The hidden waterway of the Mojave.
The Amargosa River: A Lifeline in the Mojave Desert
The Amargosa River is a rare and vital waterway flowing through the arid expanse of the Mojave Desert. Unlike typical rivers, it is an ephemeral and intermittent stream, with much of its flow occurring underground because of the region’s extreme aridity. Originating in the Amargosa Valley of Nevada, the river follows a southward course into California, winding through deep canyons and barren playas before ultimately vanishing into the saline basin of Badwater Basin in Death Valley—one of the lowest points in North America.
Despite its often-invisible presence, the Amargosa River plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the desert. Fed by springs, seasonal runoff, and groundwater discharge, it supports a fragile yet highly adapted ecosystem. The river’s rare surface flows create critical riparian habitats in an otherwise harsh landscape, sustaining a range of desert flora and fauna. Cottonwoods, willows, and mesquites take root along its banks, while endangered species such as the Amargosa vole and pupfish rely on its waters for survival. The river’s springs, including those in Shoshone, Tecopa, and the Amargosa Canyon, provide vital oases for birds, amphibians, and mammals, making the river corridor a biodiversity hotspot in the Mojave.
Beyond its ecological significance, the Amargosa River is a key component of the region’s hydrologic system, illustrating the complex interplay of groundwater flow and surface water persistence in one of North America's most extreme environments.