Exploration Park Peak Trail

Exploration Peak Park in Enterprise, Nevada, offers a nice example of the urban metro area putting a little more emphasis on parks and green spaces these days, as in the past large green spaces have been few and far between - even with the development booms that have continued to bring people to the area. Rising above a large park with fields, a playground and waterplay area, and outdoor amphitheater, the Peak Trail is a quick 200-foot climb over a half-mile trail to a panoramic views of the Las Vegas valley and surrounding mountains. The path itself is dirt, and it is shadeless aside from a covered bench along the climb and another at the top. Given that this park is an oasis in the sprawling Las Vegas landscape of far-reaching development, the park and trail itself see a lot of use, and the short climb will commonly have joggers, walkers, children, and the occasional mountain biker all sharing its paths. At the top, a large sitting area is surrounded by informational signs explaining the natural, urban and industrial history of the peaks, communities and landscapes that can be seen. It's also a spot to get a good view of the Las Vegas Strip skyline; however, the park's official closing time at dusk means that nighttime views from the top technically fall outside of the rules. The trail does get a little steep, but the meandering paths mean that children might have easier options to climb around here. Aside from the two covered benches, there are no amenities along the trail. Trash, water, and additional benches are available throughout the Exploration Park at the base of the trail. The park is open dawn to dusk.