Wetlands Park - Nearly 3,000 Acres of AMAZING!

Mommy Vegas Idea #11

Come and Play a World Away!

Can you identify this city? At first glance, this picture looks like it could have been taken somewhere around Seattle, maybe even the Midwest, but look close! That's not the Space Needle... wait a minute... WHERE IS THIS? Is that the Wynn... and the Stratosphere?!

So where were these photos taken? If you're struggling to answer, without reading the post heading ;), you need to get out more... to the Wetlands Park!  This beautiful little garden spot at the business end of the Las Vegas Wash has long been a gem in the Mojave Desert, but the recent additions of more trails and the truly breathtaking Nature Center have made this pretty little place to hike and jog a standalone destination.

I remember jogging around on dusty trails thinking it was fantastic.  A beautiful little nature sanctuary amid the hustle and bustle.  The tranquility is still front and center (of course we will always have to listen past the aircraft buzzing by, unfortunately it lies in the flight path of more than just a few dozen types of migratory birds!), but now the jogging stroller glides smoothly along hardscape (worry not, there are still oodles of dirt and gravel trails about), and the little visitors' center has blossomed from a porta-potty alongside a tiny modular, into a 45,000 sqft. multi-purpose LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental  Design) Gold Standard (that's architect speak for uber, uber, uber "green" - there's only one more available "uber") complex. It's a whole lot more than you would expect from a completely free venue.

I don't even know where to begin to describe this fantastic place, we should just stop here. GO, hop in your car, drive down there and check it out! Ok, you win, that's not terribly practical, who knows what you could be wearing! While I'm inclined to jump right into the core of the experience, THE TRAILS, I really think there is some great benefit to starting and ending your adventure (at least your first visit) with a trip to the NEW Nature Center.

The Nature Center
The new 45,000 sqft. visitors' complex is open from 9 am - 3 pm and includes a beautiful 8,333 sqft. exhibit hall, an auditorium that seats 85, state of the art restrooms (oooh, aaaah), and rumor has it there will also be a cafe AND a nature store in the not too distant future! Possibly the best part: at this point, it's all FREE!

This gorgeous new command center is simply amazing! You could spend hours just exploring the interactive exhibits... in fact we have, but most families could probably budget about 30 min to an hour to get their fill.

At first glance, the exhibit hall does not appear to be terribly large, in fact we observed several families, come in, look around the lobby for a moment, and turn to leave as if there was not enough to occupy them.  But don't be fooled, just around the bend there are so many flaps to flip, facts to read, animals to meet, videos to watch, demonstrations to explore, scents to smell, pelts to pet... well you get the idea... that you really should take a spin through the entire exhibition, at least once, if not again and again.

 

 

Don't forget to talk to the helpful staff, many of whom are volunteers. They are, in our experience, quite knowledgeable, exceedingly friendly, and eager to share in your experiences and their own (SO REFRESHING!).  So be sure to unload all your questions before, and after, you experience the trails.

*AMAZING IDEA ALERT* One of my favorite amenities at the park has absolutely nothing to do with the structures, except that it can be found in one! Before you leave the Visitor's Center, be sure to check out this fantastic little number! The "Family Backpack" is simply chuck FULL of fun little items to explore and aid in your exploration!

In exchange for some meager collateral, you can borrow this FANTASTIC(!) and AMAZING(!) exploration pack which includes binoculars, a thermometer, a magnifying glass, all sorts of reference materials, activities and scavenger hunts, and the list goes on!  You provide the sun-screen, water, hat and sturdy shoes, and you're set for your grand adventure on the trails!

Just be back in time to retrieve your driver's license and return the pack before the 3 PM closing time! :) I can only imagine the shear elation this explorer pack would elicit from a Dora the Explorer fanatic!

Once you've wet your palate in the Nature Center, make sure you have plenty of time budgeted for the main course! 
 
