Waterway-Davenport Loop

The Waterway-Davenport Loop uses two marked trails within the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge to create a loop that goes from the refuge visitor center to Upper Lake and back.The Waterway Trail portion follows alongside a typically dry levy waterway near Highway 93. The path winds beneath large shade trees and creates the most direct route between the Upper Lake parking area and campground and the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center slightly south. A short distance on a paved road from the south end of the Waterway Trail, the more technical and scenic Davenport Trail follows a clearly marked single track path over hills and across dry washes along the park's eastern boundary. The section is a little harder than the Waterway's flat easy course, however it rises to panoramic views of the adjacent Delamar Mountains. As the Davenport Trail approaches the Upper Lake area, it begins to wind along a flat wetlands area, offering some cool green in contrast to the hills arid exposure.A few interpretive signs and a couple benches sit along the path, however amenities within the wildlife refuge are minimal. As the trail approaches Upper Lake, hikers can cut across the south end of the lake for the most direct route to complete the loop, or can proceed up the west side of the lake to follow the Upper Lake Loop [submitted at the same time, add hyperlink] and add an additional 3.1 miles.Of the two start points, the visitor center area has a larger parking lot as well as several short nature trails, while the Upper Lake parking lot has seasonal fishing access. The loop seems to flow better if hiked in a counterclockwise direction.There is no shade along the Davenport Trail portion, and no water at any point along the trail. Hikers should be prepared.