Discover the Natural Wonders of Las Vegas:
In this 24/7 city where it’s possible to spend your entire visit at your hotel, many visitors won’t wander far from their expensive accommodations, lavish pool bar, mesmerizing casino floor, or even pulsing dance floor. The wise and well-informed, however, will venture off The Strip to experience the spectacular scenic beauty surrounding Las Vegas.
Forged by tectonics, carved by the wind, and baked by the desert sun, vast canyons and plains, epic mountains, and alpine forests beckon you to trade humanity’s distractions for nature’s warm embrace. If you’re adventurous enough to head beyond the city lights, here are some of the best parks in Las Vegas.
Springs Preserve
When you just need to get some fresh air and get off The Strip but don’t want to travel too far, Springs Preserve is your best bet. It’s a literal oasis in the desert and one of Vegas’ most kid-friendly attractions.
Situated on the site of the natural springs that fed Las Vegas, this educational complex offers an incredible trip through historical, cultural, and biological time, featuring the Desert Living Center that demonstrates sustainable architectural design and eco-conscious living.
Outside the main buildings, desert gardens with over 30,000 flourishing plants can be explored. Don’t miss the chance to step inside DesertSol, an ultra-efficient, solar-powered model home. Almost 4 miles of nature trails are available, with interpretive displays piecing together Nevada’s rich legacy, from Native American cultures to European settlers. Take a train ride or rent a bike on weekends to enjoy these trails.
The preserve is also home to the Nevada State Museum, featuring educational exhibits and the Origen Museum, where you can learn about Las Vegas’ history, from Native American dwellings to the construction of the Hoover Dam.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon is located just 13 miles from the central Strip and offers breathtaking views. Its dramatic vistas are revered by Las Vegas locals and adored by visitors globally.
Formed by extreme tectonic forces over 65 million years ago, the canyon features a 13-mile, one-way scenic loop drive that showcases mesmerizing landscapes. Hiking trails and rock-climbing routes radiate from roadside parking areas, providing adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.
Within Red Rock Canyon is the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, which offers nature walks, ranch tours, and insights into the area’s historical significance, including its ties to the infamous Howard Hughes.
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
Just west of Las Vegas, the limestone cliffs and alpine forested peaks of the Spring Mountains rise noticeably above the Mojave Desert. The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway is a modern interpretive center that features educational dioramas, exhibits, and artworks, making it an excellent first stop for adventures in the area.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Park
It’s a surprise for many visitors to the frequently glitzy Las Vegas, but Southern Nevada has deep roots in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Pioneers from Utah established a settlement near a spring-fed creek in the 1850s, and today’s visitors can glimpse the hard-scrabble life early settlers faced at this restored site, learn more here.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Up to 20,000 years ago, the area now known as Las Vegas was lush with vegetation and freshwater lakes that supported extinct creatures like Columbian mammoths. The Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument was established to protect this unique geological site. While there are no developed visitor centers or trails, paleontology enthusiasts can wander the area in search of fossils.
The main access point is located on suburban streets, about 14 miles north of Summerlin. Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water while exploring this exposed terrain.
Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs
A lush oasis covering 680 acres, Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs is home to diverse wildlife, including swans. This popular spot attracts families and history buffs alike.
Once utilized by Native American tribes, Tule Springs became a cattle ranch and later a dude ranch in the 1940s, drawing Hollywood celebrities. Many remnants from this historical period have been preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The Park
Surprisingly, it took 60 years for an outdoor park to open on the Las Vegas Strip. The new-in-2016 park serves as a public place filled with visual appeal, featuring waterworks, fountains, tree-shaded pathways, restaurants, and a lively beer garden offering gourmet hot dogs and various games. This family-friendly venue is a delightful contrast to the typical Strip experience.
Sunset Regional Park
Providing a soothing escape from the bustling urban environment, the Sunset Regional Park offers a lovely lake surrounded by grassy fields, perfect for picnics and sports. A nature preserve on its southern edge features trails winding through the last remnants of original sand dune territory, affectionately known as “Las Vegas’ Backyard.”
