Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Free and serene. We were able to get upclose to many of the birds (compare to many other birdwatching places where it's difficult to view without binoculars. The ranger said the warming weather trend is encouraging a lot of the migratory birds to just stay there through winter. He said a good time to go is March. Free admission, though be mindful of their early-closing hours and be sure to get back and before closing time. All visitors must check-in first. It's good to get some exercise and kill 2 hours here if you are nearby or as a side trip to thr Wetland Park nearby.

Wonderful oasis of 9 interconnected ponds with level paved or gravel pathways. Staff on site are very friendly, helpful and informative about the area and the birds you can see. While here we saw many birds we had never encountered before ( coming from the East Coast). Thoroughly enjoyed our morning watching songbirds, waterfowl, and desert bird life. A hidden gem in Henderson!

My first visit was Monday. What a lovely habitat. Calm and peaceful. It seems to prioritize the animals comfort and one must peek thru the foliage sometimes.

Loved this visit! The walk can be as long and as short as you'd like. The staff were extremely kind and helpful. The views were spectacular!

Such a cool spot! The check in building has bathrooms and maps. I’m shocked that this place does not charge a fee - it’s pretty big. 5 miles of trails!

This is my favorite place to visit in Las Vegas. I've been there a few times over the last few decades and it never fails to impress. If you're a birder from east of the Rockies, do not miss it.

Its birds aosis in the midle of the urban city. If you enjoy listening to birds chirping is a place to be. The whole area is relaxing there different species of birds around here if you get lucky you might spoted then around. Easy to find. If wanna take walk around to cover the whole area it about 4miles you wont notice it as you will just follow the trails.the ponds are numbersso you wont miss some of. The place open from 7AM -2PM. One way in and out. No entrance fee. You can also rent binacular if wanna get upclose look of the birds. Happy viewing! Bring water when its summer.

What an absolute gem of a sanctuary! The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve has become my go-to escape when I’m craving a peaceful connection with nature. Before discovering this oasis, I felt a real void—but now, wandering its serene trails surrounded by lush trees and vibrant wildlife, I’m reminded of how magical the natural world can be. The preserve is teeming with life! From the chorus of birdsong at dawn to the occasional sighting of a curious rabbit or even a coyote trotting in the distance, every visit feels like an adventure. I love arriving shortly after opening—the air is cool and crisp, the light is golden, and the birds are at their most active. A huge shoutout to the kind, welcoming staff at the front office! They’re always ready to help with tips or hand you a handy paper map (which I highly recommend grabbing). The informational posts scattered throughout the property also add depth to the experience, offering fascinating insights about the local ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just someone looking to unplug and recharge, this preserve is a must-visit. Five stars without hesitation—a true haven for nature lovers! 🐦🌳

Wow, finally some water in the desert! Free to get in, plenty of parking, lots of birds, friendly staff. Monarch garden, turtles and even a tortoise! We'll be back!!!

It's a nice place to take an early morning walk. And to see some animals. They have a beehive when you first walk in.

What an amazing find here in Henderson! I am always looking for new paths and trails for early morning walks/hikes, and this one showed up on my AllTrails app. I have also seen that they have small events (like live music or kid-friendly activities) and have always passed the entrance countless times. Let me just say the entrance doesn't even come close to doing it justice, lol! Once you pass the stretch of road from Galleria Drive and get to the building entrance, you'll start seeing it transform from a semi-junk yard to a clean, well maintained area. After you park and walk into the building, they'll have you sign in before heading to the actual preserve. The lady at the front desk who I spoke with was really friendly! The preserve scenery is beautiful and serene. If you can catch the first hour of sunrise, the light is gorgeous when it pours gently through the tree leaves over the water in certain areas. The sounds of the birds and the water makes for a peaceful stroll around the 8 bird viewing ponds. Parts of the trails here even take me back to the colorful, tree-filled hikes I miss going on back in Missouri. I look forward to seeing what the preserve looks like as the weather changes! I also can't wait to bring my toddler here. I think my husband would love it too! (Pictures from July 2023)

