Over 250 species of birds have been observed in the Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, either migrating through the area or permanently residing within the area's wet lands. Among the waterfowl are swans, Canada geese, mallards, green-winged and cinnamon teal, pintails, wigeons, gadwalls, redheads, canvasbacks, buffleheads, goldeneyes, ruddy ducks, and mergansers. The wading bird residents and visitors include great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, snowy egrets, great egrets, white-faced ibis, avocets, black-necked stilts, white pelicans, double-crested cormorants, and western and eared grebes. Raptors include owls, hawks, eagles, and falcons. The Refuge supports the second largest population of nesting snowy plovers in Utah.
Of the 40 mammal species observed in the refuge, many are small rodents including muskrats, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, black-tailed jackrabbits, desert cottontails, and coyotes. |
| Facilities: |
An 11 mile interpretive drive. Picnic area and vault toilet. Ranger facilities and informational kiosks. Camping at nearby primitive BLM campground. |
| Directions: |
From Exit 99 on I-80 in Utah, drive south on UT-36 through Tooele, then turn right on the marked Pony Express Route (gravel road) for approximately 70 miles to refuge.
From Exit 410 on I-80 in Nevada, drive south on US-93A, then turn left on a paved road to Gold Hill (signed). In Gold Hill (at the information sign) turn left on the gravel road toward the north for 22 miles to Callao. Then turn left for 25 miles to the refuge.
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| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83): 39 50.397N; 113 23.949W. |
| Weather: |
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| Regulations: |
- Wildlife observation, photography, and hiking are permitted except where restricted by signs.
- Automobile touring is restricted to gravel roads.
- Closed roads are marked by signs.
- Do not park as to obstruct roads and dikes.
- Camping overnight is not permitted on the Refuge.
- Swimming is not permitted. Spring heads and pond bottoms contain deep mud, quicksand, and entangling aquatic vegetation.
- All other uses not expressly permitted are prohibited.
- See Pets in the Parks and Backcountry.
- See Encountering Wild Animals.
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| Precautions: |
- Lodging is not available in the Fish Springs area.
- It is 42 miles to the nearest gasoline and grocery supplies.
- Camping is not permitted on the Refuge, but there are several nearby Bureau of Land Management areas that are suitable for primitive camping.
- See Backcountry Considerations.
- See Backcountry Emergencies.
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