Grimshaw Lake Nature Trail

The Grimshaw Lake Nature Trail is a 1.9 mile out-and-back walk through the Grimshaw Lake Natural Area along a wildlife rich corridor of the Amargosa River.The trail follows a section of the old Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad bed, which became a dirt track following the closure of the railroad. Years of erosion and growth have gradually eliminated vehicular access to portions of the double track, and these days and trail is a flat walk between the trailhead and a lookout point over a small basin lake.Tracing the former railroad grade, there is nearly no elevation change along the hike, however hikers will have to navigate across a few washed out sections. The path itsefl is dry soft dirt, passing through a few grassy areas. The Amargosa River flows parallel to the path, though through this section the river flows mostly underground except following wet conditions. Being rich in natural springs, a couple small lakes maintain water near the trail. Grimshaw Lake is the first lake encountered slightly south of the trailhead. The path continues north to an unnamed lake with a bench looking out across it.Migratory birds and waterfowl flock to the waters and are a main attraction here. The dramatic mountains rising from the landscape across the lake are another feature of the hike.From the turnaround point at the wooden bench overlook, hikers can explore the vicinity of the trail, or return back to the trailhead.There are no amenities of any type along the hike and there is no shade. Hikers visiting Tecopa during the summer should be aware of biting flies and wear insect repellant.A high clearance vehicle is needed to reach the trailhead, otherwise visitors can park on the shoulder of the road and walk the .2 miles to the trailhead.