Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Highlights

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument protects a striking stretch of Mojave Desert landscape just north of Las…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 14-20 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument protects a striking stretch of Mojave Desert landscape just north of Las Vegas, known for its Ice Age fossil discoveries. While the monument is largely undeveloped and preserves sensitive paleontological resources, riders seeking open desert terrain will find a quiet, remote environment best suited for experienced equestrians. With minimal facilities and limited designated access points, Tule Springs is more about solitude and preservation than structured trail systems, making preparation and awareness essential.

Rideable terrain

14-20 miles

Trailer parking

Aliante Trailhead / North Aliante Parkway Kiosk (Primary Access Point) This is currently the main developed trailhead parking area for the monument. Location North Aliante Parkway at the monument boundary Why riders use it Serves as the trailhead for the monument’s first developed recreational trail loop Provides the most clearly defined public access point into the monument landscape Offers a paved parking area constructed to improve visitor access and safety Important note The lot is relatively small (around a dozen standard vehicle spaces), so large horse trailers may need to park along adjacent access roads where legal. Durango Drive & Moccasin Road Access Area Another common access point used by visitors entering the monument landscape. Location Near Durango Drive and Moccasin Road on the west side of the monument Why riders use it Open desert access into wash corridors and dirt roads Less congestion than the Aliante trailhead Easier maneuvering space for trailers in some roadside areas Wash and Dirt Road Pullouts Along Monument Boundaries Because the monument is largely undeveloped, riders often stage from large dirt pullouts along access roads around the monument boundary. Typical staging style Park along wide dirt shoulders Enter the monument using existing roads or wash corridors This is common in desert parks where infrastructure is still minimal.

Horse regulations

Horse Use Regulations Riding Only on Existing Routes • Horses and pack animals (like mules) may be ridden only on existing roads, trails, or washes. They are not permitted off-route or cross-country. No Loose Hay or Grain With Seeds • The use of loose hay or grain containing viable seeds is prohibited to help protect the fragile desert ecosystem. General Leave-No-Trace & Trail Etiquette Applies • Visitors are asked to stay on designated routes and respect wildlife and other trail users; bicycles should yield to horses and hikers. Resource Protection • As a fossil-preservation site, all paleontological resources must be left in place, this applies broadly to protecting sensitive ground surfaces and features that horses could otherwise disturb.

Getting here

Use There is no visitor's center at this time, There is no physical address. You must navigate using the cross-streets provided. North Unit: Durango Drive & Moccasin Road, Las Vegas NV South Unit: Aliante Parkway & Moonlight Falls Avenue, North Las Vegas, NV, Nevada as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Aliante Trailhead / North Aliante Parkway Kiosk (Primary Access Point) This is currently the main developed trailhead parking area for the monument. Location North Aliante Parkway at the monument boundary Why riders use it Serves as the trailhead for the monument’s first developed recreational trail loop Provides the most clearly defined public access point into the monument landscape Offers a paved parking area constructed to improve visitor access and safety Important note The lot is relatively small (around a dozen standard vehicle spaces), so large horse trailers may need to park along adjacent access roads where legal. Durango Drive & Moccasin Road Access Area Another common access point used by visitors entering the monument landscape. Location Near Durango Drive and Moccasin Road on the west side of the monument Why riders use it Open desert access into wash corridors and dirt roads Less congestion than the Aliante trailhead Easier maneuvering space for trailers in some roadside areas Wash and Dirt Road Pullouts Along Monument Boundaries Because the monument is largely undeveloped, riders often stage from large dirt pullouts along access roads around the monument boundary. Typical staging style Park along wide dirt shoulders Enter the monument using existing roads or wash corridors This is common in desert parks where infrastructure is still minimal.

Planning your visit

There are no established visitor centers, shade structures, water refill stations, nor restrooms on site.

Where to stay

There is no visitor's center at this time is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry reads best as a bring-your-own-horse destination rather than a horse-rental stop, and amenities should be confirmed directly before travel. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near There is no physical address. You must navigate using the cross-streets provided. North Unit: Durango Drive & Moccasin Road, Las Vegas NV South Unit: Aliante Parkway & Moonlight Falls Avenue, North Las Vegas, NV before heading deeper into federal-land access points.