Las Vegas Northwest Birding Trail

This day trip maximizes the differences in habitat types, and therefore maximizes the diversity of bird species that can be seen. Visit a desert oasis on the Desert National Wildlife Range, mountains at Mt. Charleston, and desert canyons at Red Rocks. Pack a lunch or eat at a lodge in the mountains.

From downtown, start by driving north on Highway 95 towards Reno. Drive for about 30 minutes to Corn Creek. This is the single best birding site in the Las Vegas area for desert species and migrants. Plan to spend 2 hours here.

Link to Birding Trail Northwest Map.

From Corn Creek, head for the mountains. Drive back to Highway 95 and turn right (north). Drive north to the turnoff for the Las Vegas ski area (Highway 156). Turn left (west) and drive to the end of the road high in Lee Canyon. Bird the high-elevation zone here and visit the big meadow on the way down. Drive back down Highway 156 for a couple of miles to Highway 158. Turn right (south) on Highway 158 and drive across the face of the mountains to Deer Creek Picnic Area. The stream through the picnic area can be quite good for birds.

From Deer Creek, continue south on Highway 157 in Kyle Canyon. Turn right (west) on Highway 157 and drive into the upper reaches of Kyle Canyon and bird the Mary Jane Falls (MJF) trailhead area. Plan to spend 4 hours on the mountain.