A preserve well worth visiting! The signage is very small so it can be easy to miss. When you show up, you will need to sign in and give the front desk your first and last name, plus you will need to check out when you're ready to leave. Inside the front office, they have a bee colony, where they had hundreds of bees busy at work, which I thought was cool! There was so much wildlife all around! Out of these, we saw a roadrunner, two rabbits, and two different quail families. They also have a desert tortoise named Tino, who, unfortunately, did not come out at the time of our visit. Most of the animals went into hiding when the temperatures started rising. We went a little earlier in the morning before it got too hot (the preserve closes at noon every day during the summer, FYI). It was a little humid, however, which made the weather feel hotter than it actually was. We made sure we had plenty of water on us, and I ended up getting my steps in and walking almost two miles around the preserve. They do sell bottled water for $1.00 if you don't have any with you. I think I want to come back once the hot temperatures are out of the way. Definitely worth it if you like to explore wildlife.

We recently explored the Storywalk at the Bird Preserve, and it was a gem! For those who haven't tried it yet, let me give you a glimpse. Picture scattered book pages along the trail circling pond #1, echoing the charm of Cornerstone Park. We leisurely strolled through this picturesque setting where the Storywalk unfolds. Though it's doable in 30 minutes, we chose to savor every moment, spending a delightful hour and a half engrossed in the captivating story and intriguing facts scattered along the way. We're eagerly looking forward to our next visit and grateful for more Storywalk options to explore.

This place is awesome! Fabulous, friendly, and helpful staff; Jose and Cindy were courtous and kind. Loads to see, so come early if you can, as with the temperatures climbing, the preserve closes at noon for the animals and birds to seek shelter in the shade. There are six ponds to walk around with different species of fowl to spot. We arrived later on, so we only made it around two of them, with our almost 4 year old grandson. It's a rare gem and free of charge, so we purchased some t shirts and a pair of kids binoculars, that our grandson is enjoying! It was interesting inside to learn about the bees, and a few other species of animals and lizards, etc. in the area. We were fortunate to have Tinto the turtle came out of hiding, so helping feed Tinto Willow blossoms was a highlight for us!! Thank you, Cindy, for your generosity!

Great place for a nice walk and bird watching. Staff are extremely nice and very knowledgeable.

Went here for the first time today. First off, the ponds are beautiful and well worth the visit. I'll be honest I got really, really hot and felt faint after walking for only an hour between 10-11am. So, my advice is to dress for the weather, go earlier than I did, and bring a large water with you! There are covered viewing spots, benches, and trails. If you go with children - keep an eye on them at all times! We got to see Western Grebes, American Coots, a gorgeous Northern Harrier, White Faced Ibises and lots and lots of beautiful dragonflies! Check out the pics =)

Once I found out about this place! I went 3x in one week:) that can explain how much I love this place! First, the map took me to an animal shelter but it only took me few mins to find the entrance street to the preserve is one the west side of the Animal shelter (the sign on the street is not visible if you were traveling east bound on Galleria Dr) Once you follow the sign and end at the parking lot, process to the door where you enter the office and to check in with the staff and off your go to explore! It was like an oasis in the desert that I wouldn't even imagine if not seeing it with my own eyes. Birds signing and flying around in the late morning...the mountain reflects on the water....it's so damn peaceful. They close early (fall hours: 6am-2pm) and I was told to be back at the office to check out before 1:50pm. The trails that run around the area is approx 1.8 miles so give yourself plenty time to explore. Or come back another time! Since you have to check in and check out when you leave, even though most of the time inside the preserve that I did not see anyone around, It made me feel quite safe;) I can say this is one of my favorite places in Las Vegas:)

The HBVP Sunday Jazz was a blast! Hot Club of Las Vegas, Naomi Mauro & the Uli Geissendoerfer Quartet did not disappoint! Absolutely, one the best concerts I've attended...and I've been to lots! LOL

Nice, peaceful haven outside of the hustle and bustle of what you think of as stereotypical Las Vegas "concrete jungle". We only saw a variety of ducks, and a few geese, but it makes for a really nice mini getaway for locals and tourists alike. Will definitely be back.

