The change of the season is upon us in Nevada. Visit 3  fall foliage locations between now and November 30th to get your leaf peeper badge!

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

This is the print view for this trail. View the full trail posting.

A beautiful desert oasis filled with rich history and endemic and endangered species. 
Trail Uses
Accessible Experience Walking
Location
Nye County
Length
2.00 miles (Loop)
Difficulty
Easiest, Easy
Towns
Amargosa Valley, Pahrump
Surface
Dirt, Boardwalk
Pets
Permitted on Leash
Fees
No

Description

There are four main trails within Ash meadows Wildlife Refuge; Point of rocks, Devils Hole, Crystal Springs and Longstreet Spring and Cabin. Each of these trails are rated at easy. Point of rocks, Crystal Spring and Longstreet Spring and Cabin are ADA accessible and have a boardwalk platform for walking.  

Visit the Devils Hole and the spring located within the Point of Rocks trail to get a glimpse of the very rare pup fish, which are the main reason Ash Meadows became a wildlife refuge in 1984. Aside from the pupfish, other wildlife you might encounter are the Blacktail jackrabbit, Desert bighorn sheep, quails and roadrunners. Common plants species found around the park include the Ash tree, Mesquite trees and the threatened Ash Meadows sunrays.

The best times of year to visit are in early spring and late fall when the wildlife are most active and temperatures are relatively cooler. The summer months regularly exceed temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Other Information

Only non-motorized boats or boats with electric motors are permitted on the Crystal and Peterson Reservoirs.

Learn more about the unique history of Ash meadows and how the pup fish saved the desert here!

Given the sensitive nature of the Ash Meadows ecosystem, horseback riding, OHV's and fishing are not allowed. 

Trail Manager

For additional information visit the U.S Fish and Wildlife website or contact:

U.S Fish and Wildlife - Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
8757 E. Spring Meadows Road
Amargosa Valley, Nevada 89020
Phone: 775-372-5435
desertcomplex@fws.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Leave What You Find
Avoid the introduction or transport of non-native species. Clean, drain, and dry water equipment when moving between water bodies.

Trailhead Information

The refuge has four access points. The easiest entrance without needing a high clearance vehicle is by taking the south or west entrance at Spring Meadows rd. The Park can be accessed via the north east entrance near Devils Hole but a high clearance vehicle is recommended. 

The majority of roads in the refuge are well maintained dirt roads and easily passable by any passenger car. ADA parking and restrooms available at all trailheads and the visitors center. 

Legend
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