Galleria Drive approaching HBVP Access Road (view E) |
Description
The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve (HBVP) is one of the best places in southern Nevada to watch birds and dragonflies. Marsh and stream-side habitat in the nearby Las Vegas Wash, combined with open ponds and trees in the HBVP, attracts birds of all kinds to water in this otherwise parched land. Desert species, waterbirds, wading birds, migrant songbirds, and shorebirds can be abundant here. Paved (fully accessible except for damaged pavement) and dirt (mostly accessible) walkways run on dikes that divide the area into nine brush-lined ponds. The dikes provide many vantage points, and an elevated platform gives good views over much of the area. Access is free, but it closes early, especially during summer.
The address is on Galleria Drive, but that isn't really true. Visitors need to wind their way back through an industrial zone to find the entrance.
Link to Area Map or Site Map. |
Galleria Drive at HBVP Access Road (view E) |
Location
The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is located on the southeast edge of the Las Vegas Valley, about 20 minutes from downtown, in the town of Henderson.
Link to Area Map or Site Map. [google map]
From downtown, drive south on Highway 95 for 11.5 miles to Galleria Drive (Table 1, Site 1180). Exit the highway, turn left onto Galleria, and drive east for 1.8 miles (across Boulder Highway) to HBVP Access Road (one block before Moser Drive; Site 1177). Turn left and drive north 300 yards, then turn right and follow the pavement as it winds east and north into the HBVP parking area and the Visitor Center (Site 0450). |