Spring
Protected within Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, this 72-degree spring emerges at 2,300 feet elevation with restricted access enforced by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The spring flows just 4 degrees above ambient temperature in one of the Mojave Desert's most significant endemic species habitats. Roadside location at 22 meters from the nearest road.
Ash Meadows represents a rare desert oasis fed by a vast underground aquifer system in southern Nye County near Pahrump. Annual precipitation totals only 3.7 inches with average temperatures of 67.9°F, yet spring discharge creates wetland habitats supporting pupfish, springsnails, and other endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The spring sits at the refuge's low elevation in terrain surrounded by creosote flats and barren mountains. Alkali meadows and marshes created by thermal springs contrast sharply with the surrounding desert.
Ash Meadows has sustained life for millennia, with Southern Paiute peoples utilizing the reliable water sources. The refuge was established in 1984 after decades of threats from groundwater pumping and development. The springs harbor species that evolved in isolation for thousands of years. Federal protection now ensures the aquifer system remains intact, reversing earlier extraction attempts that threatened the ecosystem.
The refuge is open for wildlife observation, but spring access restrictions protect endangered species. Visit the refuge's designated viewing areas and boardwalks instead. Best visiting from October through April when temperatures moderate. The site sits near Death Valley and Devil's Hole for extended desert exploration. Contact refuge staff at 775-372-5435 for current regulations.
Is Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips