Hike-in Required
Yes
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
Yes
Guided tours
No
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.

Boulder City is a unique town, one that didn’t exist before the construction of Hoover Dam began (it was built as a base camp for those working on the dam), and one of the most unique things can be found up Bootleg Canyon, just a few minutes from downtown: the Nature Discovery Trail and Rock Garden.

This unique area is perfect for kids (although adults will likely enjoy it as well) and features giant statues of desert animals scattered throughout the rock garden. A paved pathway takes visitors on a short walk through the area where you’ll find statues of a jackrabbit, scorpion, rattlesnake, tortoise and more. Alongside each statue is a small plaque with some fun facts about each animal (did you know that jackrabbits can run 40 miles per hour?).

At the end of the short out-and-back pathway you’ll reach a pair of shaded picnic tables (an excellent place to enjoy a snack break) along with an impressive view down to Boulder City. When done enjoying the view return the way you came back to the parking lot.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Great for families. Giant statues of desert animals.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

ADA accessible
Vault toilet
Covered picnic areas
Wildlife
Family friendly
Big vistas
Picnic tables

Location

Nearby Adventures

Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
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