10 Best Natural Wonders in Las Vegas

Springs Preserve is where you can experience Nevada’s unique scenery without having to leave Las Vegas at all. Situated just 3 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, this 180-acre spot has desert succulents, green botanical gardens, a butterfly house, and an interactive early 20th-century boomtown.

This enchanting reserve also has 3 miles of hiking and cycling trails that are lined with native plant life. There's a family-friendly train that makes its way through the park, along with a selection of museums, animal enclosures and exhibits exploring Las Vegas' natural history. We recommend checking the website in advance for details of exciting events like masterclasses, Nevada Day celebrations, and plant sales.

Clark County Wetlands Park is a desert landscape with extensive hiking and biking trails. Spanning 2,900 acres, this wetland presents outstanding wildlife watching opportunities, with a wide array of creatures, from turtles to coyotes, taking shelter from the heat in the park’s ponds and shaded spots.

However, the standout highlight at Clark County Wetlands Park is the 210-acre Nature Preserve trail. This highly immersive hike is great for kids as it has vibrant displays and activities that’ll keep them entertained for hours. Look out across the park from the trail’s scenic viewing platforms and enjoy this peaceful escape during the early morning or late afternoon.

The Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is considered one of the world’s greatest places to see Ice Age fossils. Among the best natural wonders in Las Vegas, it's also ideal for history and science lovers. The 22,650-acre site, just 20 miles from the center of Las Vegas, houses 200,000-year-old fossils that have been dug up throughout this enormous archeological site. 

You’ll have to use your imagination to appreciate how this incredibly dry landscape was once a lush wetland thousands of years ago. Book a guided ranger tour to learn about the Columbian mammoths, Camelops, and sabre-toothed cats that once lived here.

Lake Mead is recognized as one of America’s top vacation destinations, but it only exists due to the construction of the towering Hoover Dam. As the largest reservoir in the United States, each year millions of visitors make their way here to enjoy boating, fishing, and the seemingly endless sunshine.

With approximately 750 miles of shoreline, Lake Mead offers a massive range of activities. For instance, you don't want to miss the stunning view from the top of the Hoover Dam. You should also leave time to hike along the Historic Railroad Trail before taking a break at Willow Beach overlooking the Colorado River.

The Valley of Fire State Park is located to the north of Lake Mead, and it’s the perfect example of Nevada’s renowned rock formations. With these striking natural sandstone structures estimated to be 150 million years old, experiencing landmarks such as these is really a magical opportunity.

Alongside world-class hiking trails, one of the Valley of Fire State Park’s highlights is the aptly named Elephant Rock. This towering rock formation is a must-visit for photographers so don’t forget your camera. You'll also see ancient Native American rock paintings and carvings on many of these formations, giving you a glimpse into the area’s rich history.

Red Rock Canyon is one of Las Vegas’ best places to visit if you love hiking in the great outdoors. Featuring 26 unique open-country trails spanning the full spectrum of difficulty, this is a great way to see every perspective of this celebrated natural wonder.

Although choosing any of these hikes will place you among varied desert plant life, the Calico Tanks Trail reaches a hidden waterhole and offers top-notch views across Las Vegas. Also, the challenging Icebox Canyon Trail features a shaded path and seasonal waterfalls. With Red Rock Canyon situated a short drive from the community of Summerlin, you’ll find great casino resorts, dining, and shopping when you’re ready to round out the day.

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area offers a relaxing day away from the crowds of Las Vegas. Situated 15 miles south of the city, you’ll find 6 trailheads winding their way through this extensive conservation area. Perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, keep an eye out for the mountain lions and bobcats that roam the area.

However, this natural wonder’s main draw is the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site. Regarded as a hugely significant destination, there are over 300 rock paintings and carvings created by several different ancient cultures. Head along and find out why this place is considered one of the most important Native American sites in Southern Nevada.

Mount Charleston is a remarkable place to visit, whether you arrive in Las Vegas during the summer or winter. Naturally, the warmer months mean the 60 miles of trails on offer are accessible for experienced hikers. With these trailheads culminating in the incredible Charleston Peak at 11,916 ft, summiting this mountaintop isn’t for the faint-hearted.

However, the winter months provide a much different experience compared to the rest of Las Vegas. While city temperatures can drop to the mid-teens, Mount Charleston drops to sub-zero as intense snowfall transforms it into an exceptional winter sports destination. Head along to the Lee Canyon ski resort for the best slopes.

Death Valley National Park truly earns its daunting name, with this immense area serving as the lowest, and one of the driest, places in North America. But even though this enormous national park is extreme in many respects, there are still plenty of wonderful experiences to be had.

For instance, the Badwater Basin is where you can discover what happens when a lake simply evaporates. This sprawling salt flat exists almost 280 ft below sea level and is the most famous landmark in Death Valley. For a memorable road trip, cruise the Artist’s Drive to pass 9 miles of epic volcanic formations and colorful hillside soil.

The Lehman Caves were discovered in the late 1880s and have since become known as the most legendary caves in the region. Situated within the Great Basin National Park, visitors will come across over 300 so-called shield formations that hang from every surface of the cave. Meanwhile, you might also get a glimpse of bats, spiders, and pseudoscorpions.

Although Lehman Caves is only available to be explored via guided tours, these 60-minute or 90-minute sessions are a fantastic way to experience this underground landmark. Then, head out into the rest of the park and visit a wealth of serene alpine lakes and forests.