Description

Crystal Reservoir is a remarkably clear reservoir with a surface area of about 70 acres. The reservoir is held behind a low dam along the southwest side. This dam is a good, elevated place to walk and watch birds on the water and in the thickets below the dam. There are cattails and bulrushes on the northwestern and southeastern ends of the lake, and a few other shrubs here and there, but most of the shoreline is clear and the views of the lake are unobstructed. There are some trees at the northwest corner of the lake near the dam parking area.

Using a spotting scope, look southwest from the dam towards Horseshoe and Lower Crystal marshes. These areas are difficult to get to when the ground is muddy, but from the dam you can see and identify some of the waterfowl and other large birds using that area.

Location

Crystal Reservoir is located on the Ash Meadows National Wildlife, about 2 hours northwest of Las Vegas and about 0.6 miles south of the Refuge Office.

From Las Vegas, drive out to the Refuge Office. From the Refuge Office (Table 1, Site 691), drive out to the main refuge road. Turn right onto the main road and drive east for 1.1 miles the Crystal Reservoir access road. The main road curves to the right, and when it starts to curve back to the left, watch for a small sign and a dirt road to the right (Site 692). Follow the Crystal Reservoir access road for about 0.5 miles to a fork. The road to the left runs south along the lake towards the southeast corner. Continue straight at the fork for another 0.2 miles to reach a parking area on northwest corner of the lake by the dam (Site 500). Depending on the time of day, viewing might be better from one side of the lake or the other to keep the sun out of your eyes.

Hours

The refuge is day-use only: open sunrise to sunset.

Fees

None.

Specialties

Crystal Reservoir is good for waterfowl, wading birds, gulls, shorebirds, swallows, and the incidental desert species that come in for water. From the top of the dam, look for waterfowl on Horseshoe and Lower Crystal marshes.

Crystal Reservoir is also good for finding migrant and desert passerine species, but the species mix depends on the season, and during migration it depends on who is moving through at the time. Review the refuge bird list for ideas on what to expect during the time of year you plan to visit.

Always keep an eye out for oddballs like Yellow-billed Loons.