There is no shortage of places across the US where you can observe ancient history in the form of ruins, petroglyphs, and fossilized remains, but the Tule Springs National Monument just 20 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the more exceptional of these. Let’s take a look at what visitors to the monument can expect from their trip.
Designated a national monument in December 2014, Tule Springs National Monument is one of the newer national monuments overseen by the National Park Service. Containing over 22,600 acres, it has no defined trails or structures. Visitors are welcome to come and roam freely throughout the park and are only asked to be respectful of the landscape, which means you cannot dig, injure, remove, or disturb the area’s fossils. The monument’s mission is to protect the paleontological resources and fossils that date back over 250,000 years, which includes two ice ages.
The monument is home to a variety of wildlife including mule deer, coyote, bobcat, and bighorn sheep. This area is also very popular with birdwatchers. Keep an eye out and you will likely spot northern mockingbirds, house finches, and maybe even hawks and hummingbirds.
Tule Springs National Monument is only open during daylight hours so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time for off-trail hiking and exploring. You can easy reach the monument by car, bus, or taxi from Las Vegas. There is no camping allowed within the monument area, but there are plenty of camping facilities nearby. The National Park Service has hinted at making camping available in the future.
One of the best parts of visiting Tule Springs National Monument is that it is free to visitors, with no entrance or parking fees. However, since there are no facilities, you’ll need to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, appropriate clothing, and means to go to the bathroom when necessary, as well as pack out any trash you accumulate. Do plenty of research ahead of time to best plan for this type of recreation.
Pets are allowed at Tule Springs National Monument as long as they are leashed, but don’t forget to bring plenty of water and food for your four-legged friends. Depending on the season, booties might be necessary for your pet to keep their paws from burning.
Photographers will find a wealth of opportunities here from dawn until dusk, with critically endangered plant species and the promise of an ancient fossil as subjects. Horeseback riders can even enjoy all the monument has to offer; park officials only ask that riders be aware of staying on worn paths so as not to destroy the fossils.
Las Vegas may be the place for all-night action, but adventure awaits just outside its glittering lights at Tule Springs National Monument!
Featured Image from Tim Trad/Unsplash
