Home range is an important concept in animal ecology but there are multiple methods available for assessing home ranges and insufficient clarity on when to use which estimation method. We applied the two most common methods, kernel utilization distribution and minimum convex polygons (MCP), in field studies examining multiple lizard species and demographic groups to determine whether the methods produce similar results, and to assess the efficacy of focal observations in estimating home range size. We collected data through 1 h focal observations in Oregon on adult Long-nosed leopard lizards (Gambelia wislizenii) and Western whiptails (Aspidoscelis tigris) and in Colorado on adult and juvenile Colorado checkered whiptails (A. neotesselata). Our observation data were supplemented with location data obtained through surveys to obtain resightings, and then we evaluated home range estimates using observation locations alone compared to observation and resighting data combined. Our findings revealed that total home range estimations were significantly larger, often by a factor of 2, when applying the kernel utilization distribution compared to the MCP method. The methods reveal differences in strategies of space use based on species, sex and age class. Furthermore, altering the bandwidth of the kernel utilization distribution to fit the home range estimate given by MCP can provide insight into the probability density estimates. We conclude that the results of a home range analysis reflect an interaction between the estimation method applied, and the age, sex, and species examined, and that short duration focal observations can provide vital information on space use.