12 hours of Ice Age wonders
Explore the landscapes where Ice Age creatures once roamed at Ice Age Fossils State Park and Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. Enjoy museum exhibits and interpretive trails as you learn about Nevada's unique paleontological past.
Morning
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Ice Age Fossils State Park
Begin your journey at the nearby Ice Age Fossils State Park Visitor Center. Explore the interactive exhibits here to learn about the natural history of the area.
Midday
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Exploring fossil beds & desert scenery
Visit Tule Springs Fossil Beds
Experience the area's geology as you hike the Aliante Loop Trail, which offers scenic views of the surrounding desert. Check the Tule Springs’ event calendar for any scheduled ranger talks or guided programs to deepen your understanding of the site’s Ice Age past.
Afternoon
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Final explorations & sunset views
Explore Durango Loop Trail
This 1.7-mile or 2.25-mile trail includes a self-guided tour that talks about Nevada’s history and geology. As you hike, watch for desert wildlife. End the day by enjoying dinner in nearby Las Vegas.
Optional add-on
Las Vegas
After the grit of the park, you might be up for the glam of the city. If that's for you, the heart of Las Vegas is only a 20-minute drive from Tule Springs Fossil Beds.
Visit Smart
Plan ahead
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is going through the park planning process, so there are no visitor centers, restrooms, or facilities on site. Call the park’s information line for additional details or visit the National Park Service website.
Respect the fossils
Do not touch or remove fossils—leave them undisturbed for future generations and researchers.
Stay on designated trails
Stick to marked trails to preserve the park’s natural beauty and fragile ecosystems.
Leave no trace
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is located on the ancestral lands of the Southern Paiute people. Respect these important landscapes.
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