Over the years, the city of Las Vegas has started showcasing a lot more than the casinos that initially made it famous. With the natural formations and huge mountain range surrounding Clark County, places like the Duck Creek Trail in Wetlands Park have become increasingly popular destinations for folks who want a break from the ordinary.

The Wetlands Park is a crucial component of the area’s ecosystem. Even though there are quite a few sources of water around, with the Colorado River and many natural mountain springs, the Vegas/Clark County area is still a desert. It wouldn’t take much at all for a wetland area to dry up and seriously cripple the ecosystem.

Because it’s so valuable, the Wetlands Park is fully protected. The area encompasses over 2,900 acres of widely varied wildlife and plant life. There’s a delicate balance existing right now, and folks do all they can to ensure the habitat is protected. The wetland receives its water from the Las Vegas wash. This flow supports the frail habitat and the fluctuating marshes.

Many different animals thrive on the stream the wash creates, including many deer and rabbits.

Getting to the wetlands and the Duck Creek Trail is relatively simple. One and a half miles east of Boulder Highway, you’ll find Broadbent Boulevard. From here, it’s easy to find the Clark County Wetlands Park that’s located just a bit south of the Nature Preserve. The Wetlands Park is the trailhead for Duck Creek.

There’s really nothing overly special about Duck Creek Trail in terms of hardcore hiking or mountain climbing. Duck Creek is simply a short, leisurely stroll that people can take with their family, friends or pets, or you can ride a bike through the trail. It’s only a two-mile round trip and can usually be made in under an hour.

The entire trail portion is only 130 acres, so it is actually maintained fairly well. The Duck Creek Trail doesn’t really offer anything in the way of surprises or obstacles. The elevation of the trail is pretty much ground level, so you won’t be getting any major views from mountain overlooks – but it’s still a scenic place with Mummy Mountain lurking overhead.

You’ll find plenty of parking at the Wetlands Park and also a few picnic areas and restrooms along the way. You will also see a few fellow hikers making the walk, too, but Duck Creek isn’t usually packed.

It would probably be best to go in the spring months. It won’t be too crowded and it won’t be very hot. You can also camp there at the park if you want to make it an overnight trip. Other trails are very nearby and will take you further up the mountain if you want to go.