Discover Moapa Valley

Moapa Valley brings together nature conservation and traces of the past. When planning your trip, you can choose from several areas of focus: a protected area centered on a distinctive fish, natural attractions nearby, and evidence of the region’s history. When comparing hotels, you can first consider whether you want to give greater prominence to natural areas or cultural history in your plans. The following places and times offer specific points of reference.

Landscape and natural attractions

The Muddy River, a tributary of the Colorado River system, is in Moapa Valley. Natural features also include five significant hot springs, three of which are within the boundaries of the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established on September 10, 1979, to protect habitat for the endangered Moapa dace. This small fish is endemic to the spring areas of the Muddy River system.

The Valley of Fire State Park is also near Moapa Valley. It has petrified trees and petroglyphs that are more than 2,000 years old. Also nearby, the Warm Springs Natural Area offers a 2/3-mile walking trail through a desert oasis. The two natural attractions offer different experiences: Valley of Fire combines petrified trees with ancient rock art, while the trail at Warm Springs winds through an oasis landscape. Operating conditions at Warm Springs can vary seasonally; check before your visit.

History and exhibits

The Old Spanish Trail passes through Moapa Valley, adding a historic route to the area’s local history. The Mormons established a prosperous, self-sufficient agricultural community in Moapa Valley. Its crops included orchard fruits, grapes, cotton, grains, and vegetables. The route and the agriculture offer different historical perspectives: the trail’s path on the one hand, and its produce on the other.

The Lost City Museum offers a different perspective on prehistory. Originally called the Boulder Dam Park Museum, it was built by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935 to display artifacts from local prehistoric archaeological sites. Visitors can see replica pueblos and a reconstructed pit house there. Archaeological finds and architectural reconstructions thus offer different ways of interpreting the past.

Opening hours for planning

Opening hours are a key difference between these destinations when planning a visit. The Lost City Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Mondays. The Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge is open from September through May, Friday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; the 2026 season began on September 4, 2026. The museum is therefore open six days a week, while the refuge is open three days a week during its season. Check the opening hours for each destination before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Whitney, Mount Charleston, Las Vegas, Blue Diamond, Sandy Valley, Primm, Spring Valley, Mesquite.

Back to the broader travel overview: Clark.