Beyond the Strip, the Silver State is full of stunning scenery in unexpected places.
Last updated: March 25, 2024 at 10:23 AM
Incline Village | Photo by David Brown, courtesy of Travel Nevada
Sure, the Las Vegas Strip is beautiful with its neon glow, but the entire state of Nevada is home to countless beautiful attractions. It’s a vast state, 110,567 square miles to be exact. Most of it is boring and desolate, but there is also a lot of beauty in it. From skyscraper mountains to desert landscapes to mysterious ghost towns, the Silver State has something for everyone. Fill up your tank, put the pedal to the metal, and head out on a weekend road trip exploring some of Nevada’s most beautiful locations.
lander county
More than 30 years ago, Life Magazine famously called the stretch of U.S. Route 50 between Fallon and Ely “America’s loneliest road.” Little has changed since then. This is great news for anyone craving an off-the-grid road trip adventure. The highway slows down as it approaches Austin and turns onto Main His Street, home of the Old Pony Express, which has a population of less than 200 people and is home to four churches. This ratio is certainly noteworthy. St. George’s Episcopal Church, built in 1878, is a particularly impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture. All told, this small Old West town has 11 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the three-story ruins of Stokes Castle and the old hotel now known as the International Cafe & Bar. For an even more bizarre atmosphere, spend the night at Paradise Ranch His Castle. This bizarre bed and breakfast is built like an armored Old Ward fortress and features a “dungeon” that doubles as a game room and lounge. Overlooking the picturesque River Leith valley, providing even more peace and tranquility.
New Washo City
The eastern end of Lake Tahoe is just a short drive from the boring government trade of Carson City, and one of its best-kept secrets is the quiet beauty of Bonsai Rock just south of Sand Harbor. This photo, which was a photographer’s dream, features only four small trees that will never grow tall due to their barren location, rising out of the water to their tops. The best vantage point is about a 5 minute walk from the main road. Take your time, relax, and enjoy the journey. Don’t forget your camera.
Panaka
A visit to Cathedral Gorge State Park, just off State Route 93, is the perfect break on a road trip between Las Vegas and Ely. It takes its name from the towering spiers and jagged rock formations formed by millions of years of volcanic activity. This park is also one of the few places in Nevada where slot canyons can be found. Cathedral Gorge provided a majestic backdrop for plays and other entertainment during the 1920s, when road trips suddenly became popular with the development of America’s highway system. The abandoned stone water tower is a popular photo spot and provides a dramatic contrast to the surrounding natural beauty. If you’re short on time, driving to the north entrance will give you instant access to the highest elevations and best views.
Fly Geyser_5_Credit | Photo by Sydney Martinez, provided by Travel Nevada
washoe county
Fly Geyser was an excavation site in the 1960s, but an accident caused minerals to dissolve and accumulate, creating structures that can be considered both natural and man-made. The algae in the hot springs give this landmark its colorful red and green appearance, making it an attractive stop for hikers and photographers. However, the northwest location is not only remote, but is located on Frye Ranch, which is private land. Avoid trespassing and register for the official ticketed Saturday nature walk tour. The tour will resume for the new season on April 6th.
laughlin
Laughlin is about an hour and a half drive from Las Vegas, tucked away in a corner of southeastern Nevada. If the stress of the slot machine seems too much, look for the Christmas tree path, which is an old gravel road a few miles outside of town. It opens into Grapevine Canyon and has a large concentration of petroglyphs at the entrance. Some people like to take a few photos and drive away. Some continue on the hiking trails. If you listen to the flowing water, you can find active springs. On a clear day, you might be able to spot bighorn sheep. A steep riverbed stretches between the parking lot and the valley. Whether you walk along the river or across the ocean floor, you can’t help but imagine what the rapids were like hundreds of years ago.
white pine county
As far as national parks go, this is one of the least-visited national parks and a dream come true for anyone who wants to experience nature without bothering other tourists. Hikers swear by the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, which passes two different alpine lakes and offers stunning views of Nevada’s second-highest mountain, Wheeler Peak. But perhaps the best time to enjoy this park is after dark. Stargazing has been taken to the next level, especially with the installation of the new astronomical amphitheater. It is equipped with a red light that actually improves the viewing experience. If that’s not dark enough, venture deep into Lehman Cave, where stalactites and other eerie rock formations await. You can choose from four tours by reservation.
lake tahoe
Visit the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and spend a few nights at Incline Village at the northern end. Incline Village has a more upscale feel and fewer tourists than the southernmost Stateline, which has many hotels. It’s the perfect tranquil setting to soak in the bright blue alpine water and miles of pine trees. When you book an overnight stay at the Hyatt Regency, you have access to a private beach. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the lake while enjoying a steak at the Lone Eagle Grill. Whether you’re trekking the paved Tahoe East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor State Park or zipping down Lakeshore Boulevard, known as Billionaires Row, bikes are a popular mode of transportation here (and bikes are easily rented ). real estate. It’s easy to see why locals call this town ‘Revenue Village’. The views from ski resorts like Diamond Peak and Mount Rose are even more spectacular.
