For day hikers seeking a unique adventure, Moapa, Nevada offers a nearly secret desert oasis tucked away in the Mojave Desert. Just a short drive north of town, you’ll find the Warm Springs Natural Area, managed by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA). This lush escape features over two dozen springs, crystal-clear streams, and vibrant wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers.

The Warm Springs Natural Area is teeming with life. Home to the endangered Moapa dace, turtles, and more than 200 bird species, it’s also frequented by raccoons, coyotes, and even beavers. Whether you’re a birder, wildlife enthusiast, or simply love exploring serene landscapes, this oasis won’t disappoint.

Hikers will also enjoy a touch of history. The area was once the Warm Springs Ranch, a cattle operation in the early 1900s. Along the trail, you’ll encounter remnants of its past, including wagons, a water wheel, and old corrals. Interestingly, the property was later owned by Howard Hughes and then the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before the SNWA acquired it in 2007. Today, the focus is on restoring the springs and preserving the habitat for local wildlife.

For those curious about the region’s deeper roots, evidence suggests humans have been farming and living in the area for nearly 2,000 years, and agriculture continues in the surrounding valley.

We joined a guided group walk led by Linda Shapiro from SNWA’s Water Resources Division. The two-hour trek covered a gentle 2/3-mile trail winding between two spring-fed streams. Along the way, Linda shared fascinating insights about the local wildlife, plant restoration efforts, and tips on seed collection.

The water bubbling up from Pederson Spring is a warm 90 degrees, creating a stunning natural feature as it flows with remarkable force through the property. This is just one of five spring complexes in the area, each contributing to the vibrant ecosystem. Eventually, all the water merges into the Big Muddy River, continuing its journey to Lake Mead. This interconnected waterway adds another layer of wonder to this desert oasis, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

Across the street, is a trail managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service that includes a section where the stream flows past a series of windows allowing walkers easy viewing of the Moapa White River springfish, and the Moapa dace.

There are many Velvet ash trees on the walkway, and right now, they are in full autumnal glory. We also walked by stands of Honey mesquite, Malta starthistle, Screwbean mesquite, and a truly spectacular Goodings Willow tree.

Going to the South from the parking lot, the trail follows the Pederson Stream and then zig-zags over to the Apcar Stream, which is a cooler temperature stream and then the trail follows along the Pederson Stream back to the parking area.

Linda told us that one day when she was at the confluence of the Pederson and Apcar streams that she saw a beaver on her back floating down the stream!

Perfect for a day hike, this hidden gem combines nature, history, and a tranquil desert experience that’s ideal for all ages and skill levels. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars!

The Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge is open Labor Day to Memorial Day, Friday to Sunday. The Warm Springs Natural Area is open Tuesday to Sunday from Labor Day to Memorial Day. The property is closed on Mondays. It is about an hour’s drive from Las Vegas.

Here are some apps that Linda suggested for hikers and day walkers. I have used some of these apps, they are excellent:

Seek App (Point phone at living things, like plants, animals, etc. for identification)
Merlin App (Identify birds from photos and sound on your phone)
ebird App (Track personal list of birds)
Rockd App (Age and type of rocks, you are standing on)
Bird and Hike Las Vegas (Local sites created by Jim Boone)

From Las Vegas
• Take I-15 North
• Exit 90 to merge onto NV-168 West
• Drive 7 miles to Warm Springs Road, turn left
• Drive 2 miles to Warm Springs Natural Area, located on the right