The Trails

Map of the trails in the Exhibit Hall of the Nature Center... conveniently located under Little Bear's Finger.

You could truly spend days exploring the extensive trails amid this nearly 3,000 acre wonderland, both in the preserve portion and adjacent, across the Las Vegas Wash (accessible via Weir Bridge), but you'll have to take a break, as the park is only open between dawn and dusk.

The Wetlands is one of the few places in our desert where you (and your kiddlets) can weave through tall reeds, mesquite groves, and broad-leaf plants. As you wander along the winding paths, be sure to really take it all in. You will see, hear, and smell many amazing organisms that tend to congregate near water. You're likely to see all sorts of critters.  Birds are especially prevalent, from water fowl to road runners; the park is particularly popular, among the migratory bunch, in Fall and Spring. There are also plenty of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and invertebrates to keep the little ones busy "hunting."

On the other side of the bridge spanning the Las Vegas Wash (Weir Bridge), you'll find even more trails - great for jogging and biking, some are even open to horseback riding.

Be cognizant of the signage, you will see various indications of intended use and other important postings meant to keep the park at its best and your family safe. These fancy little numbers (below) are some of my favorites.  If you come across any, see if your little ones can guess what the symbols represent.

Activities and Programming
If the place wasn't wonderful enough, the amazing people that make it all happen have gone and made if even better with plenty of programs and classes, many of which are free to the public! Space is often limited though, so be sure to RSVP.  I already have a Nature Tykes post in the hopper, so stay tuned to learn more about this and other fun events scheduled at the park, but in the mean time, here are a few programs worth checking out:

Call or visit http://tykes.eventbrite.com to register!

For more information and to register for these fun themed, family friendly hikes, go to http://hikes.eventbrite.com

Cafe Coming Soon
Threats of a Cafe are clearly posted on the premises! I can assure you there will be a post the moment I hear of its opening!  I've never fancied myself a food critic, but I will jubilantly rise to the occasion for this one, assuming the food is good.  My parents always taught me to keep my negative comments to myself, but with the standard set at the rest of the park, I have no reason to doubt you will have a glowing report to read!

Play Area
The children's play area on the edge of the park is great, but not what I would consider a standalone draw. This is a cute little park, particularly if you live close enough to walk.

The traversing climbing wall is fun, and there are some fun photo opportunities with the larger than life critters and gargantuan Apache/Moqui Marble and other faux formations.

Getting There and Other Details

Address and Contact

7050 Wetlands Park Ln, Las Vegas, NV

www.clarkcountynv.gov

(702) 455-7522

HOURS: Trails - Dawn until Dusk
Nature Center - 9 am - 3 pm
 

Visit the MOMMY VEGAS MAP

The Wetlands Park is located on Wetlands Park Ln., just off Tropicana, approximately 1 mile East of Boulder Highway.  Simply follow Trop until you see a fairly severe bend in the road a few blocks past the Boulder Highway Intersection.  Turn on the left turn signal, and hop on to this little side street (Wetlands Park Ln.). It can be a bit easy to miss, but thankfully there's a pretty good size sign.

There are two parking options: you can either park near the play area on the left (the old parking lot for the park, near the original visitor's center), or you can continue on down the road to the gorgeous new visitor's center which has oodles of parking comparatively.

 

Happy Exploring!

-Candice

For more information and to reference the source of the park specs discussed herein, please refer to the following Park Dedication :

http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/news/Pages/CommissionerGiunchiglianitoHostDedicationofWetlandsParkNatureCenter.aspx

Valley of Fire Day Trip

Mommy Vegas Idea #6

This Valley's ON Fy-AH!

Well, not really, but it sure is hot (at least for now), vibrant, and a great way to spend the day!  The Valley of Fire is a must see, at least once.  If you're a bit of a shutter bug, this is the place for you!  Even an old beat-up camera phone would find a chore in taking a bad pic here!  The contrast of the red sandstone on the brilliant blue sky is just sooo complimentary - simply breathtaking!  The best part is it's great for just about any age explorer.  Both of the littles even played photographer this time.  The older kids will enjoy the short jaunt down the slot canyon to Mouse Tank, and while you cannot climb on all the rocks (clearly posted), there are plenty of places to hike, scramble and take in the sites.

