Overview
A classic roadside warm spring, currently not a stop
Ash Springs Recreation Site sits in the Pahranagat Valley along US-93 and has long been known as an easy, drive-up spring pool area. It’s exactly the kind of “stretch your legs, quick dip” site people look for in Nevada, which is why closures here matter.
What’s different right now
The Bureau of Land Management lists the site as closed for safety and resource protection. That means you should plan as if access is not available until the managing office updates the status. It’s worth knowing about, but it’s not reliable as a last-minute soak stop.
How to use this listing
Use it for planning and route awareness. If you’re driving US-93, check closure updates before you leave cell coverage, and have a backup spring or pool option lined up so your day doesn’t hinge on one gate.
Location & Access
Where it is
Ash Springs Recreation Site is in Lincoln County, Nevada, in the Pahranagat Valley along US-93. The BLM closure notice provides coordinates for the site, which makes it easy to locate on a map even when services are closed.
By car
This is a roadside location with no hike when open. The approach is via major highway rather than remote tracks. That said, roadside does not mean “always accessible,” and current management status is the deciding factor.
Closures and planning
BLM lists the site closed for safety and resource protection. Treat that as authoritative. Do not plan to enter, park in restricted areas, or walk in around barriers. If your travel day depends on a swim stop, pick an alternative that is confirmed open.
What to bring
If and when the site reopens, plan for sun, wind, and limited services. Bring water, sun protection, and footwear you can walk in on wet concrete. Until then, the practical move is to bring patience and a backup plan.
Suitability & Accessibility
Because the site is listed as closed, it is not currently suitable for a planned soak trip. If you are routing through the area, it may still be worth a quick roadside look from public right-of-way (without entering closed areas), but don’t count on facilities.
Families
When open, roadside spring pools can look kid-friendly, but they require close supervision due to slippery edges and variable water conditions. With the current closure, treat it as not family-suitable as an activity stop.
Mobility realities
Drive-up access usually helps, but closures remove that advantage. Even when open, wet surfaces and pool edges can be tricky for people who need stable footing. If the site reopens, call the managing office for current details before you assume easy access.
Expectations vs reality
This is not a developed resort. Even in open periods, you should expect basic infrastructure at best. If you need locker rooms, staffed lifeguards, or guaranteed sanitation, choose a managed pool facility instead.
Safety & Etiquette
Closure means closure
If gates or signs indicate the recreation site is closed, do not enter. Closures are typically posted for real reasons, structural issues, habitat damage, or safety hazards, and trying to “sneak a soak” is how people get hurt or trigger longer shutdowns.
Water risks at warm spring pools
Warm freshwater can carry microorganisms. The CDC’s basic guidance for hot springs and warm freshwater is to keep water out of your nose and keep your head above water, especially if you’re jumping or splashing. This is practical risk reduction, not paranoia.
Slip hazards
Concrete edges, algae film, and wet steps are the common injury pattern at spring pools. Move slowly, wear sandals with grip, and keep hands free when you’re near water.
Etiquette if reopened
Pack out trash, keep noise down, and share space. Small spring pools can feel crowded fast. If the site has posted rules (hours, group limits, or day-use restrictions), follow them. Your best chance of keeping spring access open is predictable behavior.
Respect the valley
Pahranagat Valley is wildlife country. Don’t feed animals, don’t leave food scraps, and keep vehicle speeds reasonable on access roads and shoulders.
FAQs
Is Ash Springs Recreation Site open right now?
BLM lists the site closed for safety and resource protection. Check the current BLM closure notice before you drive.
Where exactly is it?
The closure notice provides coordinates for navigation. Use those to pull up the site on a map rather than relying on informal pins.
Can I still stop to look around?
You should not enter closed areas or cross barriers. If you’re passing by, treat it as a drive-by location unless signage clearly indicates open access.
What are the main safety concerns at warm spring pools?
Slips on wet surfaces are the most common issue. For warm freshwater in general, CDC guidance also focuses on keeping water out of your nose and keeping your head above water in hot springs.
What’s a smart backup plan?
Choose a developed pool or spa facility that publishes current hours and operating status, or build your day around a hike or scenic stop so it’s not dependent on one spring.
