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 map or interactive WSNA trail map.

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

Presented here are photos of the Long Trail, which starts from the parking area. Walking past the end of the parking area, walkers can cross over to a trail that runs along picnic tables and the vault toilet. This trail through the picnic area is the beginning of the Long Trail.

The Long Trail runs parallel to the dirt service road until the road bends right and the trail crosses the road continuing more or less straight. The trail across the road is marked with a yellow information sign about the "tasty operation."

The Long trail forks at that point. The right fork is a spur-trail that runs up to a low promontory with a shade cover. This promontory offers grand views out across the Warm Springs area, and also provides two information signs.

Returning to the fork in the trail, the main Long Trail continues eastward and down a slope into lower lands beneath the promontory. Here, in a thicket of mesquite, the trail bends sharply to the left and begins a long, winding journey along the edge of a small stream.

Various signs and short spur-trails lead to quiet spots, and eventually the Long Trail crosses another service road. The trail continues straight across the road and continues following the stream.

Eventually hikers arrive at an open area with corrals and information about ranching history in the area. The Long Trail wraps around the far side of the corral, and still following a small stream, begins to climb back towards the trailhead.

The trail offers opportunities for a quiet walk on a short boardwalk, and it passes several information signs before popping out of the thickets and back into the parking area.