Things to Do · Desert Life · Updated 2026

Desert Plants and Animals of Las Vegas: A Nature Lover’s Guide

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Before You Go: Two Things Worth Knowing

The desert tortoise is legally protected. Under the Endangered Species Act and Nevada law, it’s illegal to touch, pick up, move, or disturb a wild desert tortoise or its burrow. Clark County’s own guidance is simple: if you see one, enjoy it from a distance and leave it alone. If a tortoise is in immediate danger (like sitting in a roadway), Nevada Department of Wildlife can advise on what to do.

Coyote sightings in Las Vegas neighborhoods are common and increasing, especially in Summerlin, Henderson, and Boulder City as development pushes into their territory. If you encounter one, stand tall, make noise, and never run. Keep small pets leashed and don’t leave pet food outside.

Say hello to the Joshua tree, the icon of the Mojave Desert. With its spiky branches and funky, Dr. Seuss-like shape, it’s no wonder this plant is a favorite of nature photographers and hikers alike. It thrives in harsh desert conditions and can live well over 100 years.

Where to Find Them: Red Rock Canyon has scattered Joshua trees along several trails, and the Mojave National Preserve (about 90 minutes from the Strip) has one of the densest Joshua tree forests anywhere. If you want a mountain alternative, Lee Canyon on Mount Charleston also has Joshua trees at lower elevations on the drive up.

Picture this: A Joshua tree stands against golden desert sand and bright blue sky, its twisted branches seeming to wave hello.

Slow and steady wins the race. The desert tortoise is one of the Mojave’s most beloved residents, and it’s a protected species. These shy, shelled creatures can live for decades and spend most of their time in underground burrows to escape the desert heat.

Where to Spot Them: Keep an eye out at Sloan Canyon or the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, especially in spring and fall when they’re most active. Remember: look, don’t touch.

Picture this: A desert tortoise peeks out from its burrow, its weathered shell blending perfectly with the sandy terrain.

Barrel cacti are the ultimate survivalists of the desert. These round, spiny plants store water in their thick, ribbed stems to survive long droughts, and many are topped with vibrant red or yellow flowers in spring.

Where to See Them: Look along the trails of Lake Mead or Valley of Fire State Park.

Picture this: A barrel cactus catches the sunlight against dramatic red rock formations, bright flowers blooming on top like a tiny crown.

Beep beep! The roadrunner isn’t just a cartoon, it’s a real bird, and a fast one. These quirky creatures dart across the desert floor hunting insects, lizards, and the occasional small snake. Watching one zip by is a moment you won’t forget.

Where to Spot Them: Try Wetlands Park or Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs for your best chance of seeing one.

Picture this: A sleek roadrunner dashes across the sand, its long tail and crest feathers bouncing with every step.

Don’t let the nickname fool you: cholla cacti (sometimes called “teddy bear cholla”) don’t actually jump. Their segments just detach so easily at the slightest brush that it can feel like they leapt at you. Give them a wide berth on the trail.

Where to Find Them: Spot these in abundance at Red Rock Canyon or the Mojave National Preserve.

Picture this: A cholla cactus glows golden in early morning light, its spines shimmering like tiny shards of glass.

Coyotes are the soundtrack of the Mojave Desert. Their howls echo through the night, and they’re clever, adaptable, and a genuine part of the local ecosystem. As Las Vegas neighborhoods have expanded, coyotes have adapted right along with them, so sightings in Summerlin, Henderson, and Boulder City are common, not rare.

Where to Spot Them: Early mornings and evenings near Mount Charleston, the outskirts of Red Rock Canyon, or your own backyard if you live on the edge of the valley. Nevada Department of Wildlife says attacks on people are rare and almost always tied to feeding, so keep pet food indoors, leash small dogs, and never approach one.

Picture this: A lone coyote stands silhouetted against the setting sun, its golden-brown coat blending into the desert around it.

The prickly pear cactus is as practical as it is pretty. With flat, paddle-shaped pads and bright edible fruit, it’s a favorite among desert dwellers, human and animal alike. The fruit, called “tuna,” is sweet and refreshing, though harvesting it yourself takes care to avoid the tiny hair-like spines called glochids.

Where to Find Them: Check the trails at Lake Mead or Sloan Canyon.

Picture this: A prickly pear cactus with vibrant purple fruit gleams in the desert sun, bright green pads and jewel-toned fruit creating a perfect contrast.

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