Overlook Way - Nature Preserve Way Loop at Clark County Wetlands Park near Las Vegas, Nevada is an easy universally-accessible 1.7-mile loop hike that features views of the Las Vegas Wash and abundant wildlife (bird-watching) opportunities along the trail.
Trail names: Overlook Way, Wetlands Loop Trail, Nature Preserve Way
Location: 7050 E. Wetlands Park Lane, Las Vegas Nevada
Permitted uses: Hiking, Nature Study. Bicycles and horses are allowed ONLY in certain designated areas. Dogs are welcome, but again, ONLY in certain areas and must be leashed. Leashes may not exceed 6 feet in length. Dogs are not allowed in the 210-acre Nature Preserve so that wildlife and habitats will be protected. Dogs are allowed on trails outside the Nature Preserve but must be leashed and under control at all times. The Duck Creek Trail system is dog friendly and has waste stations and a drinking fountain for dogs. The Wetlands Loop Trail is also suitable for dogs.
Prohibited uses: Curfew laws for
children under age 18 are in effect. Possession and/or
consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Graffiti, defacing
or damaging property is prohibited. Possession of graffiti implements is not
permissible. Dumping is
prohibited. Report violators to (702) 759-0600 and you may receive a reward. Glass containers
are prohibited. Properly dispose of all trash. Off-road driving
(including ATVs, mopeds and motorcycles) is prohibited. Keep vehicles on
roadways and in designated parking areas. Feeding or
capturing animals is prohibited. Abandoning pets is illegal. Fishing, swimming
or boating is strictly prohibited. Discharging
firearms is strictly prohibited. Hunting and
poaching are prohibited at all times. Fires, stoves and
fireworks are prohibited at all times. The flying of
drones (UAS) or model aircraft is prohibited. Facility rules are
authorized per CCC 19.04.080. Violation of park rules can result in citations
and/or arrest. Not all trails allow biking, dog walking, or horses. Pick up a map
at the Nature Center or download a map at https://webfiles.clarkcountynv.gov/.
Hours: The Nature Center is open from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Tuesday – Sunday. The Nature Preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Fees and Parking: There is no fee to park or use the trails. The Nature Center has no fee.
Pets: Dogs on a leash are allowed. Please leave no trace, which means do not leave bagged dog waste along the trail.
Universal Accessibility: This route follows wheelchair
accessible trails (universally-accessible) on a paved surface . Please refer to the park map for more details on universal accessibility and paved or unpaved trails.
Hiker amenities: Nature Center, Restrooms, Picnic Area, Drinking water
Length and Trail information: This hike was done as a loop. It’s an easy 1.7-mile journey. Hikers should have on proper sun protection since shade opportunities are limited. Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. The trails we hiked were flat and extremely easy to navigate. These trails are great for anyone who may have mobility or balance challenges. The park has in several spots, installed information placards to educate hikers about the special ecosystem they are immersed in. The Park was created in 1991 and spans 2,900 acres. The Nature Preserve has an impressive network of trails that make for endless combinations of hiking opportunities. The Park was created by harnessing water from urban runoff, groundwater, storm water, and reclaimed water that flows through the Las Vegas Wash. We were surprised to see the amount of water that was flowing in the Wash during our hike and also surprised to see the debris that gets washed down into it. In this man-made oasis, there are more than 300 species of birds,70 species of mammals and reptiles that have been identified including beavers, coyotes, bobcats, and snakes. During our hike, we were able to identify several birds including Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, House Finch, Great Tailed Grackle, Gambel's Quail, Song Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, Crissal Thrasher, Say's Phoebe, Summer Tanager and a Greater Yellowlegs. Visitors can also stop in the Wetlands Park Nature Center during their time at the park. The Center was opened in 2013 and boasts an Exhibit Gallery that is 10,000 square feet. The Nature Center offers interactive displays, dioramas, artwork and activities that bring the habitats and wildlife of the park. The Wetlands Park Nature Center has a variety of programs that they offered to the public, including walks led by Certified Interpretive Guides, art, children’s programs. A calendar of events and programs can be found at their website.
This is a lovely park, that is showing how to responsibly reclaim our precious water resources and is a great way to get out into nature.
