NOTE: Sunset Regional Park Improvements Phase II

Sunset Park Phase II Master Plan improvements continue into early 2013, but are winding down. Some park areas remain under construction and are closed. In early 2013, about 2/3rds of the lake edge is open and there are plenty of birds to watch.

Description

Sunset Park is a large, noisy, traditional urban park in the heart of the city. The developed northern portion of the park has ball fields, play grounds, a fishing pond, lawns, big old trees, and lots of other vegetation. In the undeveloped southern portion, the park protects a remnant of the mesquite-dune system that once covered much of the Las Vegas Valley. This area preserves some nice honey mesquite and saltbush thickets and other native vegetation.

Despite the urban feeling, this mix of habitats (water, trees, thickets, and dunes) creates a diverse urban oasis that attracts birds and people from all around. For the pond, winter is the best time to visit when migrating water birds can be abundant.

Location

Sunset Park is located in the south-central part of Las Vegas at the intersection of E. Sunset Road and S. Eastern Avenue, just off the southeastern corner of the airport runway. Link to Area Map or Site Map.

From downtown, drive south on Highway I-15 to Highway I-215 East (follow signs to the airport). Follow Highway I-215 east to the airport turnoff, turn towards the airport, but just before entering the airport tunnel (under the runway), exit the highway onto Sunset Road. Drive east on Sunset for about 1 mile to Eastern Avenue. The park is across the intersection. Turn right onto Eastern and then turn left at either of the roads into the park.

Alternatively, drive south on Highway 93 to Sunset Road. Exit the highway, turn right onto Sunset, and drive west to Eastern Avenue. The park is on the left.

Parking lots are located on the north, west, and south sides of the park. Birders probably would prefer to park in the western or southern (Table 1, Site 0451) parking lots, both of which are accessible from Eastern Avenue.

Restrooms are located just northeast of the pond, and a few outhouses are scattered around the park.

Hours

Always open, but consider the birding to be sunrise to sunset.

Fees

None.

Specialties

This is a good place to find resident desert passerine species and migrants, as well as waterfowl during winter. Check the mesquite thickets for desert species such as Phainopepla, Verdin, and Black-tailed Gnatcatcher; check the trees for warblers, orioles, and tanagers; check the sand dunes for desert species; and check the pond for duck, grebes, cormorants, and herons.