Fun and relaxing outdoor bird watching. The bird preserve is about four miles round trip, if you walk around every pond. There's several ponds and ways you can walk around the ponds. It's a great place for social distancing. It's best to go early so you can see many types of birds before it get hot in the day. We came around noon since it took us forever to get ready for the day. The preserve is open from 6 am to 2 pm. Even when we went in the afternoon, we were still able to see a few different types of birds, ducks, geese, and a tortoise. My little boy really liked being able to sit on the many benches along the ponds and bird watch. We brought binoculars so we could see everything up close. The preserve is free- you need to just give them your information of how many in your party, name, and where you are from (city). They log how long you where there for since you enter and exit in the same small building. We were at the preserve for a couple hours. Masks are required when you enter the building, but not around the preserve, as long as you social distance. The preserve is a little difficult to find. You have to look closely for the signs for it along Boulder Highway and Galleria Drive. When we found the signs, it looked like we were driving towards the dump. The road you turn down weaves around a trailer junkyard. Most of the areas of the preserve are not shaded so bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. I will definitely come back to bird watch.

From outside we did not expect much but we were in for a treat! A free preserve with a lot of birds, ponds, trees and shrubs. We walk for over an hour it was so relaxing and peaceful. Highly recommend!

The Bird Preserve run by the city of Henderson is nice respite from the lights and noise of the Las Vegas strip. It's truly a hidden gem, located behind the nearby junk yard and various commercial businesses. The walk around the five ponds of reclaimed water is very relaxing and serene. The preserve boasts several species of birds but on the day we visited, we saw mostly ducks and a flock of Canadian geese (watch where you step!) We enjoyed watching an employee feed the resident dessert turtle and hearing her explanation about his eating habits. We were also mesmerized by the indoor beehive, which is connected to the outside through a pipe in the wall. At the end of our visit, we tried to make a donation but the employee said that the facility is fully funded by the city. What a great way to help preserve and reuse water while providing a place for both birds and people to interact and enjoy. Note: due to the summer heat, hours are limited to the morning as the preserve closes at noon.

Having been a longtime fan of the nearby Wetlands Park, I noticed there was something about "Birding" located nearby. I decided it was worth a visit. You have to register at the entrance for this preserve. It feels a little more serious than the Wetlands park. This place has nine lakes of reclaimed wastewater from Henderson. The water is used to maintain living spaces for the birds. I saw all kinds of interesting birds, some of which I've never seen around Clark County. There is a desert tortoise who lives here. His name is Tino. He hibernates inside his house until May. I'll be sure to go and visit once Tino wakes up. I enjoyed the calm and peacefulness of this preserve. I visited a few days before Christmas and there weren't many visitors. I highly recommend the Henderson Birding Preserve. This is a great place to walk around or visit wildlife. Please enjoy my photos, and be sure to read my reviews of other nearby parks. Five stars!!!!

Every visit it keeps expanding, adding more and more water ponds. The trails are relaxing and sometimes laughable when you hear funny toots and fart songs coming from the birds. Enough benches. Lots to see. Love the climbing lookouts. The keepers are super friendly and the gift shop has reasonably priced shirts, jewelry and other items . Lots of parking. There is a restroom. They close at 2pm.

A well hidden, much rewarding preserve! My first visit here was on Nevada Day, and it was hot for October! To access the preserve, you enter through a building and sign in. There's lots of info there on the facility as well as restrooms and orinthology related things for sale such as shirts and mugs. Picnic tables are right behind the building, and there are benches throughout the preserve also. There are numerous ponds at the preserve, and one could spend hours walking and viewing. The limited hours (open until 2 when I was there) mean plan accordingly. Platforms also provide viewing opportunities, and there are informational signs throughout the preserve. We saw many types of ducks, a few egrets and surprisingly a great horned owl. The owl was hiding at water's edge, and I took pics while keeping my distance. It was very enjoyable walking around the preserve, and cooler weather makes it even more so. There's a sign for the preserve on Galleria Drive where you enter, then follow the signs to the parking lot.

Another incredible free access resource in Henderson. The area is great for walking no matter what age you are. The story walk is a nice touch. The paths are flat with plenty of nice views of the valley and, of course, birds to watch.

