Las Vegas Car Rentals and the Desert National Wildlife Complex

If you thought Las Vegas was just a desert and casinos, think again. Las Vegas is also home to the Desert National wildlife Refuge Complex - one of the nation's largest and most diverse protected wildlife areas. Designed around five distinct areas, the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex provides hundreds of plant and animal species with protected natural habitat and undisturbed desert. Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Desert National Wildlife Complex covers more than 3.3 million acres and includes a handful of endangered and threatened species. If you're looking to escape the glitz and glimmer of downtown Las Vegas there's no better place to start than the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, so what are you waiting for? Take the time to reconnect with Nevada's natural beautify during your upcoming US Las Vegas Car Rental vacation; plan to visit the Desert National Wildlife Refuge today.

Four Diverse Parks in One

The Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of five distinct areas: Ash Meadows, Desert, Moapa Valley, Pahranagat and Amargosa. Each of these areas' boasts a number of unique features and recreational opportunities. Read on for more information.

• The Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: Established on June 18th, 1984, the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refugee is approximately 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas. To this date, more than 23,000 acres of spring-fed wetlands and alkaline desert uplands are protected by the Ash Meadows NWR. The refuge also provides habitat for at least 24 plant and animal species found nowhere else on the planet. Ash Meadows also shows a greater concentration of endemic life than any other local area in the United States. This makes it a valuable and unprecedented example of desert life.
• The Desert National Wildlife Refuge: Established on May 20th, 1936, the Desert National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly 1.5 million acres of diverse Mojave Desert. It is the largest National Wildlife Refuge in the 48 lower states. Major features of the Refuge include six mountain ranges, the Corn Creek Field Station and the scenic Morman Well Road. The Desert NWR also boasts numerous recreational opportunities for those US Las Vegas Car Rental customers looking to enjoy some outdoor fun. These include camping, hiking, backpacking and horseback riding.
• Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge: The Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established for one specific reason - to help secure habitat for the endangered Moapa dace. This small fish is commonly found in the headwaters of the Muddy River system. Created on September 10th, 1979 the Moapa Valley NWR is located 106 acres from Clark County and is approximately 60 miles north of Vegas. Dace habitat on the refuge consists of stream channels, all of which are supported by a string of six thermal springs. The Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge is not yet open to US Las Vegas Car Rental visitors due to ongoing restoration work.
• The Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge: Located approximately 90 miles north of Las Vegas, the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge was established to provide habitat for migratory birds. The lakes and marshes of this refuge are a rare sight in this part of Nevada. A National Wildlife Refuge since April 16th, 1963, Pahranagat supports more than 230 species of migratory birds and resident wildlife. The refuge is based on four major water impoundments: North Marsh, Upper and Lower Pahranagat Lakes and the Middle Marsh. Numerous recreational activities are available for US Las Vegas Car Rental customers including bird watching, fishing, camping and picnicking.
• The Amargosa Valley Pupfish Station: The Amargosa Valley Pupfish Station consists of two man-made pools. These pools were designed to provide secure and safe environments for the endangered Devil's Hole pupfish. Listed as an endangered species in 1967 due to rapidly declining water levels in Devil's Hole, the Devil's Hole pupfish is now fighting for survival in uncharted territory.

The Desert National Wildlife Refugee complex is one of the nation's most multifaceted conservation areas. US Las Vegas Car Rental customers are encouraged to stop by and enjoy an afternoon of outdoor excitement and adventure. To learn more about the complex pleases visit www.fws.gov/desertcomplex/.