Between changes to permit systems and ever-changing weather, my plans for this weekend have been all over the place. From backpacking the Lost Coast of California to car-camping in and around Cape Perpetua, Oregon, my buddy, Bill, and I ended up heading to Southern Nevada with a few ideas of hikes and camping areas.
Our first stop was a place I had visited last fall. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a detached unit of Death Valley National Park and was established in 1984 to protect an ancient desert oasis that is home to a myriad of wildlife, including several endangered species. The Amargosa Valley where the refuge is located is a dry and dusty desert skillet, and so to find a lush oasis in such an inhospitable climate is quite surprising. It is no wonder that so many species call this area home.
We first drive out to the Crystal Spring Reservoir, which is a fresh water ocean in this stark yellow wasteland. The shallow lake shimmers in the hot desert sun with amazing shades of blue and gray. Ducks swimming in the rippling waves covering the two to three acre surface. Along the edge, tall grasses grow in the shallow water and in the distance small ash trees line the far side of the lake. It is a truly gorgeous site.
Next we drive out to Point of Rocks, which offers a short boardwalk hike in and around a spring-fed creek. The water here is crystal clear and offers views of the tiny pupfish that call this area home. Over the eons, different pools of the small creatures have been separated and allowed them to evolve into different species, including the famous Devil's Hole pupfish, which is critically endangered.
After our short walk, I show Bill the way up to Devil's Hole, which was the primary reason for my last visit, before we head further down the road and find a place to camp for the evening. If you are ever in the area and in need of a little revitalizing distraction, I would strongly recommend paying this magical place a visit.
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