Absolutely phenomenal place. Came for the birds, ended up staying for the coyotes hunting the rabbits! If you're in Vegas and remotely have an interest in wildlife, VISIT THIS PLACE. PS Birds did not disappoint, my wife and I got at least 10 lifers while visiting!

What a treat to find this place outside of Vegas. We saw a Roadrunner! COVID19 protocols in place. There is limited capacity so make sure you go on off hours. You have to check in at the visitor center to get into the preserve, but it's quick and easy. Highly recommend if you are a birder.

Wonderful place to see lots of birds. Each pond area is unique and draws a variety of our winged visitors. It is one of favorite places to photograph these beautiful "friends."

I love this place! I saw so many birds and butterflies! I also enjoyed the children's book that they featured on the path.

A hidden gem in Henderson! I didn't know this place existed until I happened to notice it on Google Maps while searching for something else, I'm really glad that it caught my attention and that I took the time to visit this preserve. This City of Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve (once a Water Reclamation Facility) is tucked away in southeast Henderson on Galleria Drive at Moser Drive - about 1.7 miles east of Henderson Hospital and Cowabunga Bay Water Slide Park (near the Henderson Animal Control building). Sitting on 140 acres, it is a lovely preserve with trees, ponds and both soft and paved paths - and it is accessible by wheelchair. A wonderful location for a walk or stroll and of course, bird watching. They'll even loan you a pair of binoculars. There are plenty of benches located in various places along the paths so you can have a seat and take in the sights and sounds of nature. Pets are not permitted, and we are asked to not feed the birds or wildlife because it disrupts natural feeding behaviors and encourages an unhealthy association with humans. You can find a schedule of various educational programs and nature walks (most are free!) on the City of Henderson (Henderson Happenings) website. Check it out, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by what you find!

Lovely spot for a walk, relaxing and its fun to see the birds. There's about 5 ponds to walk around ans signs telling you about the birds in the area. Worth the visit for sure.

To have a place to escape the city and become one with nature sitting right in ones own back yard (figuratively of course) is just magical. My first visit was when I brought my grandparents who were visiting from out of town. We walked in to the visitors center and were promptly greeted by the docents who asked if we were from the area. As a resident, I was asked to sign the guest registry for the three of us prior to walking into the bird viewing area. We were told a bit about the preserve and shown around the visitor center which is very educational amd informative. There are many taxidermied animals which can be found in the Las Vegas area. Some you can see living examples of as soon as you walk out to the ponds. Out side there are a lot of trees and marsh plants lining the many trails which guide you through the acres of preserve and around the nine ponds. In February, we saw various ducks, Canada geese, and other miscellaneous water fowl. We didn't walk too far in. I mean, my grandparents are in their upper 70s. I'm not trying to kill them. But we did walk to a couple of the viewing platforms in the middle. When the weather cools down again in the fall I'd like to go back and explore a little more. There is so much to see and it is right there and free.

The Bird Preserve is a hidden (ignore your GPS, look at the signs) oasis tucked away in Henderson. Who knew this beautiful bird sanctury a stones throw from the Stadium could be so beautifully relaxing ? There is plenty of parking in front of the building. Inside there is a sign in sheet , and then you are off to explore. During the summer months they close early at 12 and require you are back before then so they can close. Inside there are pictures and information about the Preserve and animals that frequent the area. There is a classroom there and on the flier are different activities they host. Once outside there are trails you can take to explore the Preserve. It is very tranquil and relaxing, an amazing place to come a see wildlife. I always try to keep my little one quiet as the noise scare away some of the animals. There are bridges and observation areas throughout the park, that really add to the experience. This is a perfect spot to visit if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It's on my list of walking spots, and I will continue to pop in and enjoy.

After reading some of the reviews on Yelp, we made a special trip here one morning. It took us some back and forth on Galleria Dr. to find the side street which leased to this location. A tip: the entrance is on the west side of a animal/pest control company and there are relative small signs posted facing both east and west traffic directions but easy to miss. The visitor center, also entrance to the preserve is on the both side of this animal control company. Sorry! Kind of confusing! It was fun to spot some birds in and around the ponds. The plants, trees, water and the distant mountains made beautiful picturesque! The only big disappointment was the annoying noise from the many overhead jet planes!

