight smiling children displaying Junior Refuge Ranger Badges

    Junior Refuge Ranger Walk

    Want to earn a Junior Refuge Ranger badge with the help of a ranger?

    Learn more and sign up here

  • Child Cringing while holding scat (rubber).

    CSI: Critter Scat Investigation

    Who is leaving "clues" all over the refuge?

    Search for the truth...

  • MovieRotator-218x116px

    Desert NWR Movie

    Watch the stunning movie about the many wonders of Desert NWR produced for the new visitor center at Corn Creek.

    Watch the movie

News & Information

Current Conditions

May 30, 2020

In accordance with the Opening Up America Again plan and Nevada’s entry into Phase Two on May 29, 2020, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has now reopened some facilities at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. The following facilities at Desert National Wildlife Refuge are open: • All roads, including spur roads • All trails, including those behind the visitor center • All restrooms. The following facilities remain closed: Visitor Center

Sheep Management Plan

November 20, 2020 Bighorn Lamb by Shafer

The final Sheep Management Plan is now available.

Sheep Management Plan 2020

Current Road Conditions

Backcountry Road promo

Our roads can be a rough and conditions can change quickly. Know before you go!

Check Current Road Conditions

The Discover Nature App

Discover Nature App

The Discover Desert app is a fun, new way to visit the refuge. Want to test your skills? Try the scavenger hunt trivia game! See cool wildlife? Add it to the sightings section. Have a question? Check out the information pages for answers. The Discover Nature App, including Discover Desert, is available for free from the App Store for iPhone and from Google Play for Android devices. It’s a good idea to download the app before heading to the Desert NWR. The app’s GPS capability will allow you to explore and have fun, even when the cell signals fade.

The Discover Nature App
Come Visit!

Explore Desert!

Explorer

Desert NWR is the largest refuge outside of Alaska. At 1.6 million acres, there are plenty of places to explore.

Learn more about places to see

About the Complex

Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Desert National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online