Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Nevada

[JudyJB]

This was recommended to me by a ranger in Death Valley so I stopped on the way to Las Vegas. It is on a six mile mostly dirt road, but well worth the trip.



There are several springs here and lots of wildlife. Unfortunately, it would have been better to visit in spring or fall when the trees still have leaves and flowers are in bloom, but it is not too hot.



Here is the link: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash_meadows/ The new visitor center should be finished by next summer.

I only had time to visit Crystal Springs and walk on the 1/2 mile boardwalk, but definitely plan on coming here again. Here are some photos:






I did not have time, but there are several other springs and historical areas within the park:


I posted a few more photos on my blog. There is an RV park a couple of miles from the entrance. I have not stayed there but plan to next time. It is part of the Longstreet Inn and Casino, and has full hookup sites on the basic desert parking lot. http://www.longstreetcasino.com/Death-V ... eling.html Other than this place, there are a couple of RV parks in Pahrump and the ones in Death Valley.

Almost forgot the duck. Since when do you see a duck in the desert??

[BarbaraRose]

Got caught up on your blog. Lots of interesting places!

[avalen]

Oh that looks interesting, will have to put that on my list

[sharon]

Been there, loved it. Don't wade in the water, there's things there that get under your skin! Found that out after I waded...but got lucky and didn't get anything. The rv park at Longstreet is better than a parking lot, IMHO. I kind of liked it there. The restaurant is pretty good there, too. There are a couple of rv parks in Beatty, Nv, too, plus the candy store. Lots to do and explore in the area, but a car or small rv is best because everything is so far apart. I absolutely love the whole area!!

[bluepinecones]

Thanks, Judy

[Bethers]

Been there, loved it. I absolutely love the whole area!!

x two

[snowball]

looks like a nice place to visit how far from Vegas is it? close enough for a day trip? if it is might suggest it to my sister
sheila

[Cudedog]

Almost forgot the duck. Since when do you see a duck in the desert??

Nice photo, Judy. That looks very much like a juvenile American Coot. Pretty surprising to find one in the desert:




Anne

[JudyJB]

Actually, I knew it was a coot, but it was more effective as a duck.

Yes, you could do it as a day-trip from Las Vegas, but it is a 113 mile drive each way, so it would be a very long day. You really need at least 3-4 hours to spend once you are there.