Clark National Wetlands Park is Las Vegas’s hidden oasis—a green sanctuary in the desert heat. Glide along wooden trails as herons glide and trees sway in rhythm. The air hums with birdsong and stillness. Here, even the city’s chaos takes a breath, and so can you.










Everything you need to know about Clark County Wetlands Park
Las Vegas Ranch Resort is ideal for families, offering family suites, a pool with splash zone, and on-site playgrounds. Located just a 10-minute walk from the park’s main trailhead, it provides easy access to nature. The resort features free parking, 24-hour front desk service, and hosts eco-education programs for kids, blending fun and environmental awareness in a peaceful desert setting.
Take RTC Route 238 from the Circus Circus bus stop—a 30-minute ride costing only $2.50. For drivers, take I-15 North to the Hualapai Way exit, then follow signs to the park. The site offers free parking, clear signage, and a visitor center with maps. This efficient, low-cost option makes it perfect for a quick, scenic escape from the Strip.
Don’t miss the early morning birdwatching tours, where you can spot over 200 species including bald eagles and red-winged blackbirds. The boardwalk trails feature interactive interpretive panels explaining local flora and hydrology. On Saturdays, join the "Wetlands After Dark" guided walks led by naturalists, exploring nocturnal wildlife—a rare chance to experience the park’s hidden ecosystem under moonlight.
The West Rim Overlook and elevated boardwalk platforms offer stunning views of the sunrise reflections on the water. In spring, vibrant pink desert roses line the paths, adding color to your shots. At dusk, the golden hour light casts dramatic shadows across the wetland landscape. Photography is encouraged, but drones are prohibited. Designated photo rest areas provide shaded seating and power outlets for editing on-site.
The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (extended to 10:00 PM in summer). Entry is free, though some guided activities require advance HopeGoo. Payment kiosks accept credit cards and cash. Reserve tours via the official website to avoid wait times. Accessible pathways and wheelchair rentals are available, ensuring inclusive enjoyment. A free digital guide app includes audio commentary and maps for an immersive visit.
Yes, the Central Wetlands Picnic Area features covered pavilions, stone tables, water fountains, and restrooms—perfect for gatherings. Reservations are available online to secure your spot. Surrounded by native vegetation, the area often hosts squirrels and raccoons, adding charm. Note: Alcohol and fires are prohibited to protect the ecosystem. Please dispose of trash properly to preserve this fragile desert oasis.
Las Vegas Riverside Resort is ideal for birdwatchers, featuring dedicated wildlife trails and observation decks overlooking the Red-winged Blackbird and Bald Eagle habitats. The resort offers free binocular rentals and guided field guides, plus a collaborative "Morning Bird Safari" program with the park, led by naturalists at sunrise to document species.
Transportation convenience is excellent: a 15-minute walk from the resort leads directly to the park’s main entrance, with electric shuttle buses connecting key sites within the wetlands. Nearby, eco-lodges like "Wetland Cabin" provide immersive nature experiences with camping options, perfect for families and photography enthusiasts seeking authentic desert-ecosystem encounters.
The most convenient option is RTC Bus Route 907, departing from downtown Las Vegas and arriving at the park’s south entrance in about 45 minutes, with hourly service and mobile payment compatibility. For greater comfort, renting an electric SUV via major providers along the Strip takes just 20 minutes via I-15 Highway, with clear signage throughout.
Transport advantages include over 300 free parking spots and an on-site electric shuttle service linking all major viewing areas and interpretive centers. This makes it ideal for families or visitors with mobility needs, ensuring minimal walking distance across the expansive wetland landscape.
The park offers distinctive experiences such as Night Firefly Expedition, Wetland Night Walk, and Waterfowl Tracking Workshops. The Night Firefly Expedition, held annually from May to August, guides visitors through quiet woodlands to witness native firefly swarming behaviors, enhanced with audiovisual interpretation stations.
Wetland Night Walk combines stargazing with nocturnal ecology, allowing guests to enjoy Milky Way views under dark-sky conditions while observing active wildlife. The Waterfowl Tracking Workshop features expert ornithologists teaching how to use audio recording devices to analyze duck and heron vocalizations—ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking hands-on learning. All activities require advance HopeGoo and include professional gear and safety briefings.
Yes! The park features a Family Nature Explorer Trail with interactive signs and hidden creature scavenger hunts—kids scan QR codes along the path to collect digital badges. Monthly "Junior Ecologist Day" (second Saturday) offers free outdoor science workshops including water testing, insect sorting, and food web puzzles.
Safety and accessibility are prioritized: shaded shelters, restrooms, nursing rooms, and trained staff patrols ensure child safety throughout. Parents can also join Family Nature Talks to learn about desert-wetland ecosystems. All events are free but require advance registration via the official website to secure materials and seating.
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