Pahranagat is one of four federal wildlife refuges in Nevada sharing a common characteristic of having flowing springs and the endangered fish in the middle of the very dry desert. These are true oases and are managed jointly by the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex staff, which is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
This one has a visitor center and is unique in that the springs here flow into a rather substantial lake, so it attracts a lot of migrating birds. I will have to come back here in spring or fall when the migration is in full effect. There is even a dry-camping area along the lake here. More information on this place can be found at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/pahranagat/
As I left Valley of Fire, I noticed the snow on the mountains because of the recent rain. I saw this same phenomenon a couple of years ago in Las Vegas in January when there was rain. Did you know there is a ski area not far from the city?
Lot less traffic here than in Las Vegas! Love roads like this.
Good reason to take a photo of the sign as you drive in is to make sure you spell the name correctly.
The refuge is actually located on Native American reservation land. They are Southern Paiutes, but call themselves "Nuwuvi."
A marsh and stream are behind the visitor center. The lake is in the distance.
And some Joshua trees, which are common in the Mojave Desert. This was a big one.
And a couple of photos of the lake.
As I headed north, trees appeared in the 6,000' elevation.
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