Ash Meadows Refugewildflowers
Splashes of desert wildflower color begin to appear in late March, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Ash Meadows Refuge · September
- Fall bird migration, September through November · Sep–Nov
- High daytime heat: never leave pets in cars, April through October · Apr–Oct
172days to the next wildflowers seasonfrom late March, local timing
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Spring bird migration, March through MayMar–May
- Mar: Splashes of wildflower color begin in late MarchMar
- High daytime heat: never leave pets in cars, April through OctoberNowApr–Oct
- Fall bird migration, September through NovemberNowSep–Nov
Best spots around Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
- Crystal Spring BoardwalkStarts right behind the visitor center: about 0.9 miles round trip to a deep blue spring pool, with benches, scopes and signs; wheelchair accessible, no bicycles, open sunrise to sunset all year.
- Point of Rocks Boardwalk and Kings Pool4.1 miles from the visitor center at the end of Point of Rocks Road: about 0.5 miles round trip through mesquite to the benches at Kings Pool, with a picnic area; wheelchair accessible, parking open sunrise to sunset.
Ash Meadows Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ash Meadows NWR: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ash Meadows NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ash Meadows NWR: Rules and Policies (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ash Meadows NWR: Activities (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ash Meadows NWR: Birding (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in 2027?
Splashes of desert wildflower color begin to appear in late March, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: from late March. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 172 days (from late March, local timing).
When are the refuge and visitor center open?
Trails and boardwalks are open every day from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ash Meadows NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are the roads paved?
No, every refuge road is dirt, kept up for regular cars and motorcycles. Rain can make them slick, very muddy or closed in places, so call ahead in wet weather. The suggested route to the visitor center is the West Entrance off Highway 373.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ash Meadows NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a six-foot leash at all times, and dogs are welcome on the boardwalks. Clean up after them, and never leave them in the car, especially April through October.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ash Meadows NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I walk off the boardwalks to see the flowers?
No. Undeveloped areas are closed to all travel, so stay on the boardwalks, roads signed open to walkers and the designated parking and picnic areas. Drones aren't allowed either.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ash Meadows NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I stay overnight?
No, the refuge is day-use only. The nearest rooms are at the Longstreet Inn and at the Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley Junction.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ash Meadows NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge?
Crystal Spring Boardwalk: starts right behind the visitor center: about 0.9 miles round trip to a deep blue spring pool, with benches, scopes and signs; wheelchair accessible, no bicycles, open sunrise to sunset all year.; Point of Rocks Boardwalk and Kings Pool: 4.1 miles from the visitor center at the end of Point of Rocks Road: about 0.5 miles round trip through mesquite to the benches at Kings Pool, with a picnic area; wheelchair accessible, parking open sunrise to sunset..
What is Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Splashes of wildflower color begin in late March (Mar), Spring bird migration, March through May (Mar–May), Fall bird migration, September through November (Sep–Nov) and High daytime heat: never leave pets in cars, April through October (Apr–Oct).