Judy's Hike No. 3: Wetlands Park 1

The Clark County Wetlands Park is home to many trails, all flat and many paved. The trails skirt water and large clusters of trees as well as take us into areas that appear to be nothing but dirt. They highlight the challenges plants and animals face in a desert, but remember: Las Vegas means "The Meadows".  It was not initially a desert and the wetlands park is one place where you can start to see the water coming back. It has been the goal of Clark County's parks department to open up waterways that have been covered and paved for years, where possible.  Where the water comes back so do the plants and animals.

I have found that walking does not improve the stiffness and pain in my left knee, unfortunately. It doesn't seem to make it worse, however, at least not after a day or so. Yesterday I was feeling reasonably spry and ready to do another simple one-miler. So that is what I did.

I began at the restroom building and turned left, taking the dirt trail north. I found my way to the little lake, where I hung out to watch fish and turtles for a bit. Although there were many cars in the parking lot, I only encountered two people during this short hike. I had the little lake to myself.

Many feet

Note the orange fish. Carp? Koi?

I watched a turtle swim to a rock and climb up.

I wish I had reversed my route so that this water were at the end rather than the beginning of the hike.

From the lake I continued in a northerly direction, staying on dirt paths until I was well over halfway.

The dirt changed color from time to time. There is a lot of iron in these parts.

Spiky plants discourage animals. Frenchman Mountain lurks in the distance, a familiar sight to Henderson residents.

Trees have interesting ways of propagating. 

I finally wound my way back, checking my MapMyRun app to keep track of where I was. There are benches here and there on these trails, allowing a place to relax and reflect.

I stayed on the concrete to the end. A short hike but I wasn't up for much more. My pace varied but I didn't stop much, except at the lake.

Clark County Wetlands Park 1.0 mile, elevation gain 16 ft.