Incline Village | Photo by David Brown, courtesy of Nevada Travel Incline Village | Photo by David Brown, courtesy of Nevada Travel
Sure, the Las Vegas Strip is beautiful with its neon glow, but the entire state of Nevada has countless beautiful sights to offer. Nevada is a vast state, covering 110,567 square miles to be exact. Though most of it is dreary and desolate, there are plenty of beautiful places to visit. From towering mountain ranges to desert landscapes to mysterious ghost towns, the Silver State has something for everyone. Fill up on gas and head out on a weekend road trip to explore some of Nevada’s most beautiful places.
Lander County
Life Magazine famously dubbed the section of US Route 50 between Fallon and Ely “the loneliest road in America” over 30 years ago. Not much has changed since then, which is good news for anyone craving an off-the-grid road trip adventure. As the highway slows down and turns into Main Street in Austin, this old Pony Express hub has a population of fewer than 200 people and only four churches – a remarkable ratio indeed. St. George’s Episcopal Church, built in 1878, is a particularly striking example of Gothic Revival style architecture. All in all, this little Old West town is home to 11 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the ruins of the three-story Stokes Castle and an old hotel now known as the International Cafe & Bar. For even more eccentricity, stay at Paradise Ranch Castle, a quirky bed & breakfast that looks like an ancient fortress, complete with armor and a “dungeon” that doubles as a games room and lounge. Overlooking the picturesque River Leith valley, it offers even more tranquility and peace.
Bonsai Rock | Ethan Dow/Unsplash
Bonsai Rock
New Washoe City
The eastern end of Lake Tahoe is just a short drive from the dreary government hustle and bustle of Carson City. One of its best kept secrets is the tranquil beauty of Bonsai Rock, just south of Sand Harbor. A photographer’s dream, the rock rises out of the water and is topped by four small trees that never grew taller due to their barren location. The best views are about a five-minute walk from the main road. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip. Don’t forget your camera.
Panaka
Located just off State Highway 93, Cathedral Gorge State Park is a great stop on a road trip between Las Vegas and Ely. The park is named for the towering spires and jagged rock formations formed by millions of years of volcanic activity. It is also one of the few places in Nevada where you can see a canyon. In the 1920s, the development of the American highway system made road trips so popular, and Cathedral Gorge hosted plays and other entertainment against the backdrop of its majestic scenery. The abandoned stone water tower is a popular photo spot and provides a dramatic contrast to the natural beauty of the surrounding area. If you’re pressed for time, drive to the north entrance and you’ll quickly reach the highest elevation and enjoy the best views.
Fly Geyser _5_credit | Photo by Sydney Martinez, courtesy of Travel Nevada
Washoe County
Fly Geyser was a drilling site in the 1960s, but some mishap caused minerals to dissolve and accumulate, creating a stunning structure that’s both natural and man-made. Algae that grows in the springs give this landmark its colorful red and green appearance, making it a magnet for hikers and photographers. However, the northwest location is not only remote, but it’s also on private Fly Ranch property. Avoid trespassing and sign up for the official Saturday nature walk, which reopens for the new season on April 6.
Laughlin
Laughlin is tucked away in a corner of southeastern Nevada, about an hour and a half drive from Las Vegas. If the slot machines are too much for you, look for Christmas Tree Path, an old gravel road a few miles outside of town. This road leads to Grapevine Canyon, with a concentration of petroglyphs at its entrance. Some people take a few photos and drive away; others choose to hike the trail. Listen to the flowing water and you’ll find a lively spring. On a good day, you might even spot a bighorn sheep. Between the parking lot and the canyon is a dry riverbed with a steep edge. Whether you walk along the riverbank or wade across the riverbed, you can only imagine what the rapids must have been like hundreds of years ago.
Great Basin National Park | Arlene Waller/Shutterstock
White Pine County
Among national parks, this is one of the least visited, making it a dream destination for those who want to experience nature without the hassle of other tourists. Hikers can take the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, which passes two different alpine lakes and offers great views of Wheeler Peak, Nevada’s second highest mountain. However, the park is probably best enjoyed after dark, especially for stargazing, thanks to the new astronomy amphitheater, which is equipped with red lights that really enhance the viewing experience. If that’s not dark enough, venture deep into Lehman Cave, where stalactites and other eerie rock formations await. There are four tours to choose from, if you make a reservation.
Lake Tahoe
Visit the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and spend a few nights in Incline Village at the north end. Incline Village is more upscale and less touristy than the hotel-studded Stateline at the south end. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings, surrounded by the bright blue alpine lake and miles of pine trees. Book a night at the Hyatt Regency for private beach access, or enjoy lake views while eating steaks at the Lone Eagle Grill. Bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation here (and rentals are readily available). Walk the paved Tahoe East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor State Park, or zig-zag down Lakeshore Boulevard, known as Billionaire’s Row for its high real estate prices. It’s easy to see why locals call this town “Income Village.” The views are even better from ski resorts like Diamond Peak and Mount Rose.