Lake Mead | Las Vegas Press Photo by Sam Morris
clark county
Although the water levels may be low due to the drought, Lake Mead remains a beautiful place for boating, kayaking, and swimming in the middle of the desert. This 250 square mile reservoir was created by the Hoover Dam in 1935, and a tour of its modern wonders is a must when visiting Boulder City. You can also take a cruise to see the dam up close. The remains of the old Hoover Dam railroad system have been repurposed as the Historic Railroad Trail, with a boardwalk extending through five tunnels dug into the mountain where the railroad tracks once stood. Park at the Lake Mead Visitor’s Center or Hoover Dam Lodge to access the trails and get some exercise while taking in expansive views of Lake Mead. We recommend a bicycle tour through the tunnels.
washoe county
Much like Spinal Tap’s album cover, Massacre Rim is an experience that can best be described as “not being black anymore.” More than an hour north of Reno, it’s one of the darkest, most remote places on Earth and one of the few dark sky sanctuaries certified by the International Dark Sky Association. This means there is almost no light pollution. On a clear night without moonlight, not only the Milky Way but also the neighboring Andromeda galaxy can be seen with the naked eye. Stars are so bright that they can cast shadows on Earth. The Massacre Rim is approximately 80,000 acres and is located 160 miles north of Gerlach, reputedly the darkest town in America. This isn’t a place you plug into your GPS and check out on a whim. Getting away from the safety of rugged Route 8A requires careful planning and an off-road vehicle.
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 a short drive northwest of Sin City, and the mountain’s peak is covered in snow most of the year. Lee Canyon offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing during the winter, and downhill biking trails, hiking, archery, and disc golf during the summer. No matter when you visit, the high elevation and miles of pine trees provide a nice change of pace from the brittle desert air of the Las Vegas Valley below. The region lost its popular Mount Charleston Lodge in the 2021 fires, but newly released renderings of its replacement look promising.
clark county
Red Rock Canyon is usually the first place Lasvegans go when they want to escape city life. Located just west of Summerlin, this national preserve is known for its colorful sandstone mountains and canyons, and is popular with hikers, rock climbers, and others who enjoy a scenic 13-mile loop from the comfort of their air-conditioned vehicles. People who want to do this will gather. More ambitious visitors will prefer to book official campsites, which are crowded from autumn to spring. The expansive Cottonwood Valley Trail System is popular with bikers who enjoy fresh air and exercise against the mountain backdrop of Red Rock Canyon.
Rhyolite Ghost Town | Photo by Sidney Martinez, provided by Travel Nevada
Nye County
In the early 20th century, rhyolite was a booming mining site. The economy was so good that the town even had its own stock exchange, not to mention 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 still stand near the edge of Death Valley, including a bank, jail and train depot. The Goldwell Open Air Museum, with its eclectic outdoor art collection, is nearby too.
elko county
The Ruby Mountains are one of the best reasons to visit Northeastern Nevada, and it’s the sudden greenest part of the state. Hikers can fully enjoy the “Ruby”, especially the Lamoille Valley. There, rivers, lakes and wooden bridges add charm and character to the trees and lush vegetation. Known as the “Nevada Alps,” these mountains offer a variety of slopes and snow-covered terrain during the winter. Why worry about chairlifts when you can get a helicopter to take you to the top? Despite not being far from Elko’s civilization (and Basque culinary scene), a big part of its charm is its solitude. Drivers can take a detour through the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway to get a feel for the area.
mojave desert
Established in 1935, Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park. The name comes from the bright red dunes that look like they’re on fire when the sun hits them from just the right angle, but the real beauty lies in the Aztec sandstone that twists and turns into loops, arches, and tiny holes. It’s in the layers. Like a cave. Park your car at Rainbow Vista and see the most Mars-like terrain. About 3,000 years ago, Native Americans left behind petroglyphs that can still be seen today. This park is just an hour from Las Vegas and is perfect for a scenic road trip.
story county
There’s a rugged charm, and certainly beauty, to the Wild West spirit that helped shape Nevada. The best example is Virginia City, an old mining center nestled in the mountains southeast of Reno that has beautifully preserved Victorian architecture from the late 1800s. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you walk the boardwalk that surrounds C Street and explore the bars, shops, and museums. Despite its tourist appeal, everything about Virginia City is authentic and original. There are no Disney-style recreations here. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad runs from downtown Virginia City to Gold Hill, where you can get a quick history lesson on how mining turned Nevada into a popular destination more than 100 years ago. can.
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Rob Kachelriess is a full-time freelance writer covering travel, food, entertainment, and all things fun for Thrillist. Although he is based in Las Vegas, he enjoys exploring destinations around the world, especially in the Southwest United States. Otherwise, he is happy spending time at home with his wife Mary and her family’s dogs.follow him @rkachelries.
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