So you have to check in and give your address and information, where you live and age. I guess this is the new Covid-19.

I was invited to visit the Henderson Bird Preserve last Friday. I was so amazed to see what a beautiful hidden secret lay out in the desert. The nature center was staffed by Mr. John Taylor who was very knowledgeable and helpful with our questions. The preserve is made up of multiple ponds, around which there are paths, viewing stands, and benches. We saw probably 50 kinds of birds: green herons, shovelers, grebes, cinnamon teal ducks, harriers, red tailed hawks, ibis, hummingbirds, verdin, warblers, thrushes, gnat catchers, geese, and more. This is an outstanding place for you to observe nature, if only for a very pleasant walk. The entrance is on Galleria, east of Boulder Highway.

Great Little Hike. The classroom had a lot of interesting information and lot of different birds on display. Make sure to bring water and a walking stick if you're not used too walking for long periods of time. There are benches to sit down on different parts of the ponds. Will definitely come back here again.

Need to see something more than rocks, beige buildings and strip lights? I found a hidden gem! Beautiful ponds, trees and shrubs. Wildlife creates each owns symphony of activity. A place to stretch your legs while listening to peaceful surroundings or be with your own thoughts. Pack a water bottle or a picnic lunch, the perfect backdrop for a delightful getaway. In the middle of Henderson you'll make your way thru a maze of several right and left turns before you reach utopia. Staff is friendly and helpful. A rare combination. Admission/Parking = Free Experience = Priceless

We came here this cloudy morning. As you enter the preserve through the office, you'll need to fill out a short form for contact information and save harmless for the City of Henderson. This is good for two years. There is a classroom indoor with neat things to look at. The staff at the register was friendly and he told us that the telescope outside was pointed toward a hummingbird's nest. Be sure to grab a bird pamphlet. This area is home to thousands of migratory waterfowl as well as numerous resident desert birds. We saw severals birds including greater road runner, hummingbird and lots of waterfowls. There are nine ponds available for birding, surrounded by both paved and soft surfaces. The paved path is approximately 3/4 of a mile long and is accessible by wheelchair. The soft surfaces are mostly level and allow for easy walking. Come early and when you visit, expect to do a lot of walking and allow yourself adequate time to visit the area. Also I recommend that you wear appropriate clothing and comfortable, sturdy shoes. Bring water, a hat, and wear sunscreen. If you do not have binoculars, they have some available for loan. There are two places where the preserve has observation points which was great for pictures. You also get a great view of the Strip. One is a boardwalk that goes out into one of the ponds where you can get closer to view some of the birds. It is 4 miles of trail and no worry there are benches in many places throughout the preserve to just relax and enjoy the solitude and sounds of the birds. I will be back on a sunny day!

Nice jazz concert and tranquil area. It's tucked away and it looks like a junkyard as you drive along, but it's a beautiful area and very relaxing.

I went two places yesterday to enjoy being away from the city in a different way than hiking. My first stop was here at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. I have friends from New Jersey who have been here twice on vacations to Las Vegas and they always said what a great place it was and they were right. You enter the preserve through an office where you fill out a short form for contact information and save harmless for the City of Henderson. This is good for two years. You sign the guest book and then enter the preserve going out the back door. There are volunteers working here who make sure you have a map and a bird pamphlet so you can mark off the birds you see if you want. From the back door, you're on your own to explore and enjoy! There's a dirt track that goes basically two miles around the exterior perimeter. You can see many of the pools this way. There is also a dry pond in one spot where burrowing owls have been spotted. There are two places where the preserve has observation points. One is a boardwalk that goes out into one of the ponds where you can get closer to view some of the birds. There are benches at the end of this walk and there are benches in many places throughout the preserve to just relax and enjoy the solitude and sounds of the birds. There are a couple of blinds with holes at different levels for different height people to stand behind to observe the birds. You can also get some good photos without scaring the birds. Finally, there's a raised platform--you walk up a set of steps--that looks out over two of the ponds. It's a great place to stop and watch what flies by. I will be back. This is one of those places where going just once is not enough!!

