Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, Alamo, Nevada
This refuge consists of an upper Pahranagat Lake, a lower Pahranagat Lake and a stretch of marshland in between the two lakes as well as the surrounding lands. There are 14 rustic campsites along the east edge of the upper lake. I had read about this location before leaving home so was happy to eventually get there and set up my tent even though it was after dark when I arrived. The glow of the Las Vegas lights a hundred miles away silhouetted the intervening hills that surround the lake area.
There is not a lot to see in nearby Alamo, Nevada but there is a store and gas station which provide all of the necessities and then some. A surprising variety of grocery items is available from the store including many fresh baked items for the early morning riser. There is no potable water available at the Pahranagat campsite so a trip to the Alamo store for water is a good idea. Of course, those freshly baked cinnamon buns can also be very tempting.
At this time of the year, Pahranagat Lake is home to large flocks of ducks including Mallards, teal, red heads and a collection of American coots. Roadways and trails provide the birder or hiker with an easy way to walk around the whole circumference of the lake. It was a nice walk on a sunny day with temperatures a pleasant 55F. I was treated to a fly-over by a Red-Tailed Hawk and then a Bald Eagle perched for an extended photoshoot opportunity.
I only stayed at this location for one night and then enjoyed a half day of exploring before heading for the campground at Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada
