Drive a short distance from the Strip and you’ll discover another side of Las Vegas, one with tree-lined streets, parks, and a surprising amount of natural beauty. If you’re looking for a great place to spend some time outside in the best parks in Las Vegas, there are plenty of options.
Visitors to the Springs Preserve can learn about the region’s history, visit museums, tour botanical gardens, and stroll on paths. The complex is a historical and natural wonderland that the entire family may enjoy. Plan on spending at least half a day here to properly explore the grounds-this is where early Spanish explorers halted for water, and it’s where Las Vegas got its start.
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, situated outside the city’s western outskirts, is rich in natural treasures. There are several stunning sandstone cliffs and rock formations in the area. Hiking, biking, and rock climbing are among Red Rock’s most popular activities, but tourists who don’t want to get out on the path may still enjoy the Scenic Loop from their automobile.
Many Las Vegas parks have plenty of wildlife. Migratory birds and animals of all types can be observed near springs and ponds, particularly early in the morning and late in the evening. Some tourists may be surprised by the diversity of animals that can be seen, including bunnies, lizards, bighorn sheep, peacocks, and burros, among others.
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Best Parks in Las Vegas
Allow Tripononline to assist you when your options are limited. We’ll point you in the right direction for the best parks in Las Vegas. We hope that our list of the 10 best parks in Las Vegas, helps you plan a fantastic trip to the city.
1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon, located just 17 miles from Las Vegas and part of the Mojave Desert, provides an accessible escape from the quick pace of the Glitter City. The area is known for its breathtaking landscape, which includes jagged red rock formations, desert vegetation, and wide-open panoramas.
A gift shop and displays are offered at the visitor center, which might assist you in orienting yourself to the landscape. While many people choose to bike, trek, or rock climb, others take advantage of the 13-mile scenic loop, which allows you to drive a magnificent circuit with photo stops.
Others opt to ride their horses or simply enjoy a picnic in one of the designated picnic sites and one of the best parks in Las Vegas.
Recommended for Parks because: The spectacular multi-colored cliffs, hidden springs, and miles of hiking paths of Red Rock National Conservation Area are just a few of the attractions.
Expert tip: The Red Rock Scenic Loop has become such a famous tourist destination that queues to get in sometimes stretch down the highway, and the area is closed once it reaches capacity. If the weather is pleasant, arrive early in the day to ensure that you can drive the Loop for nice picnic areas near me.
2. Valley of Fire State Park
Nevada’s oldest state park, located 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas, is a beautiful geological park. The Mojave Desert’s 150 million years of weathering produced its spectacularly colored sandstone formations. The park’s name is derived from the vivid effect of sunlight on the red rocks.
In sections of petrified wood and 3,000-year-old Native American petroglyphs, evidence of ancient trees and early man can be found throughout the park valley of fire state park hikes. Camping, hiking, picnicking, and photography are all popular pastimes.
A visitor center introduces visitors to the area’s attractions. Seventy-two campsites with shaded tables, grills, water, and facilities are offered for an extra cost (first-come, first-served). One of the best parks in Las Vegas.
Recommended for Parks because: Valley of Fire State Park hikes are home to breathtakingly colorful rock formations, ancient art, and fauna.
Expert tip: Just outside of the Valley of Fire, off Northshore Road, is the St. Thomas ghost town. In the early 2000s, the retreating waters of Lake Mead revealed the town’s ruins, which had been hidden by the lake.
3. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Park Area, four miles southeast of Boulder City, offers year-round leisure and recreation. It’s twice the size of Rhode Island and America’s largest man-made reservoir at 1.5 million acres. Interestingly, Lake Mead connects three of America’s four desert ecosystems: the Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran deserts.
The park has 50 miles of beachfront and many marinas, as well as boating, fishing, and water sports. Hikers, climbers, campers, and automobile trips are all catered to.
Both Lakeshore Road and Northshore Road will take you around a substantial chunk of the lake, and both roads have several access sites to the lake, however some have been blocked or relocated due to declining water levels.
Thousands of desert plants and animals live in the region, so keep an eye out for them. One of the best parks in Las Vegas for toddlers.
Recommended for Parks because: Boating, hiking, fishing, and camping are just a few of the outdoor activities available in Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Expert tip: Feeding the fish is a popular local pastime at any of the Lake Mead marinas. Bring your own popcorn or purchase some from the marina store, then drop some popcorn into the water to watch the well-fed fish (mainly carp) at Lake Mead go crazy.
