Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a protected spring complex in southern Nevada that conserves spring-fed wetlands and desert oases supporting rare species. It safeguards a high concentration of groundwater-fed springs and associated marshes in an otherwise arid landscape.

The refuge contains dozens of spring pools and wet meadows connected by short boardwalks and trails; several pools are the focus for wildlife viewing and interpretive displays. One of the most notable features is a deep, water-filled cavern spring that supports a single-species population of an endangered pupfish. The area is important for birdlife, amphibians, and a suite of spring-adapted plants.

Congressional and federal actions set aside the area to protect its unique aquatic ecosystems and the species that depend on them; management has emphasized habitat protection, research, and access controls to limit disturbance. Over time the refuge has been the focus of recovery efforts for several endangered species and of scientific monitoring of groundwater-dependent ecosystems.

The refuge lies in a desert basin near the Nevada-California border in the Amargosa Valley region. Much of it is low, flat springland punctuated by isolated rocky outcrops and surrounded by desert plains and playas.

• Endemic species protection: Many springs and spring-fed marshes in the refuge support species found nowhere else on Earth, so much of the area is closed or accessible only from designated boardwalks.
• Restricted access: Devil's Hole viewing is restricted and managed to protect the pupfish, so expect limited physical access and signage explaining research and conservation.

What to See #

• Devil's Hole: A water-filled limestone cavern and spring that is the only natural habitat of the endangered Devils Hole pupfish; the site is fenced and access is tightly restricted to protect the species.
• Visitor contact area: A small refuge visitor contact area with short boardwalks and interpretive signs that give access to a selection of spring pools and marshy habitats without disturbing sensitive areas.