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Nature|Mountains

The One Place In Nevada Where The Snow Is Too Deep To Measure

Slide Mountain in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is experiencing historic snowfall, making it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.

Published Mar 5, 2017

Written by 

Natalie Faulk

Spring will be soon upon us; however, there is a spot in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where the snow is so deep scientists can't even measure it. Amidst cries of global warming and a highly contentious debate about climate change, the Nevada mountain range is experiencing a historic snowfall this year. When tasked with measuring snow at Slide Mountain at Mount Rose Ski Tahoe near Reno, researchers said they were unable to.

Slide Mountain is a 9,702-ft. mountain peak in the Carson Range near Reno, NV. Located in Washoe County, Nevada, it is home to the Mount Rose Ski Tahoe resort. Many erroneously believe that this peak is Mount Rose which, incidentally, is located several miles northwest and is 1,000 ft. higher than Slide Mountain.

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Ken Lund/Flickr

The heavy snowfall was a welcome sight after two years of drought in the Sierra Nevada range. As a result, scientists tasked with determining actual snowfall found the snow too deep to measure.

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Rocor/Flickr

Slide Mountain is a very popular destination for skiers and snowboarders, likely due to the prolific snow.

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Ken Lund/Flickr`

Hydrologist Jeff Anderson, who was tasked with measuring Slide Mountain's snow pack, said he wasn't even close after inserting an aluminum tube more than 16 ft. into the too-deep-to-measure snow pack.

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Benjamin Spillman/RGJ

As of March 1, the snow pack measures 212 inches deep. The site's water content measured 74.6 inches, which means there is more than 6 ft. of water in the 17-ft. snow pack —

a record for this time of year. The previous record for snow water on March 1 was in 1997 with just over 5 ft. As for the overall record, scientists in May 1995 recorded more than 7 ft. of snow water on Slide Mountain.

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Dawn N./Yelp

Since October 1 in what is considered a "water year," Slide Mountain has recorded almost 8 ft. of precipitation. Whereas the majority has been rain, the site has amassed 54 ft. of snow for happy skiers.

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Ken Lund/Flickr

This "water year" is the second wettest in Slide Mountain's history. An average year typically measures around 4 1/2 ft. of snow water.

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Stan Shebbs/Wikimedia Commons

Crazy, huh? Have you been to Slide Mountain this season? If so, please share your thoughts and observations below.

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Nature|Mountains

Most People Don’t Know Nevada’s Christmas Tree Pass Even Exists

Christmas Tree Pass in southern Nevada offers a scenic drive with views of the Colorado River, Mojave Desert, and Native American petroglyphs.

Updated Oct 20, 2023

Written by 

Mychelle Blake

Our state is always full of surprises! If you're looking for a pleasant drive or hike this holiday season, consider the aptly named "Christmas Tree Pass" in southern Nevada. This drive features spectacular views of the mountain with an optional side trip hike for those who enjoy Native American history. It's no wonder people call this the most festive scenic drive in Nevada.

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Christmas Tree Pass is a 16-mile scenic drive near Laughlin, NV.

A vast desert landscape with rocky formations under a cloudy sky, showcasing distant mountains and greenery.
Pixtonian/TripAdvisor

The pass goes through the Newberry Mountains and has some incredibly scenic views of the Colorado River, the Mojave Desert, and nearby Arizona.

Rocky landscape under a blue sky with clouds, featuring unique rock formations and desert vegetation.
Julia J/TripAdvisor

The road is gravel for the most part, although a few spots can be rough on a regular car. Having a high-clearance vehicle for the drive is recommended.

A wide, sandy road stretches into the distance, flanked by sparse vegetation and mountains under a blue sky.
davidmP7608YO/TripAdvisor

Taking Christmas Pass can get you to the Grapevine Canyon trail, which is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Petroglyphs carved into large boulders, showcasing intricate designs and patterns in a natural rocky setting.
sueme3/TripAdvisor

If you're driving the pass from the 163, you can reach Grapevine Canyon via an unmarked road about two miles in.

