Summertime at range is a walk on wild side

Friday, June 15, 2001 | 4:15 a.m.

Soaring summer temperatures aren't enough to keep locals from fueling up their SUVs and heading to the Desert National Wildlife Range in search of wildlife.

But representatives say visitors should come prepared.

"It's a pretty hostile time of year," said area biologist Bruce Zeller, referring to the 100-plus degree temperatures.

The wildlife range, 25 miles north of Las Vegas, offers 1.5 million acres of open land, six mountain ranges and varying climates. It is the largest national wildlife refuge south of Alaska, and is home to more than 500 plant species, 320 bird species, 52 species of mammals and 35 reptile species.

The range was established in 1936 to protect desert bighorn sheep, which need ample space to roam. It draws hikers, horseback riders and bird watchers. Year-round camping and hiking is available. There are no established trails or campgrounds.

"A lot of people come out to see wildlife," said Dick Birger, project leader for Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex. "But most come out to see the sweep and grandeur of land that hasn't been touched."

But visitors are on their own if trouble arises.

"You have to use common sense," Birger said. "You're in a big area. Bring plenty of water. Don't think a cell phone is going to get you out of trouble. There's not always coverage there."

The main entrance to the wildlife range is through the Corn Creek Field Station, which is four miles (on a gravel road) from U.S. 95. Corn Creek offers 10 acres of trees, pastures and spring-fed ponds, walking trails, wilderness areas and archaeological sites.

From Corn Creek, travelers with high-clearance vehicles can explore the refuge by driving on unpaved Alamo or Mormon Well roads. Mormon Well Road ascends to 8,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures for campers and hikers, Zeller said.

A 6-mile hike from the road leads to Hayford Peak, the highest mountain in the area.

The wildlife range is filled with summer wild flowers, Joshua trees, pinyon juniper, bristlecone trees and Ponderosa pine.

"During the summer the (wildlife) activity is going to be restricted," Birger said. "Most of the animals are staying out of the heat. But you can go there anytime and there's a good chance that you're going to see something."

Summer is a good time for viewing desert bighorn sheep that are at the watering holes, Zeller said. They can be seen by driving to the base of the mountains and hiking inward. Brochures about the area can be obtained at Corn Creek Springs.

Visitors making the trek should make sure that their vehicles are in good condition, that they have spare tires, plenty of water and that their gas tanks are filled, Birger said.

"Both of these are rough roads," Birger said. "You really need high clearance. They're not highways by any stretch."