Southern Nevada residents seeking an outdoor break from coronavirus lockdowns can find plenty of fresh air and elbow room at the Warm Springs Natural Area, located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas, now through May 30.
Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday); admission is free.
For information on holiday hours and to plan your best experience, click here.
A rural oasis of bubbling springs, rushing streams, and lush wetlands, the 1,220-acre property offers visitors a chance to absorb the unique beauty of the area with a walk along the 2/3-mile trail, learn about the human and natural history of the area at several informational kiosks, and venture up to the property’s overlook to get a panoramic view of the natural area and the surrounding desert.
Home to 28 endangered, threatened, and sensitive fish, bird, and reptile species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world, Warm Springs plays an integral role in the Southern Nevada watershed.
The springs feed the 32-mile-long Muddy River, which flows to Lake Mead, Southern Nevada’s primary drinking water source.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) acquired the property in 2007 to protect the Muddy River headwaters and the endangered Moapa dace while advancing SNWA’s goal of fostering responsible environmental stewardship. The acquisition was funded through the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act.
During your visit to Warm Springs, take time to stop by the neighboring Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge, a 116-acre reserve established in 1979 to secure habitat for the endangered Moapa dace, a small fish endemic to the headwaters of the Muddy River system.
The habitat also supports such species as White River Springfish, Moapa Pebblesnail, and Moapa Riffle Beetles, all of which are endemic to Moapa Valley and are found nowhere else in the world.
Warm Springs is about a one-hour drive from downtown Las Vegas and a 35-minute drive from Mesquite.
From Las Vegas, take I-15 north to exit 90 and merge onto NV168 west for seven miles, then turn left onto Warm Springs Road for another two miles.
