Desert National Wildlife Range

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Desert National Wildlife Range is a protected area located in the state of Nevada, covering an area of approximately 1.6 million acres.


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Summary

There are several good reasons to visit this range, including its unique desert landscape, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history.

One of the main points of interest in Desert National Wildlife Range is the Mount Charleston Wilderness Area, which features breathtaking mountain views, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Other areas of interest include the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to several species of migratory birds, and the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to the endangered desert tortoise.

Visitors to the Desert National Wildlife Range can also learn about the area's cultural history by visiting sites such as the Lost City Museum of Archaeology or the historic town of Goodsprings.

Interesting facts about the Desert National Wildlife Range include that it is the largest wildlife refuge in the contiguous United States and is home to more than 500 species of plants and animals, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and golden eagles.

The best time of year to visit the Desert National Wildlife Range is during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring, as summer temperatures can be extreme. Visitors should also be prepared for rugged terrain and should bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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