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve isn't just for the birds. It is also for people who want to spend a couple of hours outdoors enjoying nature. I am one of them. The first impression of Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is blah. It is located in an industrial area of Galleria Drive east of Boulder Highway. There is no grand scenery to welcome you to Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve [from here on abbreviated HBVP]. In fact, the driveway is by the Henderson Animal Control Center. The drive way to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is just like the driveway to a military base. After a curve, you enter a fenced in parking lot through an open gate. I am serious when I write that a couple of years ago when I first started visiting the HBVP, I had to stop at a gate, dial a number, and they would buzz me in. Near the gate are the posted hours. The hours are ridiculously short. In the winter they close at 2 PM. and the summer at 12 PM. It is worth noting that there is plenty of parking. To get into the preserve, you have to make a stop at the preserve office. The knowledgeable volunteers will prompt you to fill out your name, where you live, and the time you check-in. They will be enthusiastic to answer your questions and will be more than happy to provide you with a preserve map and birding check list. The layout of HBVP resembles a tic-tac toe board. There is a perimeter trail with interior trails that criss-cross with ponds in the middle. There are at least twelve ponds. The majority of the ponds are alive with water and waterfowl. At the eastern periphery there are a couple of dry ponds. Supposedly they are home to owls. My favorite ponds are the ones in the southeast section. With their tall wetlands and healthy waterfowl population they remind me of a Florida wetland transplanted in the Nevada desert. The City of Henderson has put some money into HBVP. There is a boardwalk that is placed over a large section of one pond and the adjacent wetlands (also looks over the back of Sam Boyd Stadium). Nearby there is an observation tower that provides fantastic views of the ponds and Wetlands Park out to Frenchman Mountain and Rainbow Gardens. There are visors for viewing the birds unnoticed. According to the information signs, HBVP is home to many creatures. They include roadrunners, coyotes [Wow! A Roadrunner, Wild E. Coyote, and open desert], rabbits, owls, and so on. On my visits, I have only seen waterfowl and rabbits. Maybe if HBVP closed after 2 PM., I would see more creatures. HBVP is more than bird viewing. The perimeter trails overlook the open spaces of Wetlands Park. In the distance over Wetlands Park stands Frenchman Mountain. The neat thing about the desert is that mountains look a lot closer than what they really are. I have taken a few pictures of Frenchman Mountain towering over the ponds. There are also a couple of trails that give the illusion that they lead to Frenchman Mountain. Frenchman Mountain vistas are such a part of HBVP that there is an information kiosk that explains the geology of Frenchman Mountain. I really like HBVP. It really frustrates me that every time I visit the place that I get really into the experience and have to end up rushing out because it closes an hour before the usual lunch special ends. I appreciate all the work that the Volunteers do. However, this is a city park and the department of parks needs to hire a couple of employees to keep it open til sundown. A ridiculously early closing time takes away from the experience, which leaves me with no option to take off a star.

A hidden oasis in Henderson. I found this place last year, thanks to a wildlife photographer and it's been a favorite spot ever since. What makes this place stand out is the large variety of birds each pond has a different group. The species vary based on the time of day & season. I see the most birds early in the morning, the preserve opens at 6am. The grounds are well maintained and the staff is very friendly and helpful. You sign in at the little office and out the door to the ponds. There are bird blinds, a pier type lookout and a 2 story observation deck located around the 7 ponds. You will also see plenty of rabbits, lizards and etc. Located off of galleria in Henderson , the bird preserve is a great spot to visit. SUMMER HOURS ARE 6AM-NOON. bring plenty of water , some sunscreen and a good pair of binoculars. Best of all it's FREE!!!