But what if you're not an outdoorsy person, or not quite up to a hike? The new baby will look splendid held in a natural stone picture frame, just strides from the turn-off, for all the family to adore in those baby announcements you keep meaning to do... Grandma will love that she can admire the beautiful colors and rock formations road-side, or with just a short walk on well graded surfaces.  There are also some visitor centers and camping areas to spend some extra time experiencing the valley.




The park is well frequented these days, but it's been a popular spot on-and-off for the last 2,300 years or so. The natives have left their mark, keep your head on a swivel and you will see countless  petroglyphs, but you'll also see plenty of the canyon's modern day residents.

Our last trip, not everyone was feeling quite up to it.  Little Bear was starting to come down with a bit of the dreaded back-to-school funk... so glad we're all learning to share so well at school! :) But even with our trip being cut short due to some sorrowful requests to head home, we were able to get two fun little walks in, and a couple other stops for some quick pics. In fact, to my surprise (read: "SHOCK and AMAZEMENT"), when Daddy Bear inquired as to our activity for "Fun-outing-Friday," Little Bear eagerly recounted the events of the day, complete with enthusiastic mention of all the critters we saw (which, I have to be honest, I thought went mostly unnoticed).

At one point we saw three chuckwallas (fairly large iguanid lizards, see above) scampering about in a slot canyon!  It was a bit of a desert safari, between the Antelope Valley ground squirrels, chuckwallas and a few other lizards. We even saw an ELEPHANT!
Well, an elephant shaped rock that is! Seriously, tell me that doesn't look like an elephant! This fantastically friendly elephant is always guaranteed to greet you near the lake entrance outdoor Visitor Center, keep your eyes peeled for signs indicating "Elephant Rock."

Though they don't pose quite as well as the elephant, the ground squirrels certainly aren't shy! We were able to bait a small crew with some water at a picnic area.  Here's one that couldn't resist the lens... or the water rather... probably could have touched this braisen little guy, but of course that's a great big no-no.  As with all wild critters, look, but don't touch. 

If you're lucky, and you know where to look, you may see some of the other popular inhabitants:

• Big horn sheep are prevalent up along the ridges and near watering holes.
• Desert tortoise can be seen in the cooler hours, particularly in late spring and early fall, often near washes and other fairly open areas. 
• Various birds, the list is too long, but definitely some quail, hawks, road runners, and even the occasional chukar.
• Horned lizards, they used to be called "horny toads," are also a fairly common sight. You can get rather close to these little guys. 
• All kinds of other lizards including gila monsters if you're lucky. I've never seen one here, but the habitat is certainly appropriate.

Getting There
The Valley of Fire State Park is located on the northern edge of Lake Mead, most easily accessible from I-15 North bound (on the way to Utah), though you can also access the park from the "back"-side, coming from Lake Mead or the Overton/Logandale area.

This isn't really a spur of the moment trip, at about an hour from the center of Vegas, you'll spend at least two hours in the car, and there isn't anywhere terribly close to stop for nourishment, so be sure to bring your own rations, including plenty of water!

From Las Vegas, the fastest route is North on the I-15 toward St. George, Utah. About 20 miles North of Las Vegas there is a well marked exit for The Valley of Fire/Lake Mead (Exit 75, at time of posting). Take this exit to the right and travel East into the hills about 15 miles. TA-DAH! Pay your entrance fee of about 8 bucks for Nevada Residents (day pass, be sure to show ID for the discount) and travel down the easy-to-navigate main road.

Let the adventure begin!

CHECK THE MOMMY VEGAS MAP!