Grapevine Canyon is known for its petroglyphs and is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. Over 700 petroglyphs can be seen in the canyon and they are believed to have been made around 1100 to 1900 A.D.

Petroglyphs carved into a large rock surface, featuring various geometric shapes and symbols.
Pinqylou/TripAdvisor

There is even a small spring in Grapevine Canyon that is available most of the year.

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A serene desert landscape with a winding stream, rocky formations, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
Mark Pilkington/Flickr

The highest peak in the Newberry Mountains is Spirit Mountain, which can be seen rising above the canyon. Several local Native American tribes consider the mountain to be sacred and it's the first Native American land in Nevada to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A vibrant red cactus stands on rocky terrain, with mountains and a blue sky in the background.
John Fowler/Flickr

But oddly enough, you won't find any Christmas trees here! The name of the pass comes from the juniper trees in the Newberry Mountains. A tradition grew around decorating the trees with Christmas decorations and the name eventually stuck.

Rocky mountain landscape with jagged peaks under a clear blue sky, surrounded by sparse vegetation.
tomq195/TripAdvisor

Many visitors will bring ornaments to hang on the trees as part of their hike. If you plan to do so, remember that many animals live in this area and avoid bringing items that might be hazardous for them. Please also remove the decorations as you leave.

A decorated tree stands in a desert landscape, surrounded by shrubs and mountains under a cloudy sky.
Pixtonian/TripAdvisor
A colorful ornament hangs on a desert tree, surrounded by orange and silver decorations against a clear blue sky.
Lori M/TripAdvisor

Traffic through Christmas Tree Pass road tends to be light, so it's an excellent location for a picnic, particularly in spring and fall with moderate weather.

A rocky desert landscape with sparse vegetation and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
Rebecca T/TripAdvisor

Driving through Nevada is always stunning, but this journey takes the cake. Fortunately, this scenic drive isn't just for the holidays! To get to the Christmas Tree Pass in Laughlin, you'll take Highway 163 by Searchlight and look for the signs for the Christmas Tree Pass Road. While not well known, it's well-marked!

Have you had a chance to visit Christmas Tree Pass in Nevada? What's your favorite scenic drive in your area? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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For even more winter and Christmastime magic, check out some of our favorite winter day trips in the state. This cozy cabin would make the perfect base camp!

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Nature|Mountains

The View From This Little-Known Overlook In Nevada Is Almost Too Beautiful For Words

Lake Mead offers stunning views, outdoor activities, and scenic overlooks, including the Sunset View Scenic Overlook.

Published Mar 4, 2022

Written by 

Emerson

Hiding out just 24 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Mead boasts brilliant blue waters, a striking desert landscape, and some of the most glorious views in southern Nevada. If you love exploring the outdoors, then a trip to Lake Mead should already be on your bucket list....especially if you love basking in a classic Nevada sunset! Overlooking the lake's shores, Sunset View Scenic Overlook is a great place to simply sit back and enjoy the view. It's one of many overlooks at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, but you'll have to experience it yourself to see if it's the best one!

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As America's first and largest national recreation area, you'll find that there's a lot to see and do at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Swimming, boating, hiking, cycling, camping, fishing - you name it, and you can do it here.

A serene landscape featuring a calm lake surrounded by rocky mountains under a clear blue sky.
John Quiroz/AllTrails

However, sometimes you only have time for a brief visit. In that case, a visit to one of the recreation area's scenic overlooks is a great way to pack in a ton of beauty without much effort.

A winding path through a rocky landscape with sparse vegetation and a distant body of water under a cloudy sky.
Francisco Villa/Google

Sunset View Scenic Overlook is one overlook located along the lake's shores. It's located right off Lakeshore Road. True to its name, it's a great place to enjoy one of Nevada's breathtaking sunsets.

A serene landscape featