Las Vegas and its Nature Sanctuaries

Where can someone go to really get out into the wild and explore nature? What if the answer were the fantastic hotels of Las Vegas, Nevada? Perhaps the Vegas Strip is not the first destination people have in mind when they think of nature, but the entertainment capital of the world is, in fact, quite close to many nature preserves and sanctuaries, including the nearby Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve as well as the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary. Vegas provides the luxury of a grand city, with all the resorts and entertainment anyone could desire along with the refreshing spectacle of nature.

The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve contains about 200 species and thousands of birds. This is a man-made preserve where birds can find a home, to nest or look for food; or it can act as a temporary spot for the birds as they migrate. There are nine ponds here, through which visitors can walk on paved and soft ground for three quarters of a mile. This nature preserve is also handicap accessible, so for travelers in wheelchairs, it's still an ideal spot to take in the sight of magnificent birds.

For other types of animals, though, take a look at the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary. This is a wildlife refuge that has on display exotic and native animals and birds. The non-profit organization has been around for 40 years, and contains an astonishing variety of creatures: Ostriches and emus, cows and mules, goats, and miniature horses! There are also finches and canaries, Macaws and Cockatoos, and even Amazon parrots. This sanctuary takes care of nearly one thousand five hundred abandoned barnyard animals and birds.

The sanctuary had its start in 1970 when the Gilcrease family took in birds that were abandoned. It became a non-profit organization in the early 1990s, and it helps educate about nature with 5,000 students working with the animals each year.

Other spectacular sights in nature are relatively nearby. There's the wonder of the man-made Hoover Dam, of course, but within 120 miles of Las Vegas, is the Grand Canyon West, which features a U-shaped glass walkway built out over the Grand Canyon. Through the glass, tourists can look down 4,000 feet to the canyon floor, and stand 70 feet out from the canyon rim. It's not recommended for those who have a fear of heights or vertigo, but it's an amazing idea for a day trip for many travelers who are using Las Vegas as their base of operations.