Spring
Protected within Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, this 81-degree spring flows 13 degrees above the 67.7°F ambient temperature at 2,345 feet elevation. Restricted access protects endangered species in this globally significant desert wetland complex. The spring sits 145 meters from the nearest road within US Fish and Wildlife Service management.
The spring emerges in terrain receiving just 3.9 inches of annual precipitation with minimal snowfall, yet supports riparian and wetland ecosystems fed by the underlying carbonate aquifer. Ash Meadows contains the largest remaining oasis in the Mojave Desert, with over 10,000 acres of spring-fed wetlands surrounded by creosote flats and barren peaks. Twenty-six endemic species survive only in these isolated spring systems. Warm groundwater creates microhabitats supporting rare pupfish, springsnails, and aquatic vegetation in pools and outflows.
Public access focuses on designated trails and boardwalks; this specific spring likely falls within restricted zones. Contact the refuge at 775-372-5435 for current policies. Visit October through April when temperatures range from pleasant to warm. The refuge lies 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas off Highway 160. Combine with Devil's Hole and Death Valley visits. Bring binoculars for wildlife observation from permitted areas.
Southern Paiute peoples depended on Ash Meadows springs for survival in this harsh desert environment. Euro-American settlement brought ranching and farming in the late 1800s. By the 1960s, groundwater extraction threatened to drain the aquifer. Conservation efforts culminated in 1984 refuge establishment, protecting 23,000 acres. The springs now receive permanent protection ensuring endemic species survival after decades of exploitation nearly destroyed the system.
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Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. Bring sun protection for exposed soaking.
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