Pahranagat Refugespring migration
Shorebirds such as Wilson's phalaropes stop over in April and May, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Pahranagat Refuge · September
- Boating on Upper Lake (non-motorized or electric motors), February 1 to September 30 · Feb–Sep
184days to the next spring migration seasonApril and May, local timing
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Boating on Upper Lake (non-motorized or electric motors), February 1 to September 30NowFeb–Sep
- Greater sandhill cranes feeding in grasslands and wet meadows, February and MarchFeb–Mar
- Mar: Geese and ducks begin to arrive, MarchMar
- Shorebirds such as Wilson's phalaropes stopping over, April and MayApr–May
- May: First duck broods of redheads and mallards, MayMay
- Visitor center on summer hours, Friday to Sunday only, June through AugustJun–Aug
Where to watch
- WHIN DikeAn easy 0.7-mile (one way) gravel and dirt trail across Middle Marsh, named by the refuge as an excellent place to watch shorebirds; the trailhead is the second parking lot on the Middle Marsh gravel road off Hwy 93 near Lower Pahranagat Lake. It lies in the seasonal hunting area, with hunters there on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during hunt season
- Upper Lake TrailAn easy 1.4-mile trail (a 3-mile loop with the campground road) from the Upper Lake day-use area, reached by car from the Upper Pahranagat Lake entrance off Hwy 93; waterfowl and other migratory birds all year, with streamside (riparian) habitat on one side, desert upland on the other and two overlooks
Pahranagat Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pahranagat NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pahranagat NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge?
Shorebirds such as Wilson's phalaropes stop over in April and May, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: April and May. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is spring migration under way at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the spring migration season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 184 days (April and May, local timing).
When are the trails and visitor center open?
Trails are open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and the restrooms and trails at the visitor center stay open sunrise to sunset. The visitor center itself is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Monday from September to May, and only Friday to Sunday from June to August.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pahranagat NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash: the refuge lists pets on a leash for its walking trails, its bike-friendly trails and its walkable access routes.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pahranagat NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I camp?
Yes, for free, at 15 designated sites along Upper Pahranagat Lake, open all year; sites are first come, first served and can fill from Friday on weekends in fall, spring and winter. The rest of the refuge is day-use only.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pahranagat NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where can I get gas and food?
Alamo, 8 miles away, has a gas station and two hotels but no restaurants; otherwise the nearest gas is 40 or more miles away in every direction.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pahranagat NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring?
Plenty of water (there's a refill station outside the visitor center), snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, layers for cold mornings and evenings, comfortable walking shoes for gravel and dirt trails, and binoculars.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pahranagat NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge?
WHIN Dike: an easy 0.7-mile (one way) gravel and dirt trail across Middle Marsh, named by the refuge as an excellent place to watch shorebirds; the trailhead is the second parking lot on the Middle Marsh gravel road off Hwy 93 near Lower Pahranagat Lake. It lies in the seasonal hunting area, with hunters there on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during hunt season; Upper Lake Trail: an easy 1.4-mile trail (a 3-mile loop with the campground road) from the Upper Lake day-use area, reached by car from the Upper Pahranagat Lake entrance off Hwy 93; waterfowl and other migratory birds all year, with streamside (riparian) habitat on one side, desert upland on the other and two overlooks.
What is Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Greater sandhill cranes feeding in grasslands and wet meadows, February and March (Feb–Mar), Geese and ducks begin to arrive, March (Mar), Shorebirds such as Wilson's phalaropes stopping over, April and May (Apr–May), First duck broods of redheads and mallards, May (May), Boating on Upper Lake (non-motorized or electric motors), February 1 to September 30 (Feb–Sep) and Visitor center on summer hours, Friday to Sunday only, June through August (Jun–Aug).