Las Vegas is home to astonishing landscapes, and one of them is just southeast of Sin City. Let’s take a ride to Clark County Wetlands Park.
What is it?
The park spans 2,900 acres of the east Las Vegas Valley and includes a 290-acre nature preserve with four distinct habitats. Featuring five trailheads, three miles of which are ADA accessible, it serves as a recreational and educational facility.
The Wildlife You’ll See
Escape both the city and the desert and enjoy the beautiful wildlife this oasis has to offer.
- 🦎 More than 70 species of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles: You’ll often see coyotes and rabbits during visitor hours, but look for tracks, scat, and other evidence of the many desert species in the park.
- 🦅 More than 310 species of birds: From tiny black-chinned hummingbirds to stunning golden eagles.
- 🌳 A thriving ecosystem: The wetlands are home to four environmental habitats — aquatic, riparian, mesquite woodland, and desert shrub.
The park hosts regular art exhibits. Here’s a duck enjoying one recently. (Sonja Cho Swanson / City Cast Las Vegas)
Cultural Significance
The Las Vegas Wash has been an important travel corridor and resource for humans for over 10,000 years. The Anasazi, Yuman, and Southern Paiute originally inhabited this region — the Valley and southern region of Nevada is sacred land to the Southern Paiute.
The Spanish explorer Antonio Armijo was the first to invade the Valley in 1829, followed by other early trappers and traders. The Mormons attempted to settle in the valley in 1855 but eventually abandoned their efforts in 1857 after failing to sustain themselves in the elements. Expansion to the west eventually brought agriculture and industry. The bond issue that created the Clark County Wetlands Park was passed in 1991.
Ready to visit the Clark County Wetlands? Take a peek at the visitor map to plan your visit and bookmark their events page to keep up with the latest.