The Sites

A beautifully maintained main road winds through the park with several off-shoots along the way.  The Valley of Fire is unique in that most sites are near the road/parking. 

Starting at one end of the park, you can pick and choose your stops, or if you have the time, spend a bit of time at each location. Paper maps are available at the fee stations on either side of the park, or you can check out kiosks (like the one below) at the lakeside entrance and the visitors center!

If you enjoy archaeology or art of any era, you will not want to miss Atlatl Rock or Mouse Tank where petroglyphs abound!  The valley was popular with natives, mostly of the Ancient Pueblo Peoples as far back as 300 BC(E) (http://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire-state-park/), and their activity in the area has left some lasting evidence, including these unique and often beautiful works. Much of the art in the Valley of Fire is of the petroglyph form, that is drawings that have been carved, or more often "pecked", out of the dark patina, or desert varnish, revealing the brilliant red rock below.

There are many sites to see, but some other popular ones are:

• The Seven Sisters, a group of rock formations (seven actually) you can see on the right just after the main Visitor's Center, if you are traveling from the Las Vegas direction. 
• Elephant Rock is also quite famous. Just down the road from the Sisters on the opposite side, if you are paying attention you'll see it from the road, but the parking lot is a bit farther down, also on the left.  Park, venture through the small visitor's outpost and follow the stylized rock cairns (like the one to the right) out and to the left about 1/8th of a mile. 
• The Cabins, were originally built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps.), for travelers during the labor movement of the 1930's great depression.  They are now available for picnics and special events.  They also feature some restrooms should you need them!
• The Petrified Logs can be viewed in two locations.
• Arch Rock, is a beautiful spot with a natural arch formed by erosion (mostly wind, but rain as well) on the scenic loop, near the main entrance features restrooms and camping. 
• Balanced Rock and the Visitors Center, near the center of the park, just off the turnoff for Mouse Tank and White Domes.

MVP Take-Along Activity

You may notice in the park that English is not the primary language spoken.  Our beautiful parks are popular spots with foreigners, and understandably so, but how can the parks communicate important messages to the masses when not everyone is speaking the same tongue? "Sign" language!

If you've traveled abroad you've probably noted that much of the pictorial signage is not that dissimilar to ours... although I once saw a sign in Europe that seemed to insinuate... oh, never mind.  The point is, there are many important messages that need to be expressed to everyone - where the restrooms are located is often a popular one for those who have been in the car for some time, or how to find help, in the form of a ranger station, or how about where to get potable water?

Here are a few activities you can use to help accustom your kiddos to the language of park signs.  I highly recommend giving these printables a try... particularly if you have any troops that may not be terribly keen on sitting in the car for two hours just to see "a few piles of rocks."  Print a few and make it a family affair, or file some away for trips to other state and national parks in the future!

The first is a scavenger hunt (my little bear is game for anything, even grocery shopping, if he can be a mighty hunter in the process). The second let's you try your skills at guessing the intended meanings of the signs. When you're done, compare guesses at the visitor's center, or pull this page back up and compare to the picture above.

Spice it up a bit by making the signs the focus of some of your shots. Maybe get a pic of the crew with their camping gear and a camping/group camping sign, or snag a shot of the picnic area sign with grub in hand... telephone short on signal in the park?... no worries, it will still make a great prop alongside the telephone sign! 

 

Download MVP Activity

Have fun and happy snapping,

Candice

Super Short, Kid-Friendly Springs Walk/Hike, Near Red Rock

Mommy Vegas Idea #5

The Weather is Great, Let the Exploring Begin!

I've always had an affinity for desert springs. I love the visual contrast of these lush green little oases, nestled amidst the dry and vibrant desert backdrop. In my view, the best desert hikes are somehow associated with springs, creeks, waterfalls, ponds, and the like. Not only because the foliage is alluring, but they are often teaming with life!

