Ash Meadows
Amargosa Valley, NV 89020-9632
Plan Your Visit
Visit Us
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a biodiversity hotspot and a haven for rare plants and animals, as well as the setting of an incredible story of survival for an ancient species of fish. Experience the last remaining oasis in the Mojave Desert, ponder the mysteries of the famous Devils Hole, observe the Ash Meadows Amargosa Pupfish, stroll along beautiful boardwalks, and walk in the footsteps of ancient peoples and pioneers.
Driving Directions to Key Locations
Ash Meadows Visitor Center The recommended route to the Visitor Center for passenger vehicles and RVs is via the West Entrance entering off of Highway 373.
Crystal Springs Boardwalk Crystal Spring Boardwalk is located behind the Visitor Center.
Devils Hole From the Visitor Center parking lot, turn right (East), continue for 3.6 miles to Devil's Hole.
Point of Rocks From the Visitor Center parking lot. Turn right (east) follow the road, turn right (south) on Ash Meadows Rd, turn left (east) onto Point of Rocks Rd. Follow the road till it ends in the parking lot. Distance from Visitor Center 4.1 miles.
Longstreet Spring and Cabin From the Visitor Center parking lot, turn left (West) at the first road, turn right (North), follow road to the Longstreet parking lot. Distance from Visitor Center 3.4 miles.
Location
The refuge is located in Southern Nevada and approximately 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
Downtown Las Vegas = 106 miles
Death Valley National Park = 44 miles to visitor center at Furnace Creek
Beatty, Nevada = 48 miles
Shoshone, California = 41 miles
Tecopa, California = 55 miles
Driving Directions to the Visitor Center
The recommended route to the Visitor Center for passenger vehicles and RVs is via the West Entrance entering off of Highway 373.
Road Conditions
All roads in the refuge are dirt but they are maintained for regular vehicles and motorcycles. During periods of rain the roads can be slick, extremely muddy and possibly closed in some areas. During rainy conditions we suggest that you call ahead for road conditions.
Local Amenities
The nearest gas station is located at Longstreet Casino approximately 6 miles from the visitor center on highway 373. There is a gas station at Lathrop well, the Junction of 373 and highway 95.
Accommodations and Eateries - The refuge is day-use only and no overnight stays are allowed however there are 2 hotels nearby. The Longstreet Inn offers fuel, hotel and RV accommodations and there are hotel accommodations at the Amargosa Opera House at Death Valley Junction. Both locations have restaurants.
More Amenities are available in the town of Pahrump, 30 miles southeast of the refuge or in the town of Beatty, 48 miles northwest of the refuge with a variety of accommodations, restaurants, shopping, auto repair and more.
Best Time To Visit
The best seasons to visit are Fall and Spring. When comfortable temperatures are perfect for wildlife observations and strolls on the boardwalks.
In the fall the ash trees begin to display their gold and orange fall colors and, in the desert, this is a sight to see. Birds flock to the refuge on their annual migration, lizards scurry along the boardwalks, and you never know when you might see a coyote, bobcat or desert bighorn sheep.
In the spring the flowers begin to bloom and although our flower display is subtle, we have blooms throughout the year, not just in the spring.
Weather
Although in winter we sometimes experience freezing temperatures and snow, the winters are generally mild. The warm waters in the springs turn the refuge into a steamy and mystical place on brisk winter mornings.
Spring on the refuge is a good time to visit. Spring blooming plants are at their best. Animals are beginning to emerge from winter hiding. This is a good time for photography.
Since summer days can reach 110°F or 43.4°C the best time to tour the refuge is early morning. Visitors are advised to drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, wear a hat, never leave pets or children in the car and limit time outside to avoid heat related problems. On occasion we can get rain from late summer monsoons.
The Community Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP) has monthly or daily weather information for current and prior years. The website offers information on wind speed and direction, air temperature, barometric pressure, gamma radiation and total precipitation.
Driving Directions
Driving Directions to the Visitor Center
The recommended route to the Visitor Center for passenger vehicles and RVs is via the West Entrance entering off of Highway 373.
Coming from Las Vegas:
Take US-95 North to NV-373 South at Lathrop Wells/Amargosa Valley. Continue on NV-373 South to Death Valley Junction. Take State Line/Belle Vista Road to Spring Meadows Road (dirt road) to the South Entrance. Once you enter the refuge, follow signs to the Visitor Center.
Coming from Pahrump:
To the South Entrance:
Take NV-160 North to Bell Vista Road. Continue on Bell Vista Road for approximately 22 miles. Take Spring Meadows Road (dirt road) to the South Entrance. Once you enter the refuge, follow signs to the Visitor Center.
Alternative Routes (High Clearance Vehicle Recommended)
From Las Vegas/Crystal
Take US-95 North to NV-160 South. Continue on NV-160 South to Crystal Road. Take Crystal Road/Ranch Road/Devils Hole Road to the refuge Devils Hole Entrance. Once you enter the refuge, follow signs to the Visitor Center.
From Pahrump
Take NV-160 North to Bell Vista Road. Continue on Bell Vista Road to Ash Meadows Road. Take Ash Meadows Road onto the refuge. Once you enter the refuge, follow signs to the Visitor Center.
Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Since 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System has owed its very existence to concerned citizens eager to protect America's natural resources.
More than 200 nonprofit Refuge Friends organizations support national wildlife refuges, whether they work with a single refuge, a refuge complex or an entire state. Friends members are crucial to conserving and protecting our nation’s wildlife and teaching millions of Americans that their actions today determine the conservation legacy of tomorrow.
More than 42,000 people volunteer their time and ideas each year to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Whether they work on the land, in a visitor center or with youth, they contribute to the conservation mission that reaches back more than a century.
Make a Difference, Become a Volunteer!
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is looking for volunteers! As the largest remaining oasis in the Mojave Desert, the rare and unique habitats of the refuge are home to a least 26 species of plants and animals that exist nowhere else in the world. The refuge and our visitor center receive thousands of visitors a year. Be a part of connecting visitors from all over the world to the wonder of Ash Meadows.
There are many exciting volunteer opportunities to choose from:
-Visitor Center Information Desk
-Refuge Maintenance
-Environmental Education
-Restoration Projects
-Litter Clean up
Resident RV spots with full hookups are available for long-term volunteers.
Local-area volunteers are also encouraged to apply! 775.372.5435
Our Partners
Nature does not recognize human-made boundaries. To conserve our natural and cultural resources effectively, we must work with others to bridge these boundaries. Partnerships foster creative solutions to challenging situations and often the results are greater than the sum of the parts. Learn more about our local partners.
Services
The National Wildlife Refuge System conserves wildlife through science‑based habitat management, planning, and law enforcement. Refuges use tools like restoration, invasive species control, and education programs to protect species, support healthy ecosystems, and engage the public in conservation.
About
Established on June 18, 1984, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 23,000 acres of spring-fed wetlands and alkaline desert uplands. The refuge protects numerous threatened and endangered species, including the Devils Hole pupfish, many of which exist nowhere else on Earth. The area holds deep cultural significance for the Southern Paiute (Nuwuvi) and Timbisha Shoshone (Newe) people and features historic sites like the cabin of gunslinger Jack Longstreet.