About Devils Hole
In a dry Nevada basin, a small opening in the rock leads into a deep, warm water-filled cave. Devils Hole is the only natural home of the endangered Devils Hole pupfish, a tiny species that survives on a shallow shelf in a habitat that seems impossibly narrow. The water stays around 93°F in the cave’s deeper reaches.
The pool is also remarkably sensitive to disturbances far away. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notes that earthquakes can send waves through Devils Hole, a startling reminder that this little patch of water connects to a larger underground system. Its delicate ecosystem has been the subject of major conservation efforts.
Visitors can reach a viewing platform, but the pool is fenced and the fish are difficult to see from there. Bring binoculars, stay behind barriers, and do not expect a close-up wildlife encounter. The site is open during daylight hours, and refuge roads are dirt and gravel that may require a higher-clearance vehicle in poor conditions.
Start with the National Park Service guide and Ash Meadows visitor information for access and road updates.