Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is dedicated to preserving paleontological discoveries from the Ice Age and offers unspoiled wilderness where ancient fossils have been found. The park represents the period from 3,000 years ago to over 200,000 years in the past.
The parkland is just north of Las Vegas and is rich with fossils, from mammoths to extinct species of bison, horses, and dire wolves. It's a relatively new park, which means it's still something of a hidden gem of the Las Vegas region. The park and its grounds appeal to fans of palaeontology and outdoor adventurers alike.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument in Las Vegas - one of the highlights of 10 Best Natural Wonders in Las Vegas (Read all about Las Vegas here)
Highlights of Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument offers 22,650 acres of unspoiled wilderness that's ideal for hiking and other forms of outdoor adventure. Many people come here for the chance to stumble across a wolf, Columbian mammoth, extinct camel, or horse fossil themselves, though the law prohibits removing artefacts from national parks.
Mammoths were once so plentiful here, and have left behind so many fossils, that the area has been called "mammoth central." In addition to the fossils, the region is known for its population of rare Las Vegas Bearpoppy flora and the chance to see local wildlife.
Good to know about Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument experiences a full desert climate, so if you visit in the summer, expect temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, temperatures dip to around 50 degrees, so dress accordingly if you plan to do any hiking. The park is closed at night, and camping isn't allowed on the grounds.
Tours are available, and there are campsites near the park for those who want to spend more time here. If you're lucky, you might find hidden fossils, but remember that it's illegal to remove any natural resources from the park. Feel free to take photos, however.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument in Las Vegas
Orario di apertura: Daily from 6 am to 7 pm
Telefono: +1 702-293-8853