Clark: Nature, History, and Exceptional Landscapes

Clark appeals to travelers who want to combine experiences in nature, historic sites, and unusual landscapes. Between wetlands, desert trails, fossil finds, and places commemorating the early history of Southern Nevada, a varied travel experience takes shape. When looking for a vacation rental in Clark, it is therefore worth deciding on your priorities first: Should the trip focus mainly on natural history, walks, water activities, or cultural offerings?

Wetlands, Desert Trails, and Fossils

Clark County Wetlands Park covers 2,900 acres on the eastern edge of the Las Vegas Valley. It includes a 210-acre nature preserve. At the Nature Center, public walks led by certified interpretive guides are offered. Those who wish to explore the landscape independently can use the fourteen-mile Wetlands Loop Trail, where bicycles are permitted. This allows for planning an active day differently from a guided walk.

The other natural destinations also offer different highlights. Red Rock Canyon was designated Nevada’s first National Conservation Area and offers scenic drives along a 13-mile scenic loop road. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is known for a vertebrate fossil assemblage referred to as the Tule Springs local fauna. Ranger-led hikes there focus on natural history. At Ice Age Fossils State Park, the 0.3-mile Megafauna Trail passes life-size animal sculptures; the 1.2-mile Big Dig Trail begins and ends at the Trench K Trailhead.

History to See and Experience

For cultural and historical discoveries, Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort preserves the historic remains of an adobe fort that Mormon missionaries built in 1855 beside a spring-fed creek. The visitor center features exhibits and photographs about the site’s history. The Clark County Museum places the development of Southern Nevada in context with a timeline exhibit spanning prehistory to the modern era. Its collection includes restored historic buildings depicting everyday life in different decades in Las Vegas, Boulder City, and Henderson. Heritage Street recreates important periods of local history with restored homes.

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park combines historical themes with active pursuits. There are hiking trails throughout the park; living-history programs with costumed role-play, demonstrations, and reenactments of historical events are also offered. Spring Mountain Ranch was added to the “Historic Register of Historic Places” as a historic district in 1976. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument also hosts Pleistocene Palooza, an annual interactive outdoor event for fossil enthusiasts of all ages.

Water, Seasonal Walks, and Practical Planning

At Lake Mead, marinas rent powerboats, pontoon boats, fishing boats, houseboats, personal watercraft, and paddle boats. During the cooler months from November through March, the National Park Service offers guided hikes and walks in various areas of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. For daily access to the Big Bend of the Colorado River, day-use or day-use reservations are required before 11:30 a.m. from May 15 through September 15.

Your choice of accommodation should match your planned priorities. Different daily itineraries may make sense for historical sightseeing, natural history hikes, longer trails, or water activities. For arrival, Harry Reid International Airport is served by buses operated by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, as well as shuttle buses, limousines, and public buses.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to expand your search to other places, here are the pages for Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Sandy Valley, Spring Valley, Laughlin, Mesquite, Primm, Mount Charleston, Blue Diamond, Moapa Valley, Whitney and Searchlight.

For the overarching travel overview: Nevada.