Introduction:
What? :
Located less than 10 miles from Las Vegas Strip, Wetlands Park is a spreading over 2,900-acre conservation area along the eastern side of the Las Vegas Valley. The park follows along Las Vegas Wash that is year-round flowing with water.
The wash ends in Lake Las Vegas before it flows down into Lake Mead.
Wetlands Park features constructed wetlands with flow-control structures like weirs and ponds enabling water vegetation that creates rich wildlife inhabitants with over 310 bird species and 70+ species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
The water source:
If you wonder how come this wash is flowing with water year round so the answer is that several water reclamation facilities in the Las Vegas Valley release highly treated wastewater into the Las Vegas Wash. This treated water makes up the majority of the base flow in the wash, especially during dry periods.
The Wetlands Park helps improve water quality and restore wildlife habitat
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Where? :
The park is located about 10 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip.
There are many park entrances and parking lots along the 7 mile wash but the main visitor center is located east of road 582 and Tropicana Ave.
Google to “Wetlands Park Nature Center”.
When? :
Best Times to Visit is during fall, winter, and spring when the temperatures are low.
Summer can be excessively hot, even for a short hike.
Due note 1:
All the trails are exposed to the sun; Bring enough water for your hike (2-3 liter per person for half a day hike), sun protection, and wear sturdy shoes.
Due note 2:
The park is fee-free entry, open dawn to dusk, with facilities like parking, restrooms, shaded picnic spots, and a gazebo.
Due note 3:
There are restrooms in all the main parking lots along the hike.
Due note 4:
You can do long hikes here but some of the trails are relatively short, flat and easy and Family-friendly during the cooler month of the year.
Due note 5:
Warning: Do not get in the water in any palace !
The water in Las Vegas Wash is mainly highly treated wastewater (treated sewage water).
Due note 6:
Dogs on leash are permitted.
Due note 7:
No swimming, fishing, boating, feeding wildlife, drones, or motorized vehicles.
Due note 8:
Early morning or late afternoon are the optimal hours and optimal for wildlife viewing and comfort (not as hot as mid-day).
My thoughts:
Fun place to hike near the wash, enjoy the green landscape and look for bird viewing.
The west side trail follows the river bank up close and the east bank trail is mainly in a higher level and you can have a border view of the wash but from far.
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The Visit:
Wetlands Park Nature Center:
10,000 sq ft exhibit gallery with interactive displays, dioramas, and information.
Indoor amenities and activities: Lizard Lounge, gift shop, and movie screenings, guided nature walks, children’s activities, and seasonal programming.
The Nature Center operates Tue–Sun, ~9 AM to ~3 PM.
Near the visitor center there are many short, easy and paved trails to nearby pools. You can walk to Boardwalk Pond, Vern’s Pond & Island and a few other destinations in near proximity.
Wetlands Loop Trail:
The main trail in the park is Wetlands Loop Trail. This is a multi-use trail extending 14 miles on both sides of the wash.
It is mostly paved (~11.5 miles) with unpaved sections and it is ideal for hiking (full loop or shorter sections), running, cycling, and exploring trails around the Las Vegas Wash.
There are many trailheads and exit points along the trail in the west side of wash, near the roads.
You do not need to hike the entire 14 mile loop, just reach a parking lot and hike in one direction, explore the wash waterfront, watch for birds and once you are tired return back to your starting points.
Along the hike there are only few opportunities to cross the wash to its far side.
The river crossing that I'm aware of are (ordered from north to south):
Upper Diversion Weir Bridge - located near the park visitor center.
Over the dam at Pabco Trailhead - located mid way south.
Powerline Crossing Bridge - located near Lake Las Vegas at the south side of the park.
Summary:
Wildlife lovers will find the visit here as highly rewarding, wilderness experiences and wildlife encounters just minutes from the city.
This landscape is so different from the surrounding harsh desert landscape, an easy trail where you can hike as long as you want makes this a perfect afternoon destination.
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