The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is an excellent preserve located in the city to view all types of birds. Be careful, our GPS gave us the wrong directions but we in the general area. We used the satellite map and we figured it out. There are some signs in the area to assist with finding this great preserve. There is a small visitor center where you must sign in before you enter. The guides in the visitor center gave excellent information and there are education exhibits and maps you can view. We saw lots of different types of birds during our visit. Depending on the time of year you visit you might see some really cool migratory birds. There are placards in different areas describing the different types of birds you may see in the 9 different ponds located in the preserve. There are lots of benches along the paths for resting and viewing, along with 4 bird hides. My kids loved the board walk and elevated viewing tower but we all had fun trying to count the many different types of birds we saw. Don't forget to take plenty of water, a hat, and your binoculars so you and your family can have a great time.

Love this place. Planning on signing up to the walkers club! Peaceful place to get back in touch with nature. Cooler weather is the best time of year. Camera binoculars water go!

Really nice place to check out some wildlife in the desert. It's a nice little gem tucked away in Henderson, but there were lots of birds to see. There is a fair amount of walking as you'd imagine. But we saw several different ducks, grebes, and other birds. It's a really fun way to relax and unwind. Suggestion - bring a hat and binoculars. It's a lovely place to visit.

My wife and I have been birders for most of our lives, as well as frequent visitors to Las Vegas, so it was natural that we would gravitate to this preserve. The people in the office where you sign-in have been consistently helpful and will happily lend you binos if we don't own a pair. Any time of year you will likely see Gambel's quail, ducks and grebe's, but it is during migration that the ponds become a magnet for a wide variety of birds. There is a list of recent bird sightings in the office so check it out before starting your visit.

Great day with the kids!! Front desk people so friendly wonderful place for us to bond

It's amazing what you can find in the middle of an industrial park (OK, what Yelp can find). My dad was in town and he has no interest in visiting the strip. I was browsing Yelp for ideas and found the bird viewing preserve. After living here for so many years I was surprised I have never heard of it but so glad I found it. There are plenty of signs for the preserve as you drive on Galleria Drive. The hours are limited so be sure to arrive early and with plenty of water. You will need to check in at the desk but it is quick and easy. They provide a map and list of birds you can see. Best of all ITS FREE. Yes, I said FREE. They have a paved section which is a 3/4 mile walk around 3 different ponds. If you want to see the entire preserve it is about 2 miles round trip and involves dirt roads. The entire preserve is fenced so you can't get lost. It was very hot when we went so only did the 3/4 mile trail but will return in the fall to see the rest. We saw several birds, ducks and a few rabbits running around. Beautiful, peaceful scenery. If you are visiting and need a break from the casinos or a local that just needs some peace and quiet to escape this place is great.

I am by no means a Birder, but my wife loves birds...she had me set up feeders in our back yard (I'm sure the neighbors love us). So, imagine my surprise when I was Googling a birdy my wife had seen and I noticed there was a bird preserve nearby. We had to check it out. If you drove by the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, you'd probably miss it. We had our navigation on and still couldn't find it...then I spotted a handwritten sign with an arrow pointing to the entrance. The road goes right behind the Henderson Animal Control building, drive through the gate and then there is a small parking lot in front of the building where you check in...the woman behind the counter is very helpful and knowledgeable, just sign in, initial a short form, head out the back door and you're in. The first thing you notice when you pass the covered picnic area is how big this park is...it's huge. There's a lot of large ponds all connected by paths like a grid. Some of them have decks that overlook the pond, pretty cool. There was a lot of wildlife roaming (probably would have seen a lot more if we had got there earlier). Lots of geese, ducks, cranes, roadrunners, quail, jackrabbits...I even saw a turtle crawling around. Couldn't tell you what kinds of birds we saw (not a birder)...we also saw a dead duck, which tells me there are probably predatory animals there (coyotes? Such is nature, right?). All in all a really cool place to spend an afternoon...you should definitely go out of your way to find this park, it's a hidden gem in the middle of Henderson. And hey, it's free!

Very nice place , easy to walk and good for family hike. The early the better ! No dogs allowed and no bikes .

