7 Best Things to do Outdoors in Centennial Hills, Las Vegas

Centennial Hills Park in Las Vegas is a 120-acre regional park popular among families, sports enthusiasts, and concert-goers.

Located in the northwest corner of Las Vegas, Centennial Hills offers a refreshing change of pace. Here, expansive desert vistas and dramatic mountain backdrops replace iconic casinos and landmarks.

While that Vegas energy is never far off, Centennial Hills has a way of encouraging you to get outside and move more—thanks to a wide selection of parks, sports fields, nature preserves, and miles of trails.

Wondering if the outdoor lifestyle is for you or planning a quick daytrip? These are the best things to do outdoors in Centennial Hills.

1. Spend a day at Centennial Hills Park

   Centennial Hills Park is one of Las Vegas’ most impressive outdoor spaces. Spread across 120 acres, this thoughtfully designed park blends community spirit with all-ages fun, making it as much a local hangout as it is an outdoor playground.

   Here are some highlights:

   • A playground paradise for kids. The park is home to two themed playgrounds: “dinosaur playground” and “butterfly playground.” Each one comes with colorful splash pads for hot Las Vegas afternoons and inclusive play structures designed for kids of all abilities.

   • Active spaces for all ages. Sand volleyball courts, pickleball courts, as well as soccer and football fields provide plenty of options for staying active. Meanwhile, joggers and walkers love the looping trails and dog owners frequently spend time at the spacious dog park.

   • The Amphitheater experience. One of the highlights of Centennial Hills Park is its amphitheater, which seats more than 3,000 people across tiered grass sections. This open-air venue regularly sets the stage for concerts, cultural festivals, and seasonal events.

   A park built around a geologic landmark Centennial Hills Park in Las Vegas was built around the Tule Springs Wash— a rare, inverted riverbed that preserves the area’s geological past. Educational signs throughout the park trace the story of ancient floods, fossilized fauna, and the geologic forces that shaped the Las Vegas Valley. Bring a notebook or camera and take time with the interpretive signage. The Tule Springs Wash reveals clues to Ice Age ecosystems and ancient waterways that shaped the region long before Las Vegas existed.

2. Explore Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs

   Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs is a 680-acre gem tucked away in the northwest valley. It can feel like stumbling onto a hidden oasis—verdant landscape, tranquil lakes, and historic landmarks.

   Here’s what’s in store for you:

   • Cast a line at four fishing ponds. Beginner and seasoned anglers flock to Tule Springs Lake, Cottonwood Lake, Mulberry Lake, and Desert Willow Lake. Stocked seasonally with rainbow trout and channel catfish, the ponds are also home to bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and sunfish. Make sure your Nevada fishing license is order and take note of the limit of three-fish per person.

   • Step back in time at Tule Springs Ranch. Inside the park is where you’ll find the historic Tule Springs Ranch. Once a working ranch, it later became popular as a “divorce ranch” in the 1940s—where women would stay for six weeks to establish Nevada residency and obtain a quick divorce. Original buildings, including an adobe hut dating back to 1917, still stand as reminders of Nevada’s early ranching days.

   • Picnic spots and weekend relaxation. Floyd Lamb Park is also one of the city’s favorite places for picnics and weekend gatherings. Shaded shelters, reservable tables, and barbecue grills make it easy to plan family reunions, birthday parties, or casual Sunday cookouts.

   • Wildlife watching and photography. The park is home to urban wildlife like ducks, geese, jackrabbits, and even roaming peacocks whose jewel-toned feathers are a favorite subject for photographers. What’s more, birdwatchers often spot herons, hawks, and seasonal migratory species around the ponds.

3. Hike Lone Mountain

   

   A short climb on Lone Mountain will reward you with sweeping views of the Las Vegas Valley.

   Rising from the desert floor in northwest Las Vegas, Lone Mountain is exactly what its name suggests: an isolated rocky peak that stands apart from the surrounding suburbs.

   Though modest in size compared to nearby Red Rock Canyon or Mount Charleston, Lone Mountain is far from being an uneventful hike. With its short but steep ascent and sweeping views of the Las Vegas Valley, Lone Mountain is a go-to for locals and adventure seekers who want a satisfying short trip outdoors.

