Basic Information

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument was established as the 405th unit of the National Park Service Dec. 19, 2014.

It was established to "conserve, protect, interpret and enhance for the benefit of present and future generations the unique and nationally important paleontological, scientific, educational and recreational resources and values of the land."

The 22,650 acre urban National Monument is located just north of the cities of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas.

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument preserves thousands of Pleistocene (Ice Age) fossils that help tell the story of an ever-changing ecosystem. These fossils were preserved within expanding and contracting wetlands between 100,000-12,500 years ago. Many of the Pleistocene animals of Tule Springs are still alive today, including the coyote, jackrabbit, and aquatic snails. Today, Tule Springs Fossil Beds is home to the plants and wildlife of the Mojave Desert.

 

Physical Address

There is no physical address. You must navigate using the cross-streets provided.

• North Unit: Durango Drive & Moccasin Road, Las Vegas NV
• South Unit: Aliante Parkway & Moonlight Falls Avenue, North Las Vegas, NV

Directions

There is no physical address. You must navigate using the cross-streets provided.
From "the Strip" or downtown Las Vegas: Take US Highway 11 North and exit on Durango Drive (for the Durango Loop trailhead), OR exit onto the wetbound Bruce Woodbury Beltway and take the exit for Aliante Parkway North (for the Aliante Loop trailhead).

Operating Hours & Seasons

Every Day:Sunrise–Sunset

Weather

Tule Springs Fossil Beds is located within the Mojave Desert, with summer temperatures often exceeding 110° F (43.3° C). There are no sources of water or shade at Tule Springs, so it is recommended that you plan your summer visit (May - September) before the hottest part of the day and exercise caution. Winter temperatures range, on average, from the low 30's F to low 70's F.

Check this week's weather forecast

Fees & Passes

Visitor Centers

Tule Springs Fossil Beds does not have a visitor center on site. Many of our fossils are on display at the nearby Ice Age Fossils State Park Visitor Center in North Las Vegas. Visit our partners at the Corn Creek Visitor Center at Desert National Wildlife Refuge in Las Vegas.
Passport stamps are available at:

• Corn Creek Visitor Center, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Las Vegas, NV
• Ice Age Fossils State Park Visitor Center, North Las Vegas, NV
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area Visitor Center, Boulder City, NV
• Lake Mead Information Center, Boulder City, NV

Internet & Cellular Access

Internet & Cellular Access Details