Mission Hills Park in Henderson | Map and Routes

General Overview Location and Accessibility: Mission Hills Park is a popular community park located at 551 E. Mission Drive in Henderson, Nevada, in the southeast Las Vegas Valley (near the intersection ...

General Overview Location and Accessibility: Mission Hills Park is a popular community park located at 551 E. Mission Drive in Henderson, Nevada, in the southeast Las Vegas Valley (near the intersection of Mission Dr. and College Dr.). It sits in the Mission Hills/Paradise Hills area of Henderson, just off the I-515 freeway for easy access. The park spans roughly 22 acres, offering plenty of open space against a backdrop of the McCullough Range – with views of Black Mountain visible from the grounds. Parking is convenient with an on-site lot, and the park is open daily from the early morning (6:00 AM) until midnight, allowing walkers and visitors to enjoy the space almost any time. History and Background: Mission Hills Park opened around June 2000 as part of Henderson’s expansion of community parks and was one of two major “aquatic” park projects that year. It quickly became a favorite local spot, especially after adding a splash pad (water play area) that makes it a summer hit for families. In 2007, the park earned a PGMS Greenstar Grand Award for its excellently maintained grounds, highlighting Henderson’s commitment to top-notch parks. Today, Mission Hills Park is considered one of Henderson’s newer parks and contributes to the city’s reputation – Henderson was once named the 6th best walking city in America in part due to its extensive parks and trail system. Facilities and Amenities: Mission Hills Park is well-equipped with a wide range of amenities for all ages. Visitors will find expansive lawns and recreational facilities that cater to both leisurely outings and active fun. Notable amenities at a glance include: Playgrounds: Two separate play areas with modern equipment, designed for younger tots and older kids. The larger playground features a bank of tube slides built into a small hill – kids climb steps up the slope to enjoy a fun slide down. Splash Pad: A large splash pad (water play zone) that’s extremely popular in hot weather. In fact, locals note it’s one of the largest splash pads in the Henderson area, making the park a go-to destination in summer for water play. Sports Fields: Multiple fields including two lighted ball fields for baseball/softball and open multi-purpose grass fields for soccer, frisbee, and general play. The turf (about 10 acres of grass) is kept pristine – a point often praised by visitors. Sports Courts: Basketball courts and tennis courts (which are also striped for pickleball) invite sports enthusiasts. There are also pickleball nets available, so players can enjoy this fast-growing sport on the tennis courts when space allows. Picnic Areas: Several picnic shelters (covered pavilions) with tables and barbecue grills are scattered around the park. These are perfect for family gatherings or parties; they can even be reserved for events, and the largest pavilion can host big group picnics (some corporate events here have hosted up to 2,000 people). A large, gazebo-like shaded pavilion near the splash pad provides relief from the sun and a communal eating area – one reviewer likened it to a “huge cafeteria-style” seating area for park visitors. Restrooms and Extras: Clean restroom facilities are available on-site for convenience, located near the playground and splash pad. The park also has drinking fountains and benches. Importantly for fitness enthusiasts, there is a designated walking course/trail looping through the park (discussed more below). The combination of open green space and paved paths makes Mission Hills Park a welcoming spot for a variety of activities. Overall, the park’s range of facilities means there’s something for everyone – whether you’re planning a casual walk, a family day out, or a sports practice, Mission Hills Park has you covered. Walking Suitability (Trails, Terrain, & Accessibility) Mission Hills Park is exceptionally suitable for walking, earning high marks from locals for its easy trails and pleasant scenery. The park features a paved walking course that winds around the fields and amenities, allowing visitors to stroll or jog comfortably. A full loop of the park’s perimeter path is approximately 1.5 miles long, providing a convenient walking route for exercise. This unofficial “walking route” is flat and well-maintained – the route has essentially zero elevation gain, making it easy for anyone, regardless of fitness level. The terrain is mostly level grass and paved sidewalks, so you won’t encounter any steep hills or difficult sections. Walkers will enjoy scenic views as they go; the open layout offers vistas of nearby desert