Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Park Fossil-rich desert monument preserving Ice Age paleontological sites
Desert paleontological site north of Las Vegas preserving Ice Age fossil beds. Visitors explore interpretive trails, see remains of extinct megafauna and hike among Mojave Desert scenery and archaeological features.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is a U.S. national monument in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada that preserves Pleistocene-age fossil beds and associated archaeological sites.
Visitors encounter interpretive trails, signage and open landscapes where Ice Age vertebrate fossils were discovered, including large mammals from the Pleistocene. The monument protects fossil localities and the geological context that produced them.
The area was designated a national monument in 2014 to secure long-term protection for paleontological and cultural resources and to provide managed public access for education and scientific research.
The monument lies north of the Las Vegas urban area in Clark County, Nevada, within the Mojave Desert landscape.
- Designation year: Designated a U.S. national monument in 2014 to protect Ice Age fossil localities and archaeological sites within the Las Vegas valley.
- Public access: Site interpretation and trails provide public access to views of fossil-bearing deposits and paleontological features while protecting sensitive areas.
How to Get to Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument #
The monument is located in the northwest outskirts of Las Vegas. From downtown Las Vegas, drive north on I-15 and take local routes toward Kyle Canyon/Charleston Heights and then head northwest; consult the National Park Service site for exact trailheads and parking coordinates.
Tips for Visiting Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument #
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and lots of water; Las Vegas-area desert can be deceptively hot.
- Stick to designated trails and marked interpretive areas - the monument protects fragile fossil deposits and archaeological sites.
- Cell reception is patchy; download maps and bring a printed park brochure if possible.
Best Time to Visit Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument #
Visit in winter or early spring to avoid summer heat; the monument's paleontological features are best appreciated when outdoor conditions are comfortable.
Weather & Climate near Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument #
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 38°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 38°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
