The Clark County Wetlands Park includes 2,900 acres of water, trails, and trees along the Las Vegas Wash.  As well as the Wetlands Nature Preserve, Nature Center, and access from multiple trailheads, the Wetlands Park includes walking and biking trails in designated areas, plentiful opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and simply escaping to a unique natural environment.  The Park is a shaded, green oasis overlooking the city of Las Vegas.

Nominated for America’s Great Outdoors recognition in Spring 2013, the Clark County Wetlands Park is free to enter at all access points. The Park is open from dawn to dusk every day. The Nature Center is open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm every day except New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The Wetlands Park is overseen by Clark County Parks & Recreation and a dedicated, passionate group of staff and volunteers.

Trails & Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED IN THE PARK?

A:  Yes! Photos for personal use are permitted and encouraged.  Photographers may not, however, restrict other visitors from use of the Park.  If the photography will be done in such a way as to impact or have the potential to impact the Park or the use and enjoyment of the Park by visitors, please arrange for any needed permits at the Clark County Department of Business Licenses (702-455-3933).  Also, please alert Park staff of your plans to make sure that you are in compliance with the Clark County Code and the Rules and Regulations specific to the Wetlands Park.(702-455-7522).

Q:  IS THERE A CHARGE TO COME TO THE PARK, OR VISIT THE EXHIBITS?

A:  No!  Unless otherwise noted, all park areas, programs, and events are free!

Q:  IS THE WETLANDS PARK A WATER PARK?

A:  Um, No.  The Clark County Wetlands Park is a natural area that includes outdoor hiking and biking trails, wildlife viewing and a Nature Center.

Q:  CAN I BRING MY DOG TO THE WETLANDS?

A:  Yes –  your leashed furry friends are welcome at the Duck Creek Trail system, Sunrise Trailhead, and Wells Trailhead.  You can access the Duck Creek Trails via the Duck Creek Trailhead on Broadbent west of Russell Rd, or at the east end of Wetlands Park Lane (the cul-de-sac at the entrance to the Nature Preserve).

Q:  CAN I RIDE MY BIKE AT THE WETLANDS?

A:  Yes – except within the Nature Preserve.    We recommend the paved Wetlands Park loop trail that runs for 7 miles north of the Las Vegas Wash.  This trail can be accessed from the Sunrise Trailhead, from the Flamingo Arroyo Trail, or from the River Mountains Loop Trail.  Ultimately this trail will continue along the south side of the Las Vegas Wash, connecting at the Powerline Crossing bridge on the east side and the outside edge of the Nature Preserve on the west side.

Paths inside the Nature Preserve are designed for foot traffic only.  However, we are currently working on options for either a shared-use or a dedicated trail for bicycles and rollerblades, scooters, and skateboards.  Currently, the ideal option is to have these follow the western perimeter of the Nature Preserve to the Upper Diversion Weir Bridge to access the Sunrise trails and north portion of the loop trail.

Q:  CAN I SWIM AT THE WETLANDS PARK?

A:  Actually, no . . . (gross!)   The ponds and streams in the Nature Preserve contain reclaimed water and are not intended for human contact. Swimming, wading and fishing are not allowed!

Q:  CAN I FISH AT THE WETLANDS PARK?

A:  Again, no!  The ponds and streams in the Nature Preserve contain reclaimed water and are not intended for human contact. Swimming, wading and fishing are not allowed!  Check with Nevada Department of Wildlife for hunting locations.

Q:  CAN I PICNIC AT THE PARK?

A:  Yes – at designated picnic facilities. Picnic facilities are available at the Duck Creek Trailhead, Sunrise Trailhead, Pabco Trailhead, Wells Trailhead, and Neighborhood Park.

Please leave the park free of trash. Use the trash containers provided or pack it out.  Barbequing or cooking is not allowed at these sites.

Q:  WHAT SHOULD I BRING WHEN I VISIT?

A: Bring bottled water or a reusable water bottle. Drinking fountains can be found at the Nature Center, Neighborhood Park trailhead restrooms, Nature Center parking lot restrooms, and the Duck Creek Trailhead.

Wear comfortable clothes for walking, long sleeves and sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and closed-toe shoes.  Bring binoculars, a camera, a field guide, and a sense of wonder and joy!

Q:  CAN I DROP OFF MY TURTLE AT THE PARK?

A:  So, you noticed that we have a lot of turtles here . . . .    but please don’t let your family pet loose in the wild!  Sometimes when people do not want their pet (whether it is a turtle or aquarium fish), or they move, the owners releases them into the wild. This might seem helpful to the turtle, but in reality, you are releasing a domestic animal into a new and different environment.  You are also making it hard on the animals that already live here, crowding them out and introducing diseases and parasites.  Do not release pets into the wild, but instead, drop them off at a local animal shelter or veterinarian.

Q:  IS THERE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT THE PARK?

A:  Yes! Neighborhood Park has a desert-themed play area.  Climbable art in the form of a beaver, toad, and snake invite scrambling and sitting.  A  rock-like climbing wall awaits the more adventurous.

Q:  CAN I HUNT?

A:  Not at the Park – actually, the entire Las Vegas Valley is closed to shooting of all kinds.  Check with Nevada Department of Wildlife for hunting locations.

Q:  CAN I RIDE MY ATV OR OHV OR JEEP OR DIRT BIKE?

A:  Not in the Wetlands Park.  The Southern Nevada Agency Partnership has maps and guides for riding your OHV in Clark County:  http://www.snap.gov/todo/recreation/ohv.cfm.

Q:  CAN I FEED THE WILDLIFE?

A:  Not a good idea: The food humans usually feed to wild animals is not nutritionally complete, and it can cause serious health problems for the animals, especially when they are young and still developing.  Also, animals who are raised relying on humans for food may struggle to survive in the absence of that artificial food source.