15 Unforgettable Places in Nevada That Prove the State Is More Than Just Vegas

When most people think of Nevada, no doubt their minds immediately jump to the neon lights and casino jingles of Las Vegas. Heck, for those reasons I’ve even once made five trips to Vegas in a single year.

While Sin City certainly has its highs, there’s more to this state than just the Strip. While a visit to the city of aplenty is always a blast, the real magic lies in its day trips away from the crowds.

While many will be using these days to visit the biggies like the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, here are 15 beautiful places in Nevada that will have you wishing you had planned a longer trip.

1. Valley of Fire State Park, Overton

Imagine a place where the rocks seem to be on fire! Valley of Fire State Park is a day trip from Vegas worth squeezing in as every turn will have you snapping photos for the feed.

Red sandstone formations glow under the sun’s rays flanked on either side as you drive through the park. Hikes take you to ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks and formations like the famous Elephant Rock and the Fire Wave.

2. Fly Geyser, Gerlach

In the remote desert town of Gerlach, Fly Geyser is a technicolor dreamscape that comes to life. A geyser continuously sprays water, creating vivid calcium carbonate deposits in psychedelic hues of red, green, and yellow.

This geothermal wonder is located on private land and is not currently open to the public. However, there is a partnership between Friends of Black Rock-High Rock and Burning Man Project to take those who are curious on nature walks to the attraction.

3. Ruby Mountains, Elko

Who needs the Swiss Alps when you’ve got the Ruby Mountains in Elko? Nevada is mostly desert, so you wouldn’t think that it has its own “Swiss Alps.”

These mountains are a rugged paradise with peaks soaring over 11,000 feet and green valleys. Check out Lamoille Canyon for spectacular views and the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail for a multi-day adventure. There are even alpine lakes teeming with trout you can go fishing at.

4. Cathedral Gorge State Park, Panaca

Cathedral Gorge State Park is famous for its unique clay formations and slot canyons that make you feel like you’re wandering through a natural cathedral. The eroded spires and pinnacles are perfect for a day of exploring and photography.

Take the Miller Point Trail for panoramic views that will make your jaw drop. The park is also great for camping, so bring a tent and enjoy a night under the stars.

5. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the glitz of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a desert oasis. With over 195,000 acres of scenic beauty, it’s perfect for those who need a break from neon lights.

The rock formations are like giant, nature-made sculptures, perfect for climbing, hiking, or just gawking at. Drive the 13-mile scenic loop and take in the views, then hit the Calico Tanks Trail for my favorite panorama.

6. Lamoille Canyon, Lamoille

Lamoille Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon” of Nevada, is an alpine wonderland located in the Ruby Mountains. This U-shaped canyon carved by glaciers has trails like the Island Lake Trail with wildflower-filled meadows uncommon in Nevada.

It’s also a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts; keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and marmots. The scenic byway winds through the canyon with vistas at every turn. In winter, it transforms into a snowy playground for snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

7. Walker Lake, Hawthorne

Walker Lake is a chill desert lake backed by rugged mountains and goes on for miles. Perfect for boating or just chilling by the shore, it is surrounded by beautiful scenery and volcanic rock formations jutting out of its waters.

Birdwatchers will spot many migratory birds that stop here. And catch the sunset reflections off the water.

8. Gold Butte National Monument, Mesquite

Gold Butte National Monument is rugged and remote. The area covers nearly 300,000 acres with rock formations and ancient petroglyphs to explore. The Little Finland area has some of the most intricate red rock formations. If you’re into history, Whitney Pocket has remnants from the Civilian Conservation Corps era.

9. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, Blue Diamond

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a historic gem in the Red Rock Canyon area. Once owned by Howard Hughes, the ranch itself is well-preserved, with historic buildings dating back to the 19th century

Just a short drive from the city, find yourself hiking on trails like the Sandstone Canyon Loop. Plus, you might get to meet the resident herd of burros.

10. Lake Tahoe

Most people think Lake Tahoe is in California, and you would be correct. But it actually straddles the border between Nevada and California, with the east side split in Nevada. This includes famous places like Sand Harbor, Stateline, and Incline Village.

Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters are a great escape from the desert heat in the summer and a snowy wonderland with world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter. But you can drive around the lake’s 72 miles of shoreline at any time of year.

11. Great Basin National Park, Baker

Great Basin National Park in Baker is a stargazer’s paradise and a Nevada hiker’s dream. It’s home to some of the darkest skies in the country and the oldest specimens in the world, ancient bristlecone pines.

Take a tour of Lehman Caves to explore its underground formations. Then, hit one of the many trails for views of Wheeler Peak, Nevada’s highest point.

12. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden oasis in the desert. It is home to unique species of plants and animals you won’t find anywhere else. What amazed me the most is that even in the middle of the high desert, you can find crystal-clear springs and wetlands.

The boardwalk trails make it easy to explore the area and get closer. However, if you get too close, know it’s extremely muddy, and you may or may not lose your flip-flop.

13. Pyramid Lake, Nixon

Pyramid Lake is one of those places that leaves you scratching your head in wonder. This enigmatic lake is famous for its striking tufa formations that rise dramatically from the water. Rich with Native American history, it’s a sacred site for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

Fishing enthusiasts will love the Lahontan cutthroat trout, which can grow to impressive sizes. The annual Burning Man festival is held relatively nearby.

14. Mount Charleston

Just a short drive from the Strip, Mount Charleston offers a cool mountain retreat perfect for escaping the desert heat. With peaks reaching over 11,000 feet, you can even go skiing and snowboarding.

The scenic drive through Kyle Canyon offers plenty of photo ops and access to trails like Mary Jane Falls. In winter, the Lee Canyon ski area is buzzing with activity. It’s hard to believe this alpine paradise is so close to the glitz of Vegas and can be in the middle of the desert.

15. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is a piece of Nevada’s Wild West history. The park is famous for its six beehive-shaped ovens, which were used in the 1870s to produce charcoal for the nearby silver mines.

These impressive stone structures are surprisingly well-preserved. The surrounding area has scenic hiking trails that wind through hills and forests.

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