Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
This unique, 23,000-acre hidden gem is located in the Amargosa Valley of Southern Nevada -- more specifically, just east of Death Valley National Park and only 90 miles from Las Vegas. The day of our visit (Monday, March 2, 2015) was mostly overcast and on the chilly side. We headed thru Pahrump on State Route 160, turned west on Bell Vista Road and entered the refuge on Spring Meadows Road.
The refuge was established in 1984 and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
It offers a diverse selection of endangered attractions, endemic plants and 27 species of animals...many found nowhere else on the planet.
Water is the key natural resource that makes the site unique. It travels over 100 miles from the northeast thru a vast underground aquifer system. This causes a white alkali surface seep habitat throughout much of the refuge.
Springs create tranquil ponds that appear brilliant turquoise blue in sunlight. The sky was sunny bright upon arrival. During our relatively short stay, the storm clouds increased (as you can see). Enroute home through Pahrump and past Red Rock we encountered heavy rain squalls.
Many of the refuge's sites are connected via wooden boardwalks that have signs explaining the different sites.
Among the attractions is the Devil's Hole -- a water-filled cavern that cuts into a rocky hillside. It's sole global inhabitants are the one-inch-long Devils Hole Pupfish, which have been isolated there for up to 20,000 years! A trail leads to the site and visitors can climb down steps to get close-up views of these unique fish and their black water home. Access to the Ash Meadow site is free and a bonus attraction is a short film available in the centrally-located Visitors' Center.
Detailed information about this unique site can be found on the Ash Meadows website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash_meadows.
The refuge was established in 1984 and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
It offers a diverse selection of endangered attractions, endemic plants and 27 species of animals...many found nowhere else on the planet.
Water is the key natural resource that makes the site unique. It travels over 100 miles from the northeast thru a vast underground aquifer system. This causes a white alkali surface seep habitat throughout much of the refuge.
Springs create tranquil ponds that appear brilliant turquoise blue in sunlight. The sky was sunny bright upon arrival. During our relatively short stay, the storm clouds increased (as you can see). Enroute home through Pahrump and past Red Rock we encountered heavy rain squalls.
Many of the refuge's sites are connected via wooden boardwalks that have signs explaining the different sites.
Among the attractions is the Devil's Hole -- a water-filled cavern that cuts into a rocky hillside. It's sole global inhabitants are the one-inch-long Devils Hole Pupfish, which have been isolated there for up to 20,000 years! A trail leads to the site and visitors can climb down steps to get close-up views of these unique fish and their black water home. Access to the Ash Meadow site is free and a bonus attraction is a short film available in the centrally-located Visitors' Center.
Detailed information about this unique site can be found on the Ash Meadows website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash_meadows.
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