4. Sunset Park
Sunset Park has served the Las Vegas valley since 1967, and is the crown gem of Clark County’s park system. Sunset Park is the city’s largest and most recognizable park, with 185 of the 323 acres constructed through phased park expansions.
It’s a desert oasis with tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, softball fields, a disc golf course, dog park, playground, covered picnic spaces, a lake with fish, and lots of open space for everyone. Walking routes meandering through natural mesquite and dunes regions have been added as part of the most recent expansion.
The park is home to the last natural dunes that formerly dominated the Las Vegas valley’s southern edge. Sunset Park also holds a number of public events, such as the yearly Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival. One of the best parks in Las Vegas for toddlers.
Recommended for Parks because: Sunset Park features something for everyone: playgrounds, picnic spots, walking routes, Frisbee golf, a dog park, and fishing.
Expert tip: Sunset Park allows fishing with a fishing license. The Nevada Department of Wildlife, which sells licenses, has links on the park’s website; a one-day non-resident license is $19.
5. Mount Charleston
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest includes the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Mount Charleston, as it’s known among locals, is just 30 minutes from downtown Las Vegas and spans more than 316,000 acres of breathtaking beauty and surprising diversity.
Skiing is popular in the winter, but when the weather warms, hiking trails become increasingly popular. Camping and picnicking are popular activities, and visitors have been known to come across wild horses and elk while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
More than 50 delicate plants and animals call the area home, some of which are found nowhere else on the planet. Horseback riding, mountain biking, and rock climbing are some of the other activities available.
Recommended for Parks because: Mount Charleston is a refreshing contrast to Las Vegas, with snow in the winter and a cool mountain getaway in the summer.
Expert tip: Make a point of visiting Kyle Canyon’s new Spring Mountains Visitor Center. The 128-acre facility was developed on the site of a failed golf course and now features trails, displays, and a history center.
6. Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve is an award-winning 180-acre family destination located just three miles from the iconic Las Vegas Strip, dedicated to exploring green-living, desert life, and Las Vegas’ dynamic past through floral gardens, interactive science and wildlife displays, animal performances, and trails.
There are 110 acres of display gardens, natural gardens, wildlife habitat, walking and bicycling trails, and educational resources at The Springs. More than 1,200 types of native and desert-adapted plants are housed in their Botanical Gardens, which are divided into many thematic regions.
Exhibition galleries dedicated to presenting art and traveling exhibitions of local and national relevance, Origen Museum, and the Nevada State Museum are among the indoor attractions. One of the best parks in Las Vegas for toddlers.
Recommended for Parks because: The Springs Preserve features almost three miles of trails, as well as museums, a botanical garden, and a butterfly habitat.
Expert tip: The Springs Preserve is one of Las Vegas’ most family-friendly attractions, with the hands-on Origen Museum being particularly entertaining for children. Don’t miss the flash flood display, which is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this natural occurrence replicated.
7. Clark County Wetlands Park
Clark County Wetlands Park is a 2,900-acre oasis in the Mojave Desert located between Las Vegas and Lake Mead, roughly one mile east of Boulder Highway and Tropicana Avenue. The park receives reclaimed water from the Las Vegas metropolitan region, allowing a permanent wetlands plant community to flourish.
There are 212 kinds of birds in the park, including white egrets, burrowing owls, wood ducks, and 6-and-a-half-foot-long great blue herons, as well as more than 70 animals and reptiles. The park has 13 miles of hiking paths, including six miles within its Nature Preserve, in addition to its remarkable wildlife.
The 210-acre Nature Preserve is the park’s centerpiece, including wildlife viewing blinds, informative signage, and an ADA-accessible flagstone outdoor amphitheater. One of the best parks in Las Vegas for toddlers.
Recommended for Parks because: The Clark County Wetlands Park’s aqueous habitat allows visitors to observe the desert in a whole new light.
Expert tip: Picnic places can be found around the park, including inside the Indoor Picnic Café. Visitors can have nice picnic areas near me while also enjoying the conveniences of climate control.
8. Gardens Park
Gardens Park is a fantastic central position for the neighborhood and offers plenty of amenities for a picnic or family adventure. It’s located in the middle of Summerlin, which is home to several parks.
