Pahrump, California · Nye County
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge was established June 18, 1984. Managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the refuge protects threatened and endangered species, many of which occur nowhere else in the world. It encompasses over 23,000 acres of spring-fed wetlands and alkaline desert uplands. The name Ash Meadows…
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge was established June 18, 1984. Managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the refuge protects threatened and endangered species, many of which occur nowhere else in the world. It encompasses over 23,000 acres of spring-fed wetlands and alkaline desert uplands. The name Ash Meadows refers to the abundance of ash trees once found in the area.
Driving Directions to the Visitor CenterThe 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/CrystalTake 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 PahrumpTake 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Heading to Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
Photo: Joshua EarleCalifornia's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Sergei AkulichSteep is hard. These are the ten California trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Maddi BazzoccoTen gentle, well-marked California trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Holly MandarichCalifornia's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Diego LozanoFederal parks and recreation areas in California ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Joshua EarleCalifornia's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.