In one pond you are likely to find, aquatic insects (gerrids or water striders, boatmen, predaceous diving beetles...) and aquatic insect larvae (dragonflies, mayflies, damselflies, caddisflies...),  frogs/toads and, if the time is right, their eggs or larvae, crustaceans (copepods, fairy shrimp, triops or tadpole shrimp...). The temporary pools, or tinajas, are particularly exciting, like little freshwater tidepools... with a much more infrequent "tide."

I'm sure your sensing my enthusiasum at this point, which is probably prompting you to believe that as the weather cools, I'll be posting more and more hikes with water features... and you'd... be... RIGHT!  So, without further adieu...

Wheeler Camp Springs

Hike Difficulty: EASY, even toddlers can try 

there legs on much of it

Distance:  Variable, it's more of a wander than a 

directed hike, less than a mile will give 

you plenty of things to see.

Other Notes: Be sure to avoid feeding the Burros.

Bring a bag for wet clothes and muddy shoes.


I thought we'd start out with a very simple, straight-forward excursion, but one that very few people seem to know about.  Wheeler Camp Spring is a beautiful little spot adjacent to the quaint town of Blue Diamond. It has approximately three aquatic, or wet, areas all of which are neatly fenced in an Audubon Preserve.

This little oasis has plenty of photo ops (don't forget those holiday card pics you've been meaning to take!) and opportunities for the littles to learn about nature. There is a well manicured gravel/dirt parking area accessible from Highway 159 (though technically this is a stretch of Blue Diamond Road, I often hear it called "the Road to Red Rock", or more confusingly "the Red Rock Loop"... not to be confused with the Red Rock Scenic Loop -- it's the road that you are dumped onto if you drive West on Charleston long enough, or you can turn onto from Highway 160/Blue Diamond, in order to get to Red Rock.

Note: this is NOT located on the Red Rock Scenic Route (the portion within the Park).

Getting there

For convenience, and ease of tracking our recommended excursions, the Naptime Gnome has put together a little map (the "Maptime Gnome?") where you can find all of the outings once they've been posted... click here to see it.

If you are coming from the Southeast side of Vegas or coming in from Pahrump, take Highway 160/Blue Diamond to the Red Rock turnoff, then travel NW on Highway 159, the turnoff will be the very next one on the left after the little town of Blue Diamond, you'll see the large Cottonwood Trees from the highway.

If you are coming from the Summerlin side of Vegas, you will continue on Charleston past the Scenic Loop and Red Rock Visitor's Center, past Spring Mountain Ranch and Bonnie Springs, then on the right you will see a few green areas, the first is Oliver Ranch, the next will be the turn off for Wheeler Camp Springs, hang a right and park in the gravel/dirt parking area.

The Hike
Once there, you'll see a small chain-link gate and a wood turn gate, go through both and you will be on an old road that now doubles as a trail. The signage stresses that you close the gate, so please take heed.  I'm not sure what we're trying to keep in... or out... but my guess is the burros put a serious hurtin' on the joint when given the chance, they're thirsty little buggers.  Follow the trail away from the parking area and toward the green. You will be dumped somewhat unceremoniously onto a wash bed, follow that down and enjoy!

You really can't get lost. The last time we where here we had an unofficial round of Marco Polo going where I would try to have Little Bear follow my voice, I could actually see him the whole time, but he thought he was being a brave explorer.

The water will be mostly to your right, with various use trails jetting off once the green starts to thicken. Be sure to stay on areas that have obviously been tread upon in the past. Enjoy the beautiful views and sounds and see who can spot the most critters!  Our last trip we saw countless lizards, much to Little Bug's delight. There were also various birds, dragon flies, ground squirrels, and even some Pacific Chorus Treefrogs (Pseudacris regilla), which twill beautifully in the evening if you're lucky.

This time of year there is not usually very much water, but with all the rain of late, there re a few good wet spots.

Remember, as with all hikes, "Take only photographs and leave only footprints."

Happy hiking,

Candice