20 Attractions to Explore Near Ash Meadows

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Nye County, Nevada is a gem of a destination that will surely tickle your fancy. Covering over 23,000 acres of land, this refuge is home to a plethora of endemic species that attract nature enthusiasts from all over the world. From the beautiful and elusive Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish, to the majestic southwestern willow flycatchers, this refuge is a veritable haven for wildlife.

Devils Hole, a geological wonder located in Nye County, Nevada, is renowned for its exceptionally rare and endangered fish species. But don't let its name deceive you, this place is more paradise than inferno. The clear, aquamarine water dangerously tempts you to jump in and cool off on a hot Nevada day. However, I wouldn't recommend it, unless you want to face the wrath of the National Park Service.

The Amargosa Desert is a unique and stunning landscape that's not for the faint of heart. But if you're up for the adventure, you won't be disappointed. The desert is home to a variety of plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. With its rugged terrain, towering cliffs, and expansive vistas, the Amargosa Desert is truly a sight to behold. I may be biased as a desert-loving AI, but there's something special about the stark beauty of these arid landscapes.

The Pahrump Valley Museum, Just a stone's throw away from the bustling Las Vegas, this charming museum is a well-preserved time capsule that showcases the rich history of the area. Featuring exhibits that cover everything from mining to agriculture, this museum has something for everyone. But what sets it apart from other museums is the dedicated staff who are always ready to share their knowledge and make visitors feel right at home.

Dante's View offers a dramatic panoramic view of Death Valley from a very brink of an edge. It is also an excellent venue for night time star viewing with telescopes.

This casino is not your typical high-end Vegas-style establishment, but rather a quirky gem that captures the spirit of the Old West. The decor is a hodgepodge of Wild West artifacts and gold mining memorabilia that will transport you back in time. The staff is friendly, and the drinks flow freely. Plus, the slot machines and table games offer plenty of opportunities to strike it lucky. In my opinion, Gold Town Casino is a hidden gem in Nevada that is worth discovering.

Zabriskie Point is a part of the Amargosa Range located east of Death Valley in Death Valley National Park in California. It is composed of sediments from Furnace Creek Lake, which dried up 5 million years ago—long before Death Valley came into existence.

Manly Beacon is a towering spire that rises above the Death Valley badlands. The peak stands out in stark contrast to the backdrop of the Red Cathedral formation and the surrounding mud hills. To many people, the peak may look unclimbable, but there is a narrow ridge that accesses the small summit, where there are unforgettable views of the surrounding badlands, the Death Valley salt pan, and Telescope Peak, the often-snowcapped highpoint of the Panamint Range.

Artists Drive is a scenic viewpoint in Inyo County. It crosses a sloping mountainside composed of vibrant soil colored by rich metals. The drive passes an area dubbed the Artist’s Palette, which is among the unique landmarks in Death Valley National Park that must be seen to believe. Artist’s Drive is a one-way road traveling from south to north. For those coming from Badwater Basin, this is an ideal side trek en route to Furnace Creek.

An endorheic basin noted as the lowest point in North America, with a depth of 282 ft (86 m) below sea level. Consisists of a small spring-fed pool of "bad water" next to the road in a sink; the accumulated salts of the surrounding basin make it undrinkable, thus giving it the name. Significant rainstorms flood the valley bottom periodically, covering the salt pan with a thin sheet of standing water. When the basin is flooded, some of the salt is dissolved; it is redeposited as clean crystals w

Gower Gulch is a small gulch on the eastern side of Death Valley in Inyo County, California. It is located in the Black Mountains. Gower Gulch is visible from Zabriskie Point and is about one and a half miles long.The gulch contained mines, camps, and roads during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

The Golden Canyon in Death Valley National Park is probably the most famous hike in the park. It is easily accessible and you can enjoy the view from manly Beacon and explore the golden mudstone hills . It is one of the iconic location for trekkers and also there are so many things to expore.

Golden Canyon Trailhead is a locality in Inyo County. Golden Canyon Trailhead is situated west of Red Cathedral Junction, and west of Zabriskie Point Junction.This route features tons of geologic and human history – you’ll pass through layers of strata defining the different ages of Death Valley’s past, see canyons painted in dozens of different colors, and pass old mining shafts and claims from the area’s industrial heyday.

Devils Golf Course is a scenic viewpoint in Inyo County. It is a large salt pan on the floor of the Death Valley, located in the Mojave Desert, within the Death Valley National Park in eastern California. Although its exact boundaries are poorly defined, it extends from the vicinity of the Ashford Mill site to the Salt Creek Hills, covering a distance of about 40 miles.

An abandoned borax mine. They became famous through the use of large twenty-mule teams and double wagons which hauled borax through the long overland route to the closest railroad in Mojave, California.

Sidewinder Canyon is located at the base of the Black Mountains on the east side of Death Valley National Park south of Badwater Basin. The canyon is fairly wide with a gravel bottom and forty-foot stone walls on both side. The trailhead is unmarked and the trail only has occasional cairns along the way for guidance, creating a remote trek in a Death Valley canyon. The mouth of the canyon is difficult to spot from the trailhead. Begin hiking south toward the gravel fan exiting the canyon.

The Keane Wonder Mine and mill is an abandoned mining facility located within Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, California. It is located in the Funeral Mountains east of Death Valley and Furnace Creek, California. It was among the most successful gold mines in the valley and followed the course of a rich vein of ore. The miners attempted to remove as much of the ore as possible, and as a result dug out large areas, with only a few pillars to keep the mine from collapsing.

Ah, the infamous Yucca Mountain. This Nevada landmark has been the center of controversy for years. It's a proposed site for a permanent repository for high-level radioactive waste from nuclear power plants across the country. Some argue it's the safest option, while others claim it poses too many risks to the environment and surrounding communities. Personally, I think it's a bit of a gamble. But hey, hasn't Nevada always been known for taking a few risks?

For those unfamiliar, Frenchman Flat is a site that has seen its fair share of nuclear detonations in the 1950s and 60s. While the sheer power of these blasts is undoubtedly impressive, it's hard not to find the whole situation a little absurd. I mean, what kind of society decides that setting off a bunch of nukes in the middle of the desert is a good idea? Regardless of my personal feelings, Frenchman Flat's impact on America's nuclear history cannot be denied.

This short hike along Salt Creek takes hikers through one of the more unique areas of Death Valley National Park. With the surprising presence of water in the midst of the salt flats, this area looks positively lush compared to the rest of the basin.This is a very popular area for hiking, walking, and other nature trips, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.