Description

Cactus Springs is one small water hole atop a spring-mound, a few cottonwood trees, honey mesquite thickets, and other shrubs, all of which are set in a vast expanse of flat, lower-elevation Mojave Desert scrub. In the old days, there were at least two springs (with pools, but no running water), and during wet years, perhaps more.

The area is not pristine, as it has been heavily used by humans for years. The springs are on public property, but they are adjacent to Highway 95, next to a small housing area and some failed commercial developments, and next to the Temple of Sekhmet (a fertility shrine, which adds an interesting flavor to the area). The BLM currently is restoring the site, so it will be fun to watch the native vegetation as it grows back and provides more habitat for birds and other wildlife. [Note: the effort more-or-less failed.]

This is not a destination birding site, but it is a nice place to stop for a few minutes, stretch the legs, and see who is flying about.

Location

Cactus Springs is located along Highway 95, about 60 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

To get there from Las Vegas, drive north on Highway 95 for most of 1 hour to the town of Indian Springs. Continue northwest through Indian Springs, paying attention to the 35 mph speed limit. Continue northwest for a couple of miles to a grove of cottonwood trees on the left side of the road. The springs are located beneath the southeast-most cottonwood trees. Turn left at the first of two places to turn into Cactus Spring. The parking area is located by the first trees on the left (Table 1, Site 576). There is a gate where birders can get through the fence into the spring area.

Hours

Always open (but should be considered day-use).

Fees

None.

Specialties

This is a good area to see Phainopepla, Mourning Doves, Common Ravens, House Finches, and other desert species as they come in for water. During migration, the trees and water attract migrants, including warblers, Accipiters, and an occasional odd flycatchers and Red-shouldered Hawks.

Next to Creech Air Force Base, this is also a good place to watch drone aircraft and other advanced military aircraft like stealth bombers and the Thunderbird Air Force aerial demonstration team.