Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge sits at the southern edge of the Great Salt Lake Desert and protects wetlands fed by natural freshwater springs. The spring-fed lakes, marshes, and channels create a lush ribbon of water and vegetation in the surrounding dry landscape.

The springs functioned as a supply station for the Pony Express, the Central Overland Stage, and the Lincoln Highway during westward expansion. This made the location a crucial rest point for travelers heading across the region.

The springs sustained the Goshute people for thousands of years, serving as a vital water source in the harsh desert environment. Today visitors can sense this deep connection to the land through the trails and wildlife patterns that reflect this ancient relationship.

Access is via unpaved roads best navigated with a vehicle that has good ground clearance, especially after rainfall. Bring water, sun protection, and binoculars, as the refuge offers limited shade and facilities on the grounds.

The refuge is an oasis in the middle of one of North America's largest salt deserts, sustained by underground aquifers beneath the surface. These isolated waters create habitats for fish and birds that appear nowhere else in the surrounding arid region.

Location: Juab County

Operator: United States Fish and Wildlife Service

GPS coordinates: 39.86105,-113.36367

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02