Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve — Attraction in Henderson

Here we are in the capitol of casinos, and yet this spectacular geological formation is somewhat of a guarded secret preserved for locals. Why? Part of it may be liability. There's a huge Mesa with monumental cliffs in a municipal park that has dangerous footing to amateur climbers, plus the threat of rattlesnakes. Maybe it's a little too risky to advertise. But, if you're in good shape, & you are hiking savvy, you really owe it to yourself to start at the bottom, hike up & witness one of the most remarkable views of urban sprawl at the foot of a pristine mesa in the middle of a desert. Less adventurous explorers can still enjoy the view by driving off Mt. View to the dead-end of Sunset to a parking lot usually little occupied during weekdays, taking a leisurely 5 minute walk to the same view. Of course it's another 5 min. walk back, but there's a couple benches that allow up to 8 people to sit & enjoy the view before returning. Stop at Ethel M's chocolate factory on the drive back just 5 min. or less. It's...

At the Whitney Mesa park, the unobstructed panoramic views of the Las Vegas valley are exquisite. And there's all sorts of adventurous stuff to do. From hiking, romantic picnics, scaling cliffs, photographing dramatic landscapes to bicycling, rock hunting, exploring caves, power walking, scavenger hunts and taking a breather, there's no other park in Vegas that comes close to this gem.

The park is ambitious, original and clean. With several picnic areas (grill included), trails both above and below the mesa, bathrooms with working drinking fountains, plenty of parking and at least two park entrances.

The only thing I would change is I would add working electrical outlets.

Wonderful park...

View from the inner part of the end of Patrick in Whitney Ranch park in back of the BMX park. Going to the end into the Mesa parking with a beautiful view over seeing part of the east side of Las Vegas looking at sunrise mountain. The park has a few tables for seating to bbq or eat dinner and just feel the cool breeze from the Mesa. Tonight there was not much airplane traffic so it was nice and peaceful. Tables were clean and lighting was perfect...