A Hidden Gem in Las Vegas, Nevada

When it comes to exploring, Nevada is filled with many outdoor attractions that will get you some fresh air. Perfect for any age, this hidden gem is a great place to take an adventure any day. A peaceful place in the East Las Vegas Valley and roughly 20 minutes away from the Vegas Strip lies the Clark County Wetlands Park. According to the Nevada Park System, it is the largest park in Clark County, home to more than 200 species of birds and 7- species of mammals and reptiles.

Clark County Wetlands Park's mission is to preserve and enhance its natural and cultural resources and provides educational, recreational, and research opportunities to the public. Therefore, if you are looking to escape Las Vegas' city life for something more calming and nature-like, this is your spot to go to.

Nature Preserve

Open daily from dawn to dusk the Wetlands Nature Preserve is a special area that is dedicated to protecting wildlife and natural habitats. For the safety of all, paths in the Nature Preserve are pedestrians only, no dogs, bicycles, or picnics are allowed in this area.

Sitting on 210-acres the Nature Preserve includes over three miles of paved ADA accessible trails, ponds, restrooms, and a network of connecting unpaved trails that provide hours of nature exploration. Here are some highlighted sights within the Nature Preserve:

Vern's Pond (0.1 miles): Named for Vern Bostick who was among the first to promote the creation of Wetlands Park. Seeing the potential for conservation, restoration, and recreation in the Las Vegas Wash, Bostick spent many countless hours studying, documenting, and advocating for what is today, Wetlands Park. The pond that is his namesake is a great place to explore and look for wildlife. A shade structure and several benches on the island offer the chance to sit back, reflect, and revel in the beauty of nature.

Cottonwood Grove (0.3 miles): Under a canopy of tall Freemont cottonwood trees, you can discover the quiet serenity of nature. In the spring, the grove transforms as cottony seeds blow all around resembling falling snow. In autumn, the trees are awash in yellow and gold as the leaves change color. Look for nests big and small in the trees all year round!

Big Weir Bridge: A must-see area, the Upper Diversion Weir Bridge, AKA "Big Bridge" spanning the Las Vegas Wash puts you face to face with the Valley’s urban river. The bridge sits atop the Upper Diversion Weir, the first of 20 weirs along the Wash that slows down the flow of the water, prevents erosion, and helps to improve water quality. An average of 180 million gallons of water passes through here every day, mostly originating from Water Treatment facilities located along the Wash.

Wildlife Blind (0.5 miles): Not far from the Big Weir Bridge, the North Pond features a wildlife blind overlooking another pond where you can catch a view of birds like great blue herons and egrets. Keep an eye out in the area, you might even see a beaver too.

Boardwalk Pond (0.2 miles): One of the best spots to see wildlife in the park, the Boardwalk Pond is a special place that allows you to bask in the beauty of water in the desert. Turtles, fish, frogs, and birds are often seen in the pond, but remember to never feed wildlife in the area. It’s not only against the law but also unhealthy for the animals and promotes unsafe habits around people. They get all the food they need from nature.

Nature Center

Opened in 2013, the Nature Center is the centerpiece of the Wetlands Park. The 10,000 square foot Exhibit Gallery within the Nature Center has interactive displays, dioramas, artwork, and activities that bring the habitats and wildlife of the park, as well as its history to life.

Located in the lobby of the Exhibit Gallery lies their Nature store offering gifts, apparel, kid's activities, drinks, snacks, and so much more.

They also have an area called the Lizard Lounge; this is a great spot for you to enjoy an amazing view of the Nature Preserve while enjoying a picnic lunch in a nice climate-controlled area away from the heat. There are snacks available for purchase in the Nature Store, or feel free to bring your own lunch. This area serves as the only approved area in the Nature Preserve to picnic. If you are wanting to enjoy an outdoor picnic you are able to at the Wells Trailheads, Pabco, and Duck Creek, as well as the neighborhood park.

Trails & Trailheads

Wetlands Loop Trail: Approximately a 14-mile multi-use trail shared by hikers, joggers, cyclists, and dog-walkers. The trail is not approved for equestrian or motor vehicle use. It serves as a perimeter trail in the park and loops around both the north and south sides of the Las Vegas Wash.

Bicycle Trails: Bicycles are only permitted on the 14-mile Wetlands Loop Trail. This loop trail is paved for approximately 9.5 miles, the last 2.5 miles are unpaved and may not be suitable for road bikes. Click here for the Bicycle Trails Map.

Duck Creek Trails : There are three trails that stem out from Duck Creek Trailhead. Quail Run, Duck Creek, and Coyote Howl Trails are short, paved trails through tall shrubs, grass, and trees. Look for animal tracks along this trail. All three trails end at Dragonfly Divide, an unpaved portion of the Wetlands Loop Trail. Dragonfly Divide ends near the Nature Preserve.

• Leashed dogs are allowed on trails, but they ask that you help protect wildlife by not allowing dogs near ponds
• Shaded picnic tables available (no fires or grills allowed)
• Restrooms available
• Dog bag stations available
• Human and canine water fountains available
• Paved parking lot but no bus or trailer parking

Dog-Friendly Trails : Leashed pets are allowed at all of the Park Trailheads, Duck Creek Trails, and the Wetlands Loop Trail. They are not allowed in the Nature Preserve. As mentioned above this is to protect the habitat for wildlife and to ensure the safety of pets as well.

Equestrian Trails : Horses are allowed on unpaved trails north of the Las Vegas Wash. These trails are accessed at Sunrise Trailhead. Pabco Trailhead also features horse trailer parking and access to the unpaved portions and side trails along the Wetlands Loop South trail. Horses are not allowed in the Nature Preserve or on bridges in the park.

Pabco Trailhead:

• Views of Las Vegas Wash and Pabco Weir
• Beautiful mature trees and thick riparian habitat
• Shaded amphitheater
• Shaded picnic tables available (no fires or grills allowed)
• Waterless restroom
• Parking for automobiles, horse trailers, and buses
• Equestrian staging area; hitch racks
• Connection to Wetlands Park loop trail along the south side of the Las Vegas Wash (unpaved)

Sunrise Trailhead:

• Access to the Flamingo Arroyo bicycle trail
• Amazing views of the Las Vegas Valley
• Access to the paved 6.5-mile segment of the Wetlands Park loop trail along the north side of the Las Vegas Wash to Lake Las Vegas
• Access to a network of paved trails looping through beautiful desert scrub habitat
• No water
• 20-acre complex
• Parking for automobiles, horse trailers, and buses
• Waterless restroom
• Shaded picnic tables available (no fires or grills allowed)

Wetlands Neighborhood Park:

• Climbing wall
• Look for fun animal outlines and tracks stamped into the concrete.
• Turf
• Access to Nature Preserve Trails
• Picnic table available (no fires or grills allowed)

If you ever want to get away from the city life and enjoy a nice oasis hidden in the heart of Las Vegas, Clark County Wetlands Park is definitely your go-to place! A lot of space to peacefully venture out, explore, and learn.

Located: 7050 Wetlands Park Lane Las Vegas, NV 89122

Admission: Free

Hours of Operation: Dawn to Dusk

Phone: (702) 455-7522

Email: [email protected]

Website: Wetlands Park

Map: Click Here

If you ever plan to visit the park, I advise you to please be prepared. No matter how early you make it to this park, you'll want to be sure you're wearing a hat, closed shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen, along with all your other favorite necessities for exploring on a hot summer day. Enjoy!