02-21-09 Spring Trip

Today we headed to the base of the Spring Mountains, relatively close to home. It's a 15min drive on the freeway and about 40 minutes on some dirt roads. I have been driving by this particular area on a daily basis and for some reason it has just called to me. My gut feeling that there had to be something had paid off. We discovered a spring and it's waters flowed into a small stream which carved through the snow. About 10ft from where I parked were ruins of an old cabin. 100 yards or so down stream lay what seemed to be the remains of a cemetery. The cabin was small, not much more than a foundation. Some of the doorway and walls were still intact. The "cemetery" looked like just a few dead tree branches stuck into the ground at first. upon closer inspection I noticed the old wire that joined them. I then realized they made up a fence which covered about a 20ft square area.

Video of the spring:





We spent the day exploring the area as the dogs ran around playing in the snow. Unfortunately, after deciding to drive further down the snow and mud covered road, we ran into a dead end. We turned around and headed back up the narrow, slippery road back to civilization. Now my gut is telling me there might be more back in this valley and we're eager to explore here again.

Law of the land

In some of my future posts, I may not have specific directions to a site or use the site's actual name. The reason is not because I am selfish or forgetful. Giving out this information would violate a confidentiality agreement and possibly damage a site by contributing to a rise in it's visitation. Vandalism of these places seems to be on the rise, whether intentionally or through ignorance of proper site etiquette. I personally feel that those who are truly interested in exploring these places will go about discovering them the way we have; through research, luck or volunteering. Groups like the Clark County Cultural Site Stewardship program, Nevada Rock Art foundation and the Nevada Archaeological Association are a great way to get involved. Here are links to some of these programs.

The Nevada Archaeological Association- http://www.nvarch.org/

Nevada Rock Art Foundation- http://www.nevadarockart.org/

Nevada Cultural Site Stewardship- http://www.blm.gov/heritage/adventures/want_2_help/site_steward.html

Federal law prohibits anyone one from digging or collecting items from these sites (arrowheads, pottery, etc). If one were to find an artifact, take pictures of it, enjoy it, but don't move it. It's illegal and would effect future research in the area. I also recommend notifying your local BLM offices of your discovery. If you are caught collecting, potting (digging) or vandalising a site, you will be arrested and all items you have used, including your vehicle, will be confiscated.

Graffiti over petroglyphs


vandalized charcoal kiln






If you discover Rock art, whether it be petroglyphs or pictographs, refrain from touching or climbing on them. The oils in your skin may cause damage to them. Do not use charcoal to create a rubbing of them, this too can cause damage.






Most of these unique sites are only accessible by dirt roads and are seldom located on maps. I recommend using a 4 wheel drive vehicle or at the very least, one with high ground clearance. Always stay on designated roads as well





Items recommended for desert exploring:

• basic tool kit
• radiator repair kit
• extra fan belt
• tire patch & plug kit
• spare tire w/ jack & tire iron
• a fully charged cell phone (best left off to avoid draining battery, if searching for signal.)
• compass or GPS unit
• flashlight w/good batteries
• extra oil & brake fluid
• duct tape
• shovel
• tow strap
• sun screen
• first aid kit
• warm clothing (even during the summer)
• gloves
• bring at least one gallon of water per person, per day.
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Most of these items can be picked up at any auto parts store.


So have fun on your outings and remember to respect these places so others may also enjoy them.

02- 14-09 Ash Meadows

With the both of us feeling slightly under the weather, we decided to take it easy. About an hour and a half away from Vegas is Ash Meadows. It is a National Wildlife Refuge established in 1984 that encompasses over 23,000 acres of spring fed wetlands. This Refuge protects several endangered species, some only known to exist here. Water known as fossil water, which comes from over a 100 miles away through a vast underground aquifer, brings this Refuge it's beauty. Springs, small streams, sandy dunes, mesquite and ash grooves make up the landscape of this area. Over 10,000 gallons per minute flow here year round and the water temperatures can reach 90 degrees.

We checked out Devil's Hole, which is pretty much a deep hole in the side of the mountain. Water rises from deep below the valley floor and forms a pool at the base of Devil's Hole. I saw a Discovery channel special on this place some years back and believe it leads to large underground water filled caverns. The entire Population of the endangered Devil's Hole pup fish live here and our said to have been isolated in these waters for 10 to 20 thousand years. Access to the hole it's self is fenced off but there is a great observation platform in which to take pictures from. Another trail leads around the bend and up to a much more ominous looking hole. It is also encaged which is probably a good thing do to the fact it looks like something someone may accidentally stumble into. I swear I heard what sounded like people speaking Chinese coming from it's depths. Jen on the other hand, suggested it was more then likely in my head as the result of a tumble I took down the side of the rock covered hill.

On our way to Ash Meadows we stopped at the Pahrump valley museum. It has a great collection of memorabilia, including the prehistoric settlers to the present day. A very friendly and helpful staff as well as an impressive Abraham Lincoln collection. Very fitting since yesterday was his 200th birthday.

On our way home via US95 at about 70mph, my eagle eyes noticed several bighorn sheep about 100yrds off the road amongst some cliffs.