When I moved here a few years ago I was worried that I would lose one of my favorite hobbies, birding. We were lucky enough to find the preserve and have really grown to enjoy all the different migratory birds and especially ducks that we can find here, in the desert! We have also seen coyotes, quail, and rabbits abound. There are birds of prey soaring overhead and hummingbirds zinging about, you really just need to stop for a few minutes. They have recently made a ton of upgrades, they added a duck blind, some benches, and a gorgeous walkway over one of the ponds. My personal favorite is that you no longer have to be buzzed in, the gate is just open or closed. It's important to stay on the paths and be quiet and courteous to those around you. This is a place where many serious birders get their fix, you'll see them around, binoculars in hand dressed in beige from head to toe. They are generally pretty kind, even when we have a loud 2 year old in tow, but do your best to respect them and their hobby. Obviously the early morning is the best time to come, but you will enjoy the walk even in the afternoon. They are only open for a few hours a day so this one is definitely for the early birds. Even if you don't know much about birds or bird watching, if you take the time you will find something to appreciate.

I was born and raised here and I visited this place for the first time this weekend. What a hidden gem!! It is such a beautiful place! They let you borrow binoculars if you want to (DO IT). It really enhanced the experience! We saw so many different species of birds. We saw butterflies, bees, turtles, a frog and so much more! This place is so peaceful and the pathways are clearly marked to lead you to all of the different ponds! If you are looking for something to do and you enjoy nature definitely visit this place!

I usually don't give a place a five star rating without checking it out several times first. This place deserves an exception. I love nature, solitude, serenity, and walking for exercise. This place gives an abundance of all of these. The preserve was clean, beautiful, and deserted (saw no one except near the nature center ). There was lots of wildlife though. Several jackrabbits, three different pair of quails, and of course, birds galore. I myself am not a bird watcher, but for nature thats close to home (with lots of water), this place cant be beat ! And heres a shoutout for Christine , the friendly nature center guide. She was so nice & informative too. I am SO coming back here. I camt believe its five minutes from my house and this is the first Time ive been here. Thats Vegas for you! Suprising hidden gems here there & everywhere :)

I am fairly new to birding, and was thrilled to find this place. We drove in and there were quail walking around the entrance. Inside there are 9 ponds where we saw American Coot, egrets, cinnamon teal, humming birds and even some red tail hawks. The woman behind the counter was incredibly friendly and extremely knowledgeable. I love this place.

The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is definitely a haven tucked away in the middle of the desert! It is truly a wonderful retreat and we ended up going there twice this week. The first day the temperature was cooler, with a terrific breeze and there was even a little rain. (It reminded me of being home in Australia in the autumn season, near one of the coastal areas.) This preserve has several lakes - with all the different types of birds as well as other animals we saw I felt like I was transported somewhere else, certainly not Las Vegas. It was fantastic to be there totally surrounded by Nature. It's very relaxing and has several spots where you can just stop and sit and take in the beautiful view and soak the experience up. It's great for walking around and there is plenty to see including coyotes, rabbits, lizards etc. The staff a really friendly and knowledgable. John Taylor was there on the first day. He was as they say in Australia "great value" and had some good stories to share. The 2nd day we went there it was warmer and really sunny, no wind and it was extremely charming to walk around and soak up the glorious weather. If you are coming here in Summer, you definitely want to come here early in the morning before it gets too hot. Having the lakes makes it like an oasis - just being around all this water is cooling and soothing to the spirit. If you want a really cool tour around the place for a nominal fee, Paul Hubert who works there will take you for a ride in an open cart and give you a fabulous commentary about some of the plants that grow there including their medicinal properties, how they were used by the indigenous people hundreds of years ago etc. We loved it. We took a little picnic with us on the 2nd day and it was a real pleasure to be there. If you like the outdoors you will love this place!

I went here for the very first time a week and a half ago and I have to say this place blew my mind. I found out while I was here it actually had to close down some of it's lakes that used to be open, I only noticed this because as we walked around we saw the dried up lakes, but that said there's still not 1, but 9 beautiful lakes here, a ton of birds, all the information you could possibly want, and best of all... It's free. This place is magic, an oasis in the middle of the desert for a ton of migrating birds and a lot that nest here as well. The people were all very friendly, and honestly the views from this place couldn't be beat. We saw a ton of birds, bunnies, and even had an experience where some geese got all too curious about what I was doing and walked up to me to say hello. This place is what 5 star ratings were meant for, I only wish I could give it 10.