Upper Pahranagat Lake Loop

Enjoy this 5.0-km loop trail near Alamo, Nevada. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 0 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Bird watching Hiking Mountain biking Horseback riding Dogs on leash Kid-friendly Forest Lake Views Wildflowers Wildlife

Walk around desert lake and enjoy birdlife, marshes & serenity. The Pahranagat Refuge is 5,380 acres of lakes, marshes, wet meadows & desert uplands in this valley, filled with history and wildlife. It's name means "Valley of Shining Water" in Paiute, and is tied to these and ancient people by it's history and numerous historic sites, rock art and structures. It's pioneer history is evidenced by the stone Walden house (1864), and the farm and cattle community which still dot this valley from Alamo north to Hiko. Located on the Pacific Flyway, this refuge is an essential stopover for migrating waterfowl and songbirds. Large thermal springs provide water for lakes and wetlands, a rare and precious habitat in southern Nevada. Numerous recreational opportunities are available at Pahranagat. Wildlife observation, fishing, and hunting are all popular activities enjoyed by refuge visitors. Birdwatching is also a popular activity. Camping and picnicking are permitted along the east shoreline of the Upper Lake.

<"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":<"@id":"/trail/us/nevada/upper-pahranagat-lake-loop","@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"Upper Pahranagat Lake Loop","address":<"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Alamo, Nevada, United States">>,"reviewRating":,"reviewBody":"The loop is still inaccessible, as a good portion of it is closed with an \"explosives present\" sign. It's a lovely trail segment with nice views of the upper lake. Good amount of birds out today, but quite cold in the morning if you're right by the water. Very dog friendly and probably pretty kid friendly. Hopefully the loop will be reopened soon, it seems like a great trail!","author":>

<"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":<"@id":"/trail/us/nevada/upper-pahranagat-lake-loop","@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"Upper Pahranagat Lake Loop","address":<"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Alamo, Nevada, United States">>,"reviewRating":,"reviewBody":"Nice short walking trail, but far from Las Vegas. In my opinion, it was not worth the drive. I suggest bringing bug spray, the mosquitoes and gnats travel in clouds and are relentless. It was nice to see water in the middle of no where, but you're not allowed to swim in it. The north half of the trail is closed off and dry. I don't plan on visiting again. Well maintained dirt road, any vehicle can drive it. A few camping spots but not much to see or do. I don't plan on coming here again.","author":>

Frequently asked questions about Upper Pahranagat Lake Loop

What are some of the facilities available for Upper Pahranagat Lake Loop?

What are some tips to share about Upper Pahranagat Lake Loop?

The road conditions may deteriorate in poor weather, mainly winter. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly and may be severe. The campsites are first come basis and fill up on spring and summer weekends but not during the week or in the off season. You may be the only camper in fall and winter. The winter nights are cold, but the refuge is low in elevation, making winter camping quite enjoyable. Usually only jackets are required during the day. Remember that this is a hunting destination in the fall and the lower and middle areas are closed for hunting. Check with refuge management for details. Remember this is a wildlife refuge and strict rules apply to speed limits, noise, and fishing and hunting regulations are enforced.

How to get to Upper Pahranagat Lake Loop?

From Las Vegas, take I-15 NE towards Utah, turning N on U.S. 93 (Great Basin Highway) towards Alamo or Ely, Nevada. The Pahranagat Natl Wildlife Refuge is located 80 miles North of Las Vegas, and 4 miles before (South) reaching the town of Alamo, Nevada. You'll begin seeing signs for Pahranagat, and you'll pass the entries for lower lake, middle marsh, and the refuge headquarters before turning left (west) at the upper lake (campground) entrance. Follow the gravel road over cattle guards and the interior road as you head south, along the east shore of the upper lake. There is a nice (albeit small) parking area, kiosks with maps and brochures, and restroom bldg. If you continue on this road, there are a few campsites (first come, first serve) which are primitive, but nice. If pulling a trailer, you won't be able to turn around along this road -- you'll need to wait until you get to the south end of the upper lake (past the campsites).

What is the expected weather this week for Upper Pahranagat Lake Loop?

• Fri, September 6 - 38 degrees/sunny
• Sat, September 7 - 37 degrees/mostly sunny
• Sun, September 8 - 35 degrees/mostly sunny
• Mon, September 9 - 36 degrees/mostly sunny
• Tue, September 10 - 37 degrees/sunny