Point Of Rocks Springs, King Spring
Point of Rocks Springs, identified specifically as King Spring, flows at 91°F within Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Nye County, representing one of many thermal springs protected within this 24,000-acre desert oasis. Recent USGS sampling documented water at 25.5°C with alkaline pH of 7.7 and total dissolved solids of 400 mg/L, reflecting carbonate aquifer chemistry. The spring emerges at 2,320 feet elevation with restricted public access, protected under USFWS management for permanent conservation in natural state.
The spring surfaces in the extraordinary Ash Meadows complex, where over 30 springs and seeps emerge along fault zones in the Amargosa Desert at the southern terminus of a vast regional groundwater system. At 2,320 feet elevation, the refuge lies in the Mojave Desert where annual precipitation totals just 4 inches and snowfall barely registers. Point of Rocks formation itself creates dramatic vertical relief in otherwise flat desert, with limestone outcrops providing habitat for rare endemic species. The surrounding landscape consists of spring-fed wetlands, alkaline meadows, and creosote flats, forming a sharp contrast to the barren ranges visible in all directions.
Point of Rocks and King Spring name reflect the landmark outcrop that has guided travelers across the Amargosa Desert for centuries. Indigenous peoples utilized these reliable water sources for millennia before Euro-American settlement. The springs supported ranching operations until 1984 when The Nature Conservancy purchased the land, later transferred to USFWS for permanent protection. Establishment of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in 1984 halted agricultural conversion and protected 24 endemic species found nowhere else on earth, several dependent specifically on thermal spring habitats like King Spring.
Access requires contacting Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge for current restrictions; thermal springs receive protection to safeguard endemic species including Devils Hole pupfish and Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish. The refuge allows day-use visitation along designated routes, but spring habitats may be off-limits to prevent disturbance. Summer temperatures exceed 110°F; visit October through April for tolerable conditions. Bring abundant water and sun protection. The refuge headquarters at Point of Rocks provides interpretation and guidance. Combine with visits to accessible boardwalks at Crystal Spring and Devils Hole overlook.
Is Point Of Rocks Springs, King Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
The water at Point Of Rocks Springs, King Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.7) with 400 mg/L total dissolved solids.