Zoological - Botanical Park

Address: 1775 N. Rancho Las Vegas, NV 89106 - The distance from the Vegas Strip is about six miles. To reach the Zoological Park take I-15 north; take the U.S. 95 North exit and stay in the right lane; the first exit is for Rancho Drive North -- take this exit. The Zoological Park is on Rancho Drive past the intersection of Sunset Drive and Rancho Drive.

Phone Number: (702) 647-4685 / Fax: (702) 648-5955

Hours: Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cost:

$7.00 general.

$5.00 for children ages 2-12 and seniors aged 62 and older.

free for children under 2.

DESERT ECO-TOURS

GEMSTONES: Gem collecting opportunities, 250 million year old geological formations, fossils, ancient Indian petroglyphs. Moderate climbing, walkabouts, in red, orange, purple and tan sandstone canyons. Be sure to bring a bag to carry back the gem stones you'll collect.

Price:

$129.00 per person.

Length of tour:

Half day, 5 hours.

Type of tour:

FWD vehicle.

TWO TOURS IN ONE: We now offer the Ghost Town Tour and a trek over to Area 51 or if you prefer, the full Area 51 experience then a run over to the Ghost Town. Two destination tours in one for only $50 more per person. It's truly a fun filled day, approximately 10-11 hours (with many stops).

Price:

$229.00 per person.

Length of tour:

Full day, 10-11 hours.

Type of tour:

FWD vehicle.

GROOM LAKE "AREA 51": We go from ancient history to the future, perhaps, very distant future, via the extra-terrestrial (ET) highway to the most secret military base in the world, Area 51, where you can see close up state-of-the-art electronic surveillance equipment and have your picture taken next to a government sign, "Photography Prohibited, Deadly Force Authorized," as seen on world-wide television. Bring your binoculars so as to observe armed security guards nearby as they observe you with even larger binoculars. A local authority and author meets us on site to discuss the many aspects of Area 51. Lunch at the Little A'Le'Inn (meals included) provides time to gather more information. You will view many photos of Area 51(courtesy of the USSR's spy satellite program). En route we travel the officially designated ET highway.Although the Nevada Zoological Foundation cannot be held responsible for any alien abduction, we can guarantee very thought-provoking experiences.

Price:

$179.00 per person.

Length of tour:

Full day, 8 hours.

Type of tour:

FWD vehicle or bus.

GHOST TOWN: It's north into historic Lincoln County, high desert, range cattle, with stops alongside a rare desert stream in Rainbow Canyon (railroads circa 1920's to present). Lunch and comfort stop in Caliente, Nevada. (Cafe menu included). Visit historic railroad depot then trek on to Delamar, one of the most remote and well preserved ghost towns in Nevada. (est. 1894, died few years later). Return south with stops at Pahranagat Lake for waterfowl and wildlife viewing. Easy walkabout.

Price:

$179.00 per person.

Length of tour:

Full day, 9 hours.

Type of tour:

FWD vehicle.

HISTORIC MINING: One of the oldest mining districts in North America; gold, silver, gemstones, dating from 1,000 plus years ago to the present. First Europeans arrived in 1706. Visit the mighty Colorado River, framed by desolate Arizona wilderness. Tour deep inside an 1861 gold mine and visit historic buildings and artifacts on site. Some moderate hiking.

Price:

$129.00 per person.

Length of tour:

Half day, 5 hours.

Type of tour:

FWD vehicle.

DESTINATION PIOCHE: We travel back in time 150 years to a live ghost town. Our trip takes us over high desert back roads where range cattle still roam, and through brilliantly colored Rainbow Canyon, with railroads, circa 1920's to the present. Then on to the old west mining town of Pioche, est. 1863. Pioche became one of the wildest, toughest towns in the West. 72 men were shot and buried in Boot Hill before there was one death from natural causes. You will visit the historic buildings, courthouse/jail, museum, saloons and Boot Hill while having ample time to shop and browse in real antique/collectible shops, circa 1880's (meals included). Pioche is the finest authentic old west town we know of, a must see for all old wild west fans. On returning to Las Vegas there are walkabout stops at Cathedral Gorge State Park (Nevada's "Grand Canyon") and Pahranagat wetlands area for wildlife viewing.

Price:

$179.00 per person.

Length of tour:

Full day, 10 hours.

Type of tour:

FWD vehicle or bus.