Overview

Horse Spring was one of the most reliable sweet-water springs in Gold Butte National Monument, but it dried down during the fall of 2018. Later, illegal actors (we can all guess who) obliterated the natural spring when they bulldozed the area and put in a pipe directing water to a watering trough. The trough might develop into a bird-friendly water feature, but the natural spring is gone -- at least for now.

As such, the fate of this little riparian wetland in the desert is uncertain. In the past, a bit of water and soil dampness nurtures trees and thickets of Desert Willow, Catclaw Acacia, Saltcedar, Arrowweed, and Mojave Rabbitbrush. Narrowleaf Cattail and other aquatic species grow in the water. The area otherwise is a creosote shrubland with Joshua Trees.

The wetlands provide habitat for breeding birds and a tiny spot of green for migrants. The spring provides water for trespass livestock, feral burros, and wildlife (including Relict Leopard Frogs), and bird hunters use this area in the fall.

Link to map.

Be sure to wander 100 yards down the wash to an historic, 1880s, stone corral. Stone walls and wooden fencing remain in fairly good condition, and a stone wall runs some 230 yards up the hillside.

Watch Out

Other than the standard warnings about hiking in the desert, ... this area is fairly safe, but watch for nails in old boards and wire on the ground. Horse Spring North Road requires a 4WD vehicle, and other drivers might consider walking to the spring when the road drops into the sandy wash.

Honey bees are attracted to the spring during summer, so visitors should be careful. Don't antagonize the bees lest any be Africanized.

This is wild and remote country without services of any kind (no restrooms, no water, no gas, no food). Bring what you need to survive. Be prepared and be self-reliant. It is a big place, but someone will eventually find you if you stay on a main road. Be prepared to survive alone for a day or two, or even longer on side roads.

While visiting the area, please respect the land and the other people out there, and try to Leave No Trace of your passage. Also, this is a remote area, so be sure to bring the 10 Essentials, even if you leave them in the car.

Getting to Horse Spring

Horse Spring Corral is located out in Gold Butte National Monument at the northeast end of Lake Mead, about 3 hours northeast of Las Vegas in a wild, remote, and scenic area.

From town, drive out to Gold Butte National Monument. From Whitney Pocket, continue south on the unpaved Gold Butte Road 14.2 miles to Horse Spring North Road (Table 1, Site 1785), an unmarked, minor road on the left.

Turning left, Horse Spring North Road runs east about 1.0 miles to Horse Spring (Site 1906). In a 2WD vehicle, birders should not drive into the sandy wash.

Hours

Always open, but it should be considered a day-use area only so that wildlife can access the water under cover of darkness.

Fees

None.

Species to Watch for:

Gamble's Quail, Chukar, Long-eared Owl, White-throated Swift, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, swallows, Phainopepla, House Finch, Western Tanager, and Orange-crowned Warbler.