Seep
A seep emerges at 70°F just 21 meters from Cooper Street in Clark County near Moapa Valley, at a low elevation of 1,380 feet. The water temperature actually falls 0.7°F below the ambient air temperature of 70.7°F, making this technically a cool thermal feature in the Mojave Desert lowlands. Roadside access makes this minor seepage highly accessible despite minimal thermal characteristics.
The seep occupies desert lowlands north of Las Vegas in the Moapa Valley area, where elevations around 1,400 feet experience extreme heat. Annual precipitation totals just 5.7 inches with minimal snowfall. The surrounding landscape consists of creosote scrub, sparse desert vegetation, and developed lands associated with valley communities. Cooper Street provides paved access through a mix of rural residential and agricultural areas. Echo Bay Campground on Lake Mead National Recreation Area lies 28.8 kilometers distant.
The generic "Seep" designation reflects minimal documentation. The Moapa Valley has supported Southern Paiute communities for centuries, utilizing reliable water sources in this otherwise arid environment. Euro-American settlement began in the 1860s with Mormon farming communities. The area later developed around railroad and automotive corridors connecting Las Vegas to Utah. This particular seep lacks specific historical associations beyond its function as minor groundwater discharge.
This roadside seep offers minimal interest for thermal spring enthusiasts given its temperature below ambient air. The feature is easily viewed from Cooper Street year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F making any visit June through August extremely uncomfortable. Echo Bay Campground 28.8 km away provides developed camping with lake access. Better thermal features exist elsewhere in Nevada. Visit only if passing through the area.
Is Seep worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Echo Bay Campground is located in the northern end of the park along the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. It’s open year-round and features paved sites that can accommodate tents or RVs, along with tables, fire pits and/or grills. Restrooms and water spigots are located throughout the campsite. Temperatures usually surpass 100F (37C) degrees June-August. In May and September, daytime highs are around 90F (32C). October-April, temperatures are much cooler. Lows can dip to freezing temps Dece...