hills and Black Mountain in the distance, especially from the park’s south end. There are a few gentle slopes and small grassy mounds within the park (in fact, one visitor noted there are some “hills to climb” for kids to explore), but these are minor undulations rather than challenging hills. They add a bit of variety for children without hindering the ease of the walking path. Along the walking trails, you’ll find benches and shade trees, providing rest spots and relief from the sun on warmer days. Accessibility: The walking trails at Mission Hills Park are accessible to all. The smooth, paved paths are stroller-friendly and wheelchair-friendly, allowing families with young children and visitors with mobility devices to navigate comfortably. The park was designed to be open to people of all ages and abilities, and it shows – pathways are wide enough for side-by-side walking and passing others easily. Because the route is flat and of moderate length, it suits different fitness levels: casual walkers, seniors, and those just starting a fitness routine will find it accommodating, while more active individuals can do multiple laps for a longer workout. The ease of the trail and the park’s safe, family-oriented environment make it a popular choice for walking groups and solo walkers alike. For those looking to extend their walk, there are also connections to the broader Henderson trail network nearby. (Not far from the park on Mission Drive is the McCullough Hills Trailhead, which links to an 8-mile desert trail through Sloan Canyon for a more rugged hike – a great option if you want more challenge after a gentle warm-up in the park.) In summary, Mission Hills Park’s walking trails offer a convenient and enjoyable route for daily walkers. Whether you’re doing a morning jog, an evening stroll with your dog (pets are welcome on leash), or pushing a stroller on an afternoon outing, the park’s terrain and design make it an ideal walking destination. The combination of paved loops, flat terrain, and pretty scenery ensures that everyone can savor a walk here without difficulty. Best Time for Walking Thanks to southern Nevada’s climate, Mission Hills Park can be visited year-round, but some times are more comfortable for walking than others. Spring and fall are generally the most ideal seasons for walking in this park – the weather is mild, with plenty of sunny days and temperatures that are perfect for outdoor activities. In spring, you’ll enjoy green grass and blooming desert shrubs around the park’s perimeter, while fall offers crisp air and sometimes beautiful sunsets over the mountains. Winter is also quite pleasant for walks during midday and afternoon. Henderson’s winters are typically mild (daytime highs in the 50s°F to 60s°F/10-15°C), so a lunchtime walk in December or January can be very enjoyable, with the bonus of smaller crowds. Just bring a light jacket for the cooler mornings and evenings in winter. The park is open until midnight, but evenings in winter can get chilly and the sun sets early, so plan accordingly. Summers in Henderson are hot – from June through August, daytime temperatures often soar above 100°F (38°C). If you visit in summer, plan your walks for the early morning or late evening hours. The park’s early opening at 6 AM is great for beating the heat; a sunrise walk will be around 70-80°F in the early morning, which is much more tolerable. After sunset, temperatures drop and evening walks can be nice as well (the park has lighting in certain areas and stays open late). Avoid mid-day walks in summer when the sun and heat are intense, as the desert heat is extreme and shade is limited beyond the pavilion areas. If you do walk during a summer day, make use of the shaded pavilion areas and stay hydrated – the splash pad can help you cool off, too! Notably, many families come in summer primarily for the water feature, so walkers might find early or late hours more peaceful. Peak vs. Off-Peak Hours: For a pleasant walking experience, timing your visit can help. Weekday mornings are perhaps the most tranquil time – you might encounter a few joggers or dog walkers, but generally it’s quiet and you’ll have the loop largely to yourself. Mid-afternoon on weekdays can also be very calm (just sunny and hot in summer). Evenings around sunset are popular with locals, so you’ll see more activity then, but the atmosphere is friendly and still enjoyable for walking. On weekends, the park tends to be busier. Saturday late mornings and afternoons often see youth sports games on the fields or birthday parties under the picnic shelters, so the parking lot and areas around the playground and splash pad can be crowded. If you prefer to walk when it’s quieter, try early morning on a weekend before the crowds arrive, or later in the evening. Off-peak