Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), established in June of 1984 with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy and the Bureau of Land Management, is located approximately 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas in southern Nye County, Nevada. To date, 22,117 acres of spring-fed wetlands and alkaline desert uplands are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge area provides habitat for at least 24 plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Four fishes and one plant are currently listed as endangered.

Directions: Located approximately 90 miles NW of Las Vegas. Travel west from Las Vegas on Highway 160 to Pahrump, Nevada. From Pahrump travel west on Bell Vista Road approximately 22 miles to refuge.

This concentration of indigenous life distinguishes Ash Meadows NWR as having a greater concentration of endemic species than any other local area in the United States, and the second greatest in all of North America. Ash Meadows provides a valuable and unprecedented example of desert oases that are now extremely uncommon in the southwestern United States.

The refuge is a major discharge point for a vast underground water system stretching 100 miles to the northeast. Nearly all of the water at Ash Meadows is "fossil" water, believed to have entered the ground water system thousands of years ago. Water-bearing strata comes to the surface in more than 30 seeps and springs, providing a rich and complex variety of habitats. North and west are the remnants of Carson Slough which was drained and mined for its peat in the 1960s. Sandy dunes appear in the central part of the refuge. Many stream channels and wetlands are scattered throughout the area. Mesquite and ash tree groves flourish near the wetlands, and saltbush and creosote shrubs grow in the drier upland soils.

Restoration in Progress

The refuge is in the habitat restoration stage and will remain so for many years. Stream channels diverted into concrete irrigation ditches will be returned to their natural courses. Nonnative plants and animals, such as introduced saltcedar trees and crayfish, will be removed to allow native plants and animals to thrive without competition. These measures will aid the return of wildlife to historic wetlands like Carson Slough.

In addition to habitat restoration, the refuge plans to install interpretive facilities for public enjoyment at several sites. Trails, for example, will be developed to interpret the unique springs, fish, and wildlife found on the refuge. Environmental education programs are currently available with advance notice.

Public Use Regulations

Please follow these refuge regulations to help protect fish and wildlife, habitat and visitors.

Vehicle Travel - Vehicle travel is permitted only on designated roads (see map). Off-road driving is prohibited. The entire refuge, including roads, is closed to all-terrain vehicles. Vehicle parking is restricted to existing parking areas and road shoulders. These measures protect fragile habitats and plants. During wet winter months, roads on the north half of the refuge are often impassable. Call ahead for current conditions.

Hunting - Sport hunting with shotguns only, is permitted on the entire refuge except Horseshoe Reservoir and the vicinity of Refuge Headquarters. Hunting of geese, ducks, coot, moorhens, snipe, dove, and quail is allowed in accordance with State and Federal regulations. Jackrabbits and cottontail rabbits may only be hunted during the state quail hunting season. All other wildlife including coyotes and ravens is protected.

Firearms - Carrying or discharging firearms or other explosives (including fireworks) on the refuge is prohibited. Only legal shotguns are permitted during hunting seasons.

Pets - Retrievers and upland game bird dogs may be used on the refuge during hunting season. Pets must be leashed at all other times.

Swimming - Swimming is allowed only in Crystal Reservoir. Swimming is not allowed in the springs because it disturbs endangered fish habitat and food (algae).

Boating - Boats without motors (except electric motors) are allowed only on Crystal and Peterson Reservoirs. Jet skis are not permitted.

Camping - No camping or overnight parking is permitted. The nearest public campgrounds are located in Death Valley National Park. Two commercial campgrounds are located in Pahrump, 22 miles southeast of the refuge.

Picnicking - Picnic facilities are available at Refuge Headquarters. Visitors can enjoy casual "blanket and basket" picnicking throughout the refuge. Fires are not permitted.

Littering - Please help us put litter in its place by taking it with you when you leave the refuge.