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Grimshaw Riparian Area
Grimshaw Riparian Area
Nestled in Inyo County, California, Grimshaw Lake sits near Tecopa in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Unlike natural lakes, this one owes its existence to a hot spring-fed stream flowing from the Tecopa Mountains. It was named after Edwin Lewis Grimshaw, a man with an eye for opportunity.
After a previous marriage to Frank A. McQueary and raising several children, Edwin married Minnie (Bacon) McQueary in Los Angeles in 1936. The couple moved to Tecopa in 1944, where Ed leased a trading post and bar. Looking for ways to make life in the desert a little more interesting, Ed created the lake as a hunting spot, drawing in ducks to provide sport and sustenance. The couple remained in Tecopa for the rest of their lives and are buried there. They had no children together, but their legacy lives on in this unique desert landscape.
Today, the Grimshaw Lake Watchable Wildlife Trail offers a glimpse into this unusual oasis. The easy, flat gravel path follows the abandoned railbed of the historic Tonopah and Tidewater ("T&T") Railroad, a lifeline of the early 20th century. Wildlife thrives along the trail, especially bird species, as it winds through the open expanse of the Tecopa Basin.
Grimshaw Lake is part of the Amargosa River Natural Area, overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. While it started as a hunting spot, it has become a haven for wildlife and a quiet retreat for nature lovers exploring this hidden corner of the Mojave.