Description

Warm Springs Natural Area (WSNA) is a 1,250-acre nature reserve in the upper Moapa Valley. Once owned by Howard Hughes, the area is now owned by the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the main agency supplying water to the Las Vegas valley. The area features more than two dozen bubbling springs, rushing streams, and lush wetlands, and is home to 28 sensitive species, including the Moapa Dace and more than 200 species of birds (download bird list).

Moapa Valley is a broad, flat area of dry Mojave Desert Scrub set between limestone mountain ranges. In that area, water emerges from five main spring-complexes, including warm water springs (about 90°F). Water from the springs converges downstream to form the Muddy River (a stream, but a river in arid Nevada), which flows to the Virgin River and then to Lake Mead. All of this creates some 1,000 acres of riparian habitat.

Link to trail map or interactive WSNA trail map.

Among the things to do at Warm Springs Natural Area are two loop trails. Both trails are easy and provide nice views and information about the area, but one trail is short (0.21 miles) and the other is longer (about 0.7 miles).

Presented here are photos of the Short Trail, which starts by the entrance gate. When walking from the parking area towards the entrance gate, the trail is on the left. The Short Trail starts by winding among palm trees running parallel to the highway for about 150 yards to a boardwalk overlooking a warm spring.

From there, the trail bends a bit left and runs out to a T-intersection. The right spur-trail leads back to the warm spring, while the left begins to curve back towards the parking area. After passing a sign about local history, the trail reaches another T-intersection. The left runs back past the vault toilets and picnic tables to the trailhead, while the right begins the Long Trail.