Fish and Wildlife Service, Nevada.
The Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established on September 10, 1979, to secure habitat for the endangered Moapa dace, a small fish endemic to the headwaters of the Muddy River system. Dace populations were in peril due to habitat destruction and modification. Competition with introduced species such as mosquitofish, shortfin molly, and tilapia also contributed to the dace's decline. However, as more and more habitat is restored and non-native species are removed, the fish has begun to rebound. Recent population surveys show an increase in numbers from recent years. As of February 2024, there were 1935 dace in the Muddy River system. Biologists say that there needs to be a stable population of at least 6000 to ensure the security of the species.
The refuge is located on 136 acres in northeastern Clark County and is approximately 60 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada. Dace habitat on the refuge consists of stream channels supported by six thermal springs, three of which are within refuge boundaries.
Entry to the Moapa Valley Natural Wildlife Refuge is always free of charge.
Reminder: The refuge is open Friday-Sunday, September-May.
The Moapa Valley NWR is located in the Warm Springs area of the upper Moapa Valley in northeastern Clark County in southern Nevada. It lies just south of State Highway 168 and the Muddy River, between Interstate 15 on the east and U.S. Highway 93 on the west. The refuge is bounded on the North by Warm Springs Road, on the south by Battleship Wash, and on the east and west by private property. It is approximately 60 miles northeast of the city of Las Vegas and 9 miles west of the town of Glendale.
From Las Vegas, drive north on Interstate 15 to the Moapa/Glendale exit (#90). Go straight (northwest) on Highway 168 for 7.4 miles to Warm Springs Road. Turn left (southwest) on Warm Springs Road and drive for 1.4 more miles. The refuge is on your left, when you see the chain link fence on both sides of the road.
From St. George, Utah or Mesquite, Nevada, drive south on Interstate 15 to the Glendale/Moapa exit (#91). Turn left (southwest) onto E. Glendale Blvd. Merge/turn right (northwest) onto Highway 168 for 7.4 miles to Warm Springs Road. Turn left (southwest) on Warm Springs Road and drive for 1.4 more miles. The refuge is on your left.
Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is open to the public from sunrise until sunset every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from September through May. Due to the refuge's small size, fragile habitat, and ongoing restoration work, the refuge is closed during June, July, and August.