Lake Mead | Photo by Sam Morris for the Las Vegas News Bureau
Clark County
The water level may be low due to drought, but Lake Mead is a beautiful place to boat, kayak, and swim in the middle of the desert. The 250-square-mile reservoir was created by Hoover Dam in 1935. A tour of this modern marvel is a must-do when visiting Boulder City. You can also take a cruise to see the dam up close. Remnants of the old Hoover Dam railroad system have been repurposed as the Historic Railroad Trail, where the tracks once stood, with footpaths through five tunnels carved into the mountain. Park at the Lake Mead Visitor Center or Hoover Dam Lodge to access the trails and enjoy spectacular views of Lake Mead while getting some exercise. A bike tour through the tunnels is highly recommended.
Washoe County
Like the Spinal Tap album cover, Massacre Rim is an experience described as “as dark as it gets.” Just over an hour north of Reno, it is one of the darkest and most remote places on Earth and one of the few Dark Sky Preserves certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. That means there is very little light pollution. On a clear, moonless night, you can see not only the Milky Way but also the neighboring Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye. The stars are so bright that they even cast shadows on the Earth. Massacre Rim is about 80,000 acres in size and 100 miles north of Gerlach (dubbed the darkest town in America). This is not a place to plug in a GPS and go check it out on a whim. It requires a lot of planning and, if you’re brave enough to leave the safety of desolate Route 8A, an off-road vehicle.
Mount Charleston | Chris Nunez/Shutterstock
Clark County
When it snows in Las Vegas, it makes national news, but it’s actually not that big of a deal. Mount Charleston is just a short drive northwest of Las Vegas, and its peak is covered in snow for much of the year. Lee Canyon offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter, and hiking, archery and disc golf along downhill bike trails in the summer. No matter when you visit, the high elevation and miles of pine trees make for a refreshing change of pace from the turbulent desert air of the Las Vegas Valley below. The area lost its beloved Mount Charleston Lodge to fires in 2021, but newly released renderings of the replacement lodge look promising.
Clark County
Red Rock Canyon is the first place Las Vegas residents go when they want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Located just west of Summerlin, the national preserve is known for its colorful sandstone peaks and canyons, attracting hikers, rock climbers, and those who simply want to enjoy 13 miles of beautiful trails from the comfort of their air-conditioned vehicles. More ambitious visitors prefer to book the official campgrounds, which get busy from fall through spring. The extensive Cottonwood Valley trail system is popular with bikers, who can enjoy the fresh air and exercise while also taking in the Red Rock Canyon mountain backdrop.
Rhyolite Ghost Town | Photo by Sydney Martinez, courtesy of Travel Nevada
Nye County
In the early 20th century, Rhyolite thrived on mining. The economy was so good that the town had its own stock exchange and a thriving entertainment district. But everything changed when the market crashed in 1907. Within five years, the population had dwindled and the electricity was cut off. More than a century later, remnants of the old town remain near the edge of Death Valley, including the remains of a bank, jail and train depot. Also nearby is the Goldwell Open Air Museum, an eclectic collection of outdoor art.
Ruby Mountains
Elko County
The Ruby Mountains are one of the best reasons to visit northeastern Nevada. The state suddenly gets greener here. Hikers never tire of the “rubies,” especially in Lamoille Valley, where streams, lakes, and wooden bridges add charm and character to the trees and lush vegetation. Known as the “Alps of Nevada,” the range offers a variety of slopes and snowy terrain all winter long. Why bother with a lift when you can have a helicopter take you to the top? Though it’s not far from civilization (and the Basque food scene) of Elko, a big part of the appeal is the serenity. Drivers can take a detour on the Lamoille Valley Scenic Byway to get a taste of what the region has to offer.
Valley of Fire State Park | RomanSlavik.com/Shutterstock
Mojave Desert
Opened in 1935, Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park. It gets its name from the deep-red sand dunes that appear to be on fire when the sun hits them at just the right angle, but the real beauty lies in the Aztec sandstone formations that twist and turn into loops, arches and chamber-like caves. To take in the Martian-like formations, stop at Rainbow Vista. Petroglyphs left by Native Americans nearly 3,000 years ago can still be seen. The park is just an hour from Las Vegas, making it the perfect scenic drive.
Story County
The Wild West spirit that shaped Nevada has a rugged charm and, of course, beauty. Nowhere is this more evident than in Virginia City, an old mining center in the mountains southeast of Reno. Its Victorian architecture from the late 1800s has been beautifully preserved. Walk the boardwalk around C Street and explore the saloons, shops and museums that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Despite its tourist popularity, Virginia City is all authentic and original; you won’t find any Disney-esque recreations. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad runs from downtown Virginia City to Gold Hill, where you’ll quickly learn how mining made Nevada a popular tourist destination over 100 years ago.
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Rob Kacherles is a full-time freelance writer covering travel, food, entertainment, and other fun things for Thrillist. He’s based in Las Vegas but loves exploring destinations around the world, especially the Southwestern US. Outside of that, he likes spending time at home with his wife Mary and family of dogs. Follow him at Follow.
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