Picnic spaces, open fields, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and even a bocce court are all available at the park. Don’t worry if you forgot to pack your lunch. Within easy walking distance of the park, you’ll discover a variety of eateries and even grocery stores, as well as a convenience store.
Gardens Park is one of many parks in this neighborhood of Summerlin, but it is one of the easiest to access from major cross-streets and offers a variety of family-friendly activities. One of the best parks in Las Vegas for toddlers.
Recommended for Parks because: Summerlin’s Gardens Park is a well-kept park with trees, sports courts, open play areas, and picnic tables.
Expert tip: From 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays during the summer, Gardens Park holds the Las Vegas Farmers Market. Vegetables, fruits, and food are sold by local and regional vendors, and entertainment is frequently provided.
9. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a little oasis in the arid Mojave Desert, located just down the road from Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area on Highway 159. Natural springs have drawn visitors from the time of the early Native Americans, and more recently, when pioneers and ranchers have established here.
Historic structures, some going back to the 1860s, maybe seen throughout the ranch’s grounds. The main ranch house is surrounded by grassy meadows, trees from a past orchard, and hiking trails. Picnic spaces provide tourists with a location to eat their lunch. One of the best parks in Las Vegas for toddlers. The Wilson Cliffs provide a spectacular backdrop of sheer sandstone.
The park’s centerpiece is a red one-story ranch home with a history of prominent owners, including Howard Hughes and Vera Krupp. The interior has been preserved, and the building now serves as a visitor center. There are guided tours available, as well as docents on hand to answer inquiries.
Recommended for Parks because: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park’s historic grounds are a great spot for a picnic or a hike.
Expert tip: A few miles down the road from Spring Mountain Ranch lies the small community of Blue Diamond, which recently opened Cottonwood Station, a new café where you may stop for coffee, a drink, or a meal.
10. Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs
Floyd Lamb Park is a lush, tree-filled oasis in the midst of the desert. Several ponds in the park are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, as well as a large number of birds. Fishing (with a license) is permitted in the stocked ponds, but no bathing or wading is permitted.
The grounds are home to a variety of animals, including peacocks, geese, and ducks, all of whom are accustomed to being fed by humans. If you have tiny children, be wary of the large birds, since they can be relentless.
The park’s paths and picnic tables make it a pleasant place to spend a day strolling, picnicking, or observing animals. Horseback riding is also available at the grounds’ equestrian center, but reservations are required.
The historic Tule Springs Ranch, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is also within the park’s limits. One of the best parks in Las Vegas.
Recommended for Parks because: Floyd Lamb Park, once a divorce resort, is now a lush park with historic buildings, ponds, and miles of pathways.
Expert tip: Floyd Lamb Park is a short drive from one of the new Tule Springs National Monument’s entrance points. Continue north on Durango through the park to Moccasin, where the road stops, and you’ll view the Monument’s badlands.
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FAQ About Best Parks in Las Vegas
What is the biggest park in Las Vegas?
Sunset Park has served the Las Vegas valley since 1967, and is the crown gem of Clark County’s park system. Sunset Park is the city’s largest and most recognizable park, with 185 of the 323 acres constructed through phased park expansions.
What is the nicest part of Las Vegas?
Best Neighborhoods in Las Vegas
1. SUMMERLIN.
2. SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS.
3. ALIANTE.
4. SKYE CANYON.
5. MOUNTAINS EDGE.
6. RHODES RANCH.
What is the coolest place in Las Vegas?
Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Las Vegas, NV
1. The Strip.
2. High Roller Ferris Wheel on the Linq
3. Helicopter Rides over Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.
4. Venetian Hotel and Gondola Rides.
5. Caesar’s Palace and The Colosseum
6. Paris Hotel and the Eiffel Tower.
7. Neon Museum
8. Bellagio Resort and Fountain Show.
9. Mirage Hotel: Erupting Volcano and Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden.
10. Fremont Street Experience.
What is best parks in Las Vegas?
How far is Red Rock National Conservation Area from Las Vegas?
About 25 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip sits Red Rock Canyon. The Red Rock National Conservation Area is accessible from the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas through Charleston Boulevard, which becomes SR 159. Alternatively, from the south, use Blue Diamond Rd/SR 160 west to the Route 159 intersection.
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