Description

The spring is on private property, but the gate-like structure (designed to exclude livestock while allowing free passage to humans) seems to invite people onto the property (or at least discourages people from damaging the existing fences). This is a great little place to bird, but please respect the property owner by not trashing the place. It would be a shame to see "no trespassing" signs go up. In addition, and this is extremely important, this spring supports two federally endangered species of fish. The Pahranagat Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta jordani) is found only in Crystal Spring and in about 7 miles of the Pahranagat River downstream from the spring. The Hiko White River Springfish (Crenichthys baileyi grandis) is only found in Hiko and Crystal springs. The springs and a small amount of land around them are designated as critical habitat for these fish, so visitors must use the area carefully lest the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decide to keep us out too.

Crystal Spring is not a destination, but rather one of several birding sites in the Pahranagat Valley to visit as a group or on the way to somewhere else.

The site is right along the highway, so be careful of the traffic.

Of historical note, a small stage station was developed here in 1865, and when Lincoln County was formed, Crystal Spring was designated as the county seat. Soon thereafter, however, Hiko became the county seat. The station here was abandoned in 1870 when the stage stopped running. Stone foundations are said to mark the site, but I've not seem them.

Also of note is that this is the start of the Extraterrestrial Highway. A lot of strange things have been seen out west of here in the desert, especially back in the days when the public could easily climb the hills and look down into Area 51 (now it is just harder). UFO-buffs and the curious are encouraged to head west and visit the town of Rachael where limited services are available at the Little A'Le'Inn.

Location

Crystal Spring is located in the Pahranagat Valley, about 108 miles north of Las Vegas.

From town, drive north on Interstate 15 to Highway 93. Turn left on Highway 93 and drive north past the towns of Alamo (95 miles) and Ash Spring (102 miles) to the intersection of Highways 93 and 318 (107 miles).

Turn left onto Highway 318 and drive west for 0.7 miles to Crystal Spring, which is located at the intersection of Highways 318 and 375. Park by the historical marker on the southwest side of the intersection (Table 1, Site 441). The gate is behind the marker, and the springs are just south of the highway.

Hours

Always open, but it is private property, so respect the owner's rights and don't trash the place. It probably should be considered day-use only

Fees

None.

Specialties

This is a good birding area for passerines, especially migrant warblers, wrens, sparrows, swallows, and towhees. Look the endangered fish too, although you are more likely to see the nonnative aquarium species that people released into the springs (e.g., convict cichlids, sailfin and shortfin mollys, mosquitofish, bullfrogs, and crayfish).