Officially announced in January of 2017 as part of Governor Brian Sandoval’s “Explore Your Nevada Initiative”, this 315 acre park features a portion of the upper Las Vegas wash that is rich in both paleontological and historical resources. During the Pleistocene, also known as the Ice Age, the wash provided verdant habitat for several species of now extinct mammals, including Columbian mammoths, American lions, camels, dire wolves, and ground sloths. The discovery of abundant fossils onsite triggered a long history of scientific research, which includes the famous “Big Dig” of 1962-3, the largest inter-disciplinary scientific expedition of its kind up to that point. Click here to learn more about the historic events that took place here!
There are three major trails totaling just over 3 miles of exploration. Take the ADA friendly Megafauna trail and experience what it life was like before humans, when giant sloths and mammoths once roamed the valley. This trail begins near the back patio of the visitor center and ends between the visitor center and restroom building. You can also walk along the Big Dig trail, just a 1 mile loop, and see where several fossil sites still reside or take the Las Vegas wash loop and learn about the unique natural forces that created and reshaped this landscape over the course of millennia.
The park is dry most of the year but always check with park staff for current conditions in the wash and the trenches.
Current Park Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Entrance fee: $3.00
Visit the Nevada State Park website to learn more!
Need another fossil fix? Visit the Tule Springs Fossil Bed National Monument!
For more information visit the Nevada State Parks website or contact:
Nevada State Parks - Ice Age Fossil State ParkParking is available at the visitors center.
Megafauna Trail: Begins near the back patio of the visitors center. This trail is ADA friendly.
Las Vegas Wash Trail: Begins and ends at the Monumental mammoth at the entrance of the park.
Big Dig Trail: Begins at the Trench K trailhead which can be accessed via the Megafauna trail or the Las Vegas Wash trail.
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