times (early morning and weekdays) not only give you a more peaceful walk but also easier parking and an even safer, calmer environment. However, even during busier periods, the walking path itself usually remains accessible – the park is large enough to accommodate events and casual walkers simultaneously. Just be prepared for a lively atmosphere on weekends, with kids and families enjoying the park. Overall, there’s no bad time to walk at Mission Hills Park as long as you plan for the weather; each time of day and season offers a slightly different experience, from serene sunrise walks to energetic evenings with the community. Visitor Experience and Tips Mission Hills Park enjoys excellent feedback from visitors, many of whom highlight its walking paths, cleanliness, and family-friendly facilities. The park holds a 4.5-star rating on Yelp (out of 5) based on dozens of reviews, reflecting a high level of satisfaction. Walkers and joggers often comment on how well-maintained the grounds are – one reviewer was “impressed with the cleanliness of the park” and how easy it was to navigate the fields and trails during a busy sports tournament. The paved loop and open space make it popular for those who want a safe place to exercise outdoors. Visitors feel comfortable walking here, thanks to good visibility across the park and the friendly community vibe. The presence of families and community events actually adds to the sense of security and liveliness without detracting from the walking experience. What visitors enjoy most: Families absolutely love the amenities. The splash pad and playground are frequently praised – a local mom noted the park has “plenty of green grass, a playground, a large splash pad, and covered pavilions” and appreciated that it’s a “huge park” with something for everyone. On hot days, the combination of water play and walking areas under shady trees is a big draw. Many people come for gatherings or sports events and end up taking a walk around the park’s trail as well. The open grassy fields are another favorite feature; people mention there’s “a lot of space to run around”, which is great for kids and also for walkers who prefer a wide, open setting rather than crowded trails. The park’s two baseball fields and other facilities are kept in top shape – a sports coach who hosted a tournament here commented that the fields were pristine and the location was easy for everyone to get to. This level of upkeep means even casual visitors benefit, as the entire park feels clean, safe, and welcoming. Benches and picnic spots allow walkers to take breaks and enjoy the scenery or watch a game in progress. Dog walkers also enjoy the park (remember to keep pets leashed and pick up after them), finding it a nice alternative to purely dog parks because of the open lawn where they can walk their pets calmly. Feedback on walking and other activities: In reviews, walkers appreciate that the park’s walking trail is flat and easy, making it great for all ages. Seniors have been seen doing morning laps, and parents with strollers find it convenient. The atmosphere is described as family-friendly and relaxing. Several reviewers highlight that there are shady areas and a big shelter, which are much appreciated during summer walks. The availability of restrooms and water fountains also gets a thumbs up – it means you can plan a longer walk or bring kids without worry. While most feedback is glowing, some visitors point out minor downsides: for example, one reviewer felt the playground, while fun, was “nothing to write home about” in terms of uniqueness. However, that same reviewer still noted the cool tube slides on the hill as a neat feature, and acknowledged the park has “definitely a lot of space” to enjoy. In essence, even the lukewarm reviews still appreciate the park’s core strengths of space and variety. For those specifically coming to walk, a few tips gleaned from visitor experiences: try a morning walk to catch a bit of calm and perhaps wildlife (you might see birds or the occasional cottontail rabbit in the quieter edges of the park). If you’re walking in summer, consider bringing a hat and water; you can always cool off in the splash pad area (adults can splash their feet, it’s not just for kids!). If you prefer a more social experience, early evening walks often coincide with local families out and about – a great time to feel part of the community. And if you need a longer route, you can do multiple laps or venture to nearby trails as mentioned. Overall, visitors consistently praise Mission Hills Park as a clean, safe, and enjoyable place for walks and all sorts of outdoor fun. Its combination of scenic walking trails, ample amenities, and community atmosphere make it a true gem in Henderson for anyone looking to get outside and get moving.