Amargosa Wild and Scenic River

Cultural

Archeological sites along the river indicate a continuing occupation by indigenous peoples for over 10,000 years. These sites are located on both sides of the river, in each segment. There is a high concentration of sites within the 1/4-mile boundary of the Amargosa River, because it is the largest water source in the region.

Geologic

These segments of the Amargosa River have been carved into a colorful array of spires, mesas, cliffs and canyons over the years by water flow of varying velocities. The ancient Tecopa Lake bed in the central segment contains fascinating landforms and extensive fossils, including many not recorded frequently in the region.

Historic

The Old Spanish Trail crosses the river in the central and lower segments and was one of the few pioneer trails used for both east and west travel. Famed explorers, such as Kit Carson and Colonel John C. Fremont, described several sites along these segments. The Tonopah and Tidewater (TNT) Railroad, which traverses all three segments, provided an historic support function for the remote mining communities located in the Death Valley Region in the early part of the 20th century.

Recreational

As one of the few surface water, riparian vegetation and high canyon density locales in the region, the three protected segments of the Amargosa offer visitors unusual river and canyon-based opportunities. Among these are hiking, exploration, bird watching, photography and equestrian use, all in rugged and physically challenging terrain. The lower segment provides a unique desert experience, because it includes multiple water crossings and scenic views.

Scenic

Designated segments of the Amargosa River flow past unusual desert wetlands and hot spring creeks; ancient lakebeds; mesas; mudflats; an abandoned railroad and human ruins of all kinds; colorful rock formations and precipitous cliffs; expansive meadows; and even waterfalls. The lush riparian and wetland plant communities present along these segments contrast dramatically with the surrounding stark, desert landscape.

Wilderness

The Tecopa to Sperry Siding segment encompasses a portion of the Kingston Range Wilderness, where little human modification of the landscape is evident. This segment provides an opportunity to experience solitude in the natural condition of the Mojave Desert.

Wildlife & Plants

The Amargosa River flows in a part of the Mojave Desert declared an "Area of Critical Environmental Concern" by the BLM to protect plants and animals listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Amargosa vole, least Bell's vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher are listed as state and federally endangered, and the state of California lists the yellow-billed cuckoo, Swainson's hawk and Amargosa niterwort as threatened. Two desert fish species—the Amargosa pupfish and the Amargosa speckled dace—also occur in these segments and are designated as sensitive species by the BLM.

• Amargosa
• Cottonwood Creek
• Eel
• Klamath
• Merced
• North Fork American
• Trinity
• Tuolumne
• Surprise Canyon Creek
• Whitewater River