   A few things to take into consideration before you head out:

   • What the hike is like. The main summit trail at Lone Mountain is about 1.5 miles roundtrip with 500–600 feet of elevation gain. Don’t let the distance fool you, though—the climb is steep and demands mindful footwork, especially in sections with loose gravel. Most hikers complete the out-and-back trek in 60 to 90 minutes. Along the way, benches offer resting points and scenic lookouts.

     For an easier excursion, Lone Mountain has two perimeter trails around its base, including a two-mile loop popular with easygoing walkers and joggers.

   • Panoramic views from the top. The real magic of Lone Mountain happens when you reach the top. Since this peak sits all by itself, you get unfettered 360-degree views of the valley stretching out in every direction. On a clear day, you can spot the Strip glittering in the distance, the red rocks over at Red Rock Canyon, and Mount Charleston rising up to the north. If you’re lucky, you can even make out Mount Wilson way over in Arizona.

   • Practical tips to make life easier. If you’re wondering where the entry points are, what to bring or if dogs are allowed, here’s the info you need.

     • Trailheads: Start from the Vegas Vista Trailhead (off Alexander Road and Hualapai Way) or Lone Mountain Discovery Park (on Jensen Street). Both offer free parking and easy access.
     • Best time to hike: Go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the desert heat and to catch stunning sunrise or sunset views.
     • Wear proper shoes: Sturdy shoes with good grip are essential, since the trail has loose gravel and steep sections.
     • Optional gear: Trekking poles can help with balance on the rocky inclines and descents.
     • Difficulty: The hike is short but steep—moderate in difficulty, yet manageable for most ages and skill levels.
     • Dog-friendly: Dogs are welcome on the trails.

4. Pick your own produce at Gilcrease Orchard

   

   From peaches to pumpkins, Gilcrease Orchard lets you harvest fresh produce straight from the fields.

   The brothers Ted and Bill Gilcrease began farming here nearly 100 years ago, and today the 60-acre Gilcrease Orchard continues that legacy as a non-profit. Best known for its pick-your-own produce model, the orchard is frequented by locals and tourists alike.

   Depending on the season, you might wander through rows of fruit trees heavy with apples, peaches, or apricots, or stroll past vegetable plots bursting with tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and peppers.

   Here’s what else you’ll discover:

   • A seasonal harvest experience. Visitors grab a basket or reusable bag and harvest their own fruits and vegetables, paying by the pound at checkout. Since the produce varies throughout the year, each visit feels different. Spring brings blossoms and early crops while fall offers hearty vegetables and, of course, the beloved pumpkin patch.

   • The Gilcrease Orchard Pumpkin Patch. The orchard’s pumpkin patch in October is one of its most popular attractions and a signature Las Vegas fall tradition. Families flock here to choose pumpkins right off the vine, often making a day of it by snapping photos and enjoying seasonal treats like hot apple cider and fresh apple cider donuts.

   • Seasonal events and educational programs. The orchard also hosts special events like Sunflower Days in late summer, when guests can cut their own stems and take home a piece of the golden fields. The orchard also teaches local schools and groups about farming. Kids see how plants grow and learn that food comes from the earth, not just the store down the street.

5. Discover Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

   Just 20 miles north of the Strip, the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument offers a glimpse of what the Las Vegas Valley looked like long before all the neon lights and casinos. This 22,000-acre site is one of the few places in the country that’s focused on preserving and studying Ice Age fossils.

   There’s a lot to take in, but these are some of the highlights:

   • The valley’s lush past. The Ice Age fauna and fossil record at Tule Springs primarily date from about 100,000 to 11,000 years ago, during the Late Pleistocene Epoch—when the valley wasn’t a dry desert at all. It was once a lush, wetland ecosystem fed by springs and marshes. This fertile environment supported an incredible array of fauna, including Columbian mammoths, American lions, dire wolves, camelops, ancient horses, bison, saber-toothed cats, and giant ground sloths the size of small cars. Fossilized remains of these animals are still uncovered today.

   • A closer look at rare fossil beds. Tule Springs offers a raw, unfiltered connection to a geologic record stretching back to tens of thousands of years. Self-guided trails meander through stark desert washes and the sculpted badlands, where each turn reveals ancient rock layers shaped by millennia of wind and water. Under wide-open skies, the landscape glows gold at sunset—perfect for photography—and patient explorers might spot jackrabbits darting across the sand, hawks circling overhead, or a lone coyote moving silently through the brush.

   • Prepare to sacrifice a bit of convenience. Just heads up, the area remains largely undeveloped, with no visitor center, bathrooms, or water fountains. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, good hiking shoes, and a hat. The cooler months are definitely your best bet for hiking since summer temps regularly hit over 100°F. The good news though? It’s completely free and open every day from sunrise to sunset.

   Why it’s called Mammoth Central Scientists often call Tule Springs Fossil Beds “Mammoth Central” because of thousands of Columbian mammoth fossils unearthed here. But mammoths aren’t the only stars of the site. Researchers have also uncovered remains of saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, ancient bison, and giant ground sloths. Ongoing excavations continue to add to this Ice Age lineup, making this area one of North America’s most important windows into the Pleistocene world.

6. Cycle the local trail network

   

   Centennial Hills connects cyclists to miles of local and regional trails.

   Centennial Hills is a great neighborhood for biking. Whether you’re pedaling for fun or training for an event, the neighborhood’s bike-friendly infrastructure and connections to regional trails make it easy to hop on the saddle.

   • Bike-friendly streets and paths. One of the things to do that make Centennial Hills stand out is how accessible it is for casual riders. Many of the community’s streets feature bike lanes and well-marked crossings. Local parks like Centennial Hills Park and Floyd Lamb Park offer short, easy trails where families can ride together or kids can practice their skills close to home. After a morning cycling, residents can refuel at local favorites since there’s no shortage of great restaurants in Centennial Hills.

   • Access to regional trails. For riders who want to push further, Centennial Hills also serves as a gateway to some of the valley’s best cycling routes. The 215 Beltway Trail, one of the most significant in the region, is a paved multi-use path that loops around much of Las Vegas.

   Another option is the Upper Las Vegas Wash Trail, which winds through desert landscapes just north of the community. And for those seeking more of a challenge, the roads leading west will take you to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area—a favorite among serious cyclists thanks to its elevation changes and striking scenery.

7. Check out family-friendly attractions at Springs Preserve

   A short drive from Centennial Hills, the Springs Preserve is often called the birthplace of Las Vegas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 180-acre cultural and natural preserve combines history, science, desert beauty.

   Here’s what to look out for:

   • Stunning desert gardens. The botanical garden is packed with over 100 different types of cacti, agave, and wildflowers—showing just how diverse desert plant life can be. When spring rolls around, the wildflower blooms turn the whole place into this amazing explosion of color.

   • Archeological discoveries along nature trails. You’ve also got 3.5 miles of trails that take you through some surprisingly diverse terrain such as wetlands, shady cottonwood groves, and even spots where you can see archaeological remains. For an easy stroll, the Meadowlark Trail is perfect for a quick loop. But if you want to really explore the area in-depth, the Exploration Loop Trail is worth checking out.

   • Family-friendly-exhibits. Springs Preserve is also a great place for kids. The Origen Museum is a must-see, with interactive exhibits on Nevada’s geology, wildlife, and early settlements. The museum also features live desert animals, from lizards and rabbits to the elusive Gila monster.

   During spring and fall, don’t miss the Butterfly Habitat. Here, you can walk around with butterflies flying all around you while learning about how they grow and change. Plus, there are playgrounds and splash pads on site for kids that need to burn off all that energy.

   

   Spaces like Centennial Hills Park make it easy to see why the outdoor lifestyle comes naturally in Las Vegas.
   

   Considering a move to Centennial Hills, Las Vegas?

   From climbing the peak of Lone Mountain to picnicking under the trees at Centennial Hills Park, life in Las Vegas doesn’t need to revolve around glitz and glamor.

   FS Property and Realty Management is here to help you find homes for sale in the right neighborhood. Whether you’re eyeing Centennial Hills or other community in Las Vegas, we will make the homebuying process hassle-free.

   Here’s the easiest way to make Centennial Hills your new home. Just call at 702.754.5400 or email us to get started.