The Ash Grove Trail is one of several trails inside Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, which sits at the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley just south of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
The Ash Grove is the only naturally-growing grove of Arizona ash trees in Southern Nevada, and it sits beneath scenic mountains towering over the landscape to the west. Due to flood erosion, the grove is separated into two distinct areas - both of which are accessible by the hardpacked dirt trail. The grove on the shorter of the two loops, the North Loop, can be reached in about a quarter of a mile. Another half-mile walk leads to the South Loop.
Along the path, hikers will pass cholla, yucca, prickly pear, honey mesquite, and live oak, crossing through riparian, woodland and upland desert ecosystems all along the walk. A freshwater spring flows from the ground near the South Loop, and it provides a watersource for some of the 12 animal species unique to the Spring Mountain Range.
Outside of the ash groves, there are areas with no shade along this hike. Water and bathrooms are located in the picnic area. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park has a $10 day use fee. More information is available by visiting the park website or by calling 702.875.4141.
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