Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
227.00 ft (69.19 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
1.00 mi (1.61 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Las Vegas Wetlands Trail takes hikers alongside a lovely waterway known as Las Vegas Creek or Las Vegas Wash. While beautiful, unfortunately this water is contaminated and unsafe for activities such as swimming. The area does however attract birds and wildlife from miles around, and is perhaps the only place within a reasonable distance where one can find a large, reliably flowing creek.

The trail begins above the waterway and is well traveled with rocks outlining both sides of the path. Taking a right at the first junction takes the hiker to a wonderful overlook of the creek where the water spills over a small dam structure. There is no access to the water from here.

Continue down along the path until it begins to narrow and follows a ridge. There are a couple different ways to get down but the most straightforward is to just continue along to the end of the ridge, this will take you down to water level. From here you can explore the beautiful wetlands by walking alongside the creek either upstream or downstream as you wish. Vegetation including mesquite, saltcedar, saltbush and cattail are thick, and be sure to keep an eye out for the birds and other wildlife that are attracted to this riparian corridor.

After you’ve enjoyed your time along the creek, return to the parking area via the second half of this loop trail. While not as scenic, the trail follows parallel to the gravel road on the right side of the ridge you descended and provides easy hiking all the way back to the trailhead.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Short, scenic hike that leads to waterway.

Cons

Water is contaminated, no swimming.

Trailhead Elevation

1,355.00 ft (413.00 m)

Highest point

1,355.00 ft (413.00 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Near lake or river
Waterfalls
Wildlife
Family friendly
Big vistas
Bird watching
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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