Trails at the Wash
A little-known treasure in Southern Nevada, the Las Vegas Wash is full of beautiful scenery and home to many species of vegetation and wildlife. Its growing trail system provides countless opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore.
The Wash is a natural channel that carries shallow groundwater, stormwater, urban runoff and reclaimed water from the Las Vegas Valley into Lake Mead. However, many valley residents may not know that in addition to playing an important role in our watershed, the Wash is the perfect spot for leisure and recreation.
Nature Preserve Trailhead
The Nature Preserve is located at the end of Wetlands Park Lane and provides access to the exhibit hall, restrooms, an indoor picnic area, the Wetlands Park administration offices, a store and miles of paved ADA accessible trails and unpaved trails.
Pabco Trailhead
The Pabco Trailhead is located at the northwest corner of the Tuscany housing development (Weston Ridge Street via Galleria Drive) and contains restrooms, a shaded amphitheater, picnic areas, and an equestrian staging area. The trailhead connects visitors to the Wetlands Park Loop trail along the south side of the Las Vegas Wash.
Wells Trailhead
Named after Gilligan's Island actress, Dawn Wells, the Wells Trailhead is located off of Galleria Drive. This trailhead provides restrooms, shaded picnic areas and a short climb to a scenic overlook high above the Las Vegas Wash. Trails to the west and east connect nature lovers to the Wetlands Park Loop trail and the River Mountains Loop trail.
Terrazza Park
Terrazza Park serves as the eastern-most access point to the Wetlands Park. Located on Galleria Drive, just west of Lake Las Vegas Parkway, this City of Henderson facility offers restrooms, a small play area for kids, picnic areas and connections to the Wetlands Park Loop trail, as well as the River Mountains Loop trail.
Duck Creek Trailhead
The Duck Creek Trailhead provides access to a trail system stretching approximately three miles. Parking is available at the trailhead (on Broadbent Boulevard, just up the road from Sam Boyd Stadium). Lined with scenic ponds, marshes and meadows, it is an essential part of the Wetlands Park primary trails network and serves as an important link to other trail systems in the valley.
Whether you prefer taking a jog or bird watching, we encourage you to enjoy what's available along the Wash. The Wetlands Park is open daily from dawn to dusk, year-round. For more information on trails and the Wetlands Park, please call the Information Center at 702-455-7522.
Environment
Imagine a place just minutes from your doorstep where you can see a American avocet wading along the edge of a cattail marsh or a beaver slapping its tail on the water. Abundant water and lush vegetation at the Las Vegas Wash have long attracted both desert- and water-loving creatures.
Each year, countless valley residents visit the Wash to hike, bird watch, and relax. The Clark County Wetlands Park was created to provide a place for visitors to enjoy all that the Wash has to offer, somewhere for people to learn or just enjoy the scenery.
Located near the Wash is the City of Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, where birds use former evaporation ponds as feeding and nesting sites throughout the year.
Explore the many trails along the Wash to find out what species of animals and plants you may see during your adventures. Don't forget to bring your binoculars!
Prevent pollution
When garbage, unused household and outdoor chemicals, and pet waste aren’t properly disposed of, they're often picked up by urban and stormwater runoff and carried into the Wash, and eventually to Lake Mead.
Illegal dumping
Everything dumped into gutters makes its way to Lake Mead through the Las Vegas Wash. Dumping trash in the desert or harmful materials in the street contributes to pollution in the valley and negatively impacts water quality at Lake Mead. In addition, it’s illegal.
Picking up after pets
Not picking up after pets may not seem like a big deal, but it can have a serious impact on water quality. Pet waste carries numerous bacteria, including ecoli. If not properly disposed of, pet waste can travel to the Las Vegas Wash through storm drains and then on to Lake Mead.
Recycling
Recycled items are much less likely to end up along the Wash and in Lake Mead. In the Las Vegas Valley, Republic Services picks up non-hazardous waste such as aluminum, glass, plastic, paper and oil (two 1-gallon plastic, sealed containers marked "used oil") from your curbside.
In addition to the Republic Services recycling program, there are several other recycling centers throughout the Valley.
To dispose of hazardous waste (paints, pesticides, auto fluids, batteries, paint solvents, prescription and non-prescription drugs, oil, pool cleaners, fertilizers, etc.), contact Republic Services.