Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument – Image Gallery

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument in Nevada is a prehistoric site with well-preserved Ice Age fossils and evidence of ancient lakes and animals.

Details

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

The Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is located in the Mojave Desert in southern Nevada, just north of Las Vegas. It was established in 2014 to protect and preserve the rich fossil deposits found in the area.

Features

• Fossil Beds: The monument is home to a diverse array of fossilized plant and animal remains dating back to the last Ice Age, approximately 11,000 to 200,000 years ago. Fossils of mammoths, bison, camels, and sloths have been unearthed at the site.
• Visitor Center: The monument features a visitor center where visitors can learn about the history and significance of the fossils found in the area. The center also offers exhibits, educational programs, and guided tours.
• Recreational Opportunities: The monument offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. There are several trails that wind through the desert landscape, providing visitors with the chance to explore the unique geology and ecology of the area.

Ecological Significance

The Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is an important site for paleontological research, providing valuable insights into the prehistoric ecosystems of the Mojave Desert. The fossils found in the area help scientists better understand the climatic changes that have occurred over thousands of years and how they have impacted plant and animal life in the region.

Additionally, the monument serves as a habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, including desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species. The unique desert environment of the monument is an important ecosystem that supports a diverse array of life.

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Points of Interest

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

The Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is a fascinating place with rich history and stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the most popular points of interest within the monument:

Fossil Discovery Trail

• Fossil Beds: The Fossil Discovery Trail is a must-visit for any paleontology enthusiast. Here, you can see actual fossilized remains of ancient animals such as mammoths, bison, and sloths.
• Interpretive Signs: Along the trail, you'll find informative signs that explain the history of the area and provide insights into the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the land.
• Scenic Views: The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape, making it a great place for photography and birdwatching.

Ice Age Fossils Exhibit

• Interactive Displays: The Ice Age Fossils Exhibit features interactive displays that allow visitors to learn more about the animals that lived in the area during the Ice Age.
• Fossil Replicas: You can also see replicas of some of the most notable fossils found in the monument, including a mammoth skull and saber-toothed cat bones.
• Educational Programs: The exhibit offers educational programs for visitors of all ages, making it a great destination for families and school groups.

Petroglyph Wall

• Ancient Art: The Petroglyph Wall features ancient rock art created by the indigenous peoples who once inhabited the area. The petroglyphs depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and other cultural activities.
• Cultural Significance: The petroglyphs are an important part of the region's cultural heritage and provide insights into the lives of the Native American tribes who lived here thousands of years ago.
• Guided Tours: Guided tours are available to help visitors interpret the petroglyphs and learn more about their historical and cultural significance.

Overall, the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument offers a unique blend of natural beauty, scientific discovery, and cultural heritage that makes it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history of the American West.

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument – Images

Description: An arch at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Image by David Starner – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Buckets and trash-pickers rest along the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument fenceline in preparation for the park’s first cleanup April 11. Keywords: tule springs fossil beds national monument; nps centennial; volunteer; cleanup

Image by NPS – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Dave White dumps collected trash and debris into a 30-yard dumpster donated by Republic Services during the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Spring Cleanup April 11. Keywords: tule springs fossil beds national monument; nps centennial; volunteer; cleanup

Image by NPS – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, a United States National Monument near Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, was established in 2014 to protect Ice Age paleontological discoveries. The 22,650-acre (9,170 ha) monument is administered by the National Park Service. The national monument is located in the Upper Las Vegas Wash and protects part of the Tule Springs. The wash area also includes several patches of the rare Las Vegas bear poppy. The land was designated after a local campaign to permanently protect the landscape as a national monument. Fossils found at the site include Columbian mammoths, camelops and American lions, and range from 7,000 to 250,000 years old. Source: Wikipedia <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tule_Springs_Fossil_Beds_National_Monument" rel="noreferrer nofollow">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tule_Springs_Fossil_Beds_National_M...</a>

Image by Matthew Dillon from Hollywood, CA, USA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Tule Springs Superintendent Jon Burpee and Lake Mead Chief Ranger Adam Kelsey were presented a proclamation at the entrance to Tule Springs by Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross, proclaiming Aug. 25, 2016, as “National Parks Day.”

Image by Lake Mead NRA Public Affairs – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Tule Springs Superintendent Jon Burpee and Lake Mead Chief Ranger Adam Kelsey were presented a proclamation at the entrance to Tule Springs by Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross, proclaiming Aug. 25, 2016, as “National Parks Day.”

Image by Lake Mead NRA Public Affairs – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Tule Springs Superintendent Jon Burpee and Lake Mead Chief Ranger Adam Kelsey were presented a proclamation at the entrance to Tule Springs by Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross, proclaiming Aug. 25, 2016, as “National Parks Day.”

Image by Lake Mead NRA Public Affairs – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: The rare critically endangered Las Vegas Bearpoppy was in bloom during the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Cleanup The rare critically endangered Las Vegas Bearpoppy was in bloom during the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Spring Cleanup April 11. Keywords: tule springs fossil beds national monument; nps centennial; volunteer; cleanup; las vegas bearpoppy

Image by NPS – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Image by National Park Service – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Vince Santucci, superintendent Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, swears in the monument’s first Junior Paleontologists, Samson and Gemma Welcher during a volunteer cleanup April 11. Keywords: tule springs fossil beds national monument; nps centennial; volunteer; cleanup

Image by NPS – Public domain – Wikimedia