Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Things To Do Near Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

When you hike at the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, you're likely to set your eyes on the rare desert plant, the Las Vegas bearpoppy, and see Ice Age fossil bones. Although the desert climate can be harsh to wildlife, it's possible to view animals such as coyotes, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and bobcats. When on-site, look overhead to spot spectacular bird species that include red-tailed hawks and mockingbirds. Horseback riding and photographing the panoramic desert sunsets and endangered fossils are other activities you can pursue. You can also head over to the nearby shooting range at Clark County Shooting Complex and enjoy a game of archery.

Hiking Trails

• Las Vegas Wash

  The Las Vegas Wash at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument lets you walk or run while discovering the wild. The trail will give you a panoramic view of the desert landscape and the nearby mountains.

  Location

  Moccasin Road, Las Vegas, NV 89124

  Length

  3.2 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Lone Mountain Loop Trail

  Nestled at the nearby Lone Mountain, The Lone Mountain Loop Trail is a dog-friendly trail that features stunning wildflowers. It's ideal for walking and running, and you may also enjoy going on a nature trip or watching birds. The best time to use the trail is from spring to mid-fall in October.

  Location

  Lone Mountain Equestrian Park, Las Vegas, NV 89129

  Length

  3.1 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Floyd Lamb Park

  Floyd Lamb Park lies at Tule Springs on a 2,040-acre property. The location features lush vegetation, wildlife, and scenic views of the Spring and Sheep Mountain ranges. In addition, Floyd Lamb Park houses Tule Springs Ranch, which sheds light on the old working ranch and early Las Vegas living.

  Location

  9200 Tule Springs Road, Las Vegas, NV 89131

• Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary

  Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife, including domestic animals and exotic birds. You can get a cultural or educational tour when you visit the sanctuary. The grounds also have an amphitheater, which offers stunning views of the garden while allowing for outdoor activities such as picnics.

  Location

  8103 Racel Street, Las Vegas, NV 89131

• Desert National Wildlife Refuge

  Desert National Wildlife Refuge hosts mountain ranges and various distinct living zones. It shelters and protects the desert bighorn sheep, a rare animal species. It's also home to various plant species that encompass the stunning landscape, a welcome destination if you love nature viewing.

  Location

  16001 Corn Creek Road, Las Vegas, NV 89124

Museums

• Nevada State Museum at the Springs Preserve

  A visit to the Nevada State Museum at the Springs Preserve unearths Nevada's natural history. Displays of artifacts like paleontological fossils let visitors get an inside view of the state's cultural and natural heritage.

  Location

  309 South Valley View Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89107

• The Neon Museum

  The Neon Museum is in place to preserve iconic Las Vegas symbols and enhance historic, educational, artistic, and cultural enrichment. It has exhibitions of signs from businesses such as old casinos, which contributed to the vibrant lifestyle in the city today. When you explore each sign, you'll get to discover its unique story and role in Las Vegas history.

  Location

  770 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Las Vegas, NV 89101

• Las Vegas Natural History Museum

  Anyone who loves a historic adventure should take time to visit the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. The museum has a collection of prehistoric wildlife covering both land and marine life. It also features Egyptian exhibits that focus on Tutankhamen's life.

  Location

  900 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Dragon Castle Books

  Thisfamily-owned used bookstore buys and sells books of all genres but especially focuses on science-fiction and graphic novels. This charming shop hosts the occasional book signing and features rows and rows of books, so you can update your personal RV library.

  Location

  3142 North Rainbow Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89108

• Bonanza Gift Shop

  Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated bauble or a silly souvenir to commemorate your trip to Southern Nevada, this gift shop has it. With more than 40,000 square feet of Las Vegas kitsch as well as handmade Native American jewelry, you’ve hit the souvenir jackpot.

  Location

  2440 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89104

• Sakura Ya

  Whenever you want to sample delicious Japanese sushi while in Las Vegas, head over to Sakura Ya. Apart from sushi and sashimi, the restaurant also serves salads, fried rice, teriyaki, and fried rolls.

  Location

  9750 West Skye Canyon Park Drive #110, Las Vegas, NV 89166

• Cheecho's Fajitas & Cantina

  Cheecho's Fajitas & Cantina brings quality Mexican dishes to Las Vegas. You can sample foods like chicken fajitas, taquitos, Mexican fries, and taco salads.

  Location

  7585 Norman Rockwell Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89143

How To Get To Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument covers 35 square miles along US highway 95, no more than 20 miles away from the Las Vegas Strip. When getting to the monument via I-95 North or South, head over to exit 93 or Durango Road North, and continue driving on Durango Road. Pass Floyd Lamb Park until you reach the point where the road joins Moccasin. You can park anywhere around Moccasin Road, after which you should go past the cable fence to get to the monument. Another easy access route is via North Aliante Parkway where you'll take I-215, head to exit 43, and continue north until you reach North Aliante Parkway. Drive on this road for about two miles before making a hard 90-degree turn on your left. You can park your RV at the turn's shoulder and begin your exploration expedition in the nearby fossil beds.

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is a day-use area open from dawn to dusk.

Address

Moccasin Road, Las Vegas, NV 89124

Fee: Entry fee $0

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument takes visitors on a historic journey by letting them walk on the landscape that Ice Age inhabitants traveled. Taking an RV with you on your trip will be worthwhile as you'll get to camp nearby and explore all that the historic monument has to offer.