Refuge contains large expanse of habitat in northwest Nevada (572,062 acres) and south-central Oregon (627 acres) representative of high desert ecosystem managed for native plants and wildlife, with primary emphasis on pronghorn, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and sagegrouse. Encompasses Virgin Valley Mining District, as well as numerous homesteads and Native American archaeological sites. Numerous springs, creeks, and lake beds can be found throughout the refuge. Elevations range from 4,000 ft in the northeast to 7,000 ft in the western portion of the refuge.
