Clark County Wetlands Park
As Las Vegas grew, so did the amount of treated water released by its wastewater treatment plant. Recycled water making its way back to Lake Mead carved out a "wash" that needed to be constrained by a series of porous dams (known as weirs). The resulting wetlands eventually hosted so much plant- and wildlife, the county turned it into a 2,900-acre refuge in 1999. No one would consider Wetlands an essential Las Vegas visit compared to the marvels of Hoover Dam or Red Rock Canyon, but the park saw a big jump in popularity during the pandemic, when locals gravitated to its wide-open spaces and the unique charm of being able to see the Strip one minute, then be completely disoriented as you descend down winding paths surrounded by tall grass. All sorts of birds and critters call the place home, from great blue herons to beavers. There's an impressive Nature Center complete with a small museum and children's area. But plan to picnic or eat later—there's no restaurant or food service beyond a few bags of chips in the gift shop. Dogs and bicycles are allowed on the outer loop trail, but not in the inner core of the preserve.
