The Las Vegas Springs or Big Springs is the site of a natural oasis, known traditionally as a cienega. For more than 15,000 years, springs broke through the desert floor, creating grassy meadows (called las vegas by Spanish New-Mexican explorers).
For more than 15,000 years, springs at Las Vegas Springs or Big Springs have emerged from the desert floor, forming a natural oasis known as a cienega. These springs have created grassy meadows, which were later named las vegas by Spanish New-Mexican explorers.