"What an awesome find very close to Vegas! Like a desert oasis? Sacred site for the Southern Paiute people, A.K.A. the Nuwu. And my visit had rare thunderstorms which was very intriguing as this area is prone to flash flooding during such events. Even had warnings come over the radio! Made for some beautiful rainbows!"

Joseph Gumeny

"DISCLAIMER: It took me a couple minutes to realize but there are two different Google sites that people seem to be posting on for the same location/area. This one "should only" be for the Desert National Wildlife Refuge and not Corn Creek Visitor's Center - that has a separate Google site. So if you're reading this, understand that this review is solely on the Wildlife Refuge area and NOT the Visitor's Center. Search for "Corn Creek Visitor's Center" via Google if you want specific details of that building and their hours of operation, and to see my review of that area.

My family and I visited the "Refuge" in the late afternoon on 25 May 2025, similarly, the same day/time as our visit to the Visitor's Center. The walk through the area was very nice and tranquil with all the green landscape and water flowing from the spring. I was surprised to see fruit trees and crawfish/crayfish (crawdads or mudbugs for your Southerners) in this area. There were times we questioned what exactly was moving around in the bushes because we kept hearing mysterious sounds/movements, only to realize they were those giant lizards (the ones that seem to do push-ups when they stop moving).

There weren't any water drinking stations throughout the walk, so if you're visiting, be sure to plan ahead and bring adequate amounts of water and electrolytes (e.g., Gatorade), especially in the hot summer months. Additionally, the walking paths were marked and there's signs explicitly stating to remain on the path. Also, a lot of the experience isn't shaded so protect your skin (e.g., hats, sunscreen, etc.), and be sure to wear adequate footwear for walking through gravel/dirt.

One of the newest additions to the Refuge was the picnic area (my family doesn't recall seeing this when they visited years ago), to which I think we might return for another visit and utilize that area. However, this area is unshaded so chances are, we won't be utilizing it during the summer. But it does seem like a nice and quiet place to enjoy some of your favorite cuisine (PB&J, Caesar's Salad, or even Gordon Ramsay's Beef Wellington).

Overall, the Desert National Wildlife Refuge is an awesome getaway for us locals (and even tourists) from the hustle and bustle of LV and surrounding areas. It's really not that far of a drive away from the city and you get to drive stress free on I-11 (formerly I-95), once you pass the North Durango and Skye Canyon exits. Also, going at highway speeds, be careful as you approach the turnoff because it'll come quick and if there's several cars behind you in the "traveling lane - right side," you want to give them an early warning instead of slamming on your brakes at the last minute. If you're curious about my experience in the "Visitor's Center," you can go to the review section of Corn Creek Visitor's Center via Google. I highly recommend this place to everyone! Watch out for those desert tortoises on the road."

DM

"Hidden gem, just outside of Las Vegas. Nice getaway from the city. Very clean. Nice Mellow trails, lots of wildlife. Natural spring. Bathrooms and water fountain. Went when the visitor center was closed, but trails remain open. Good tidbits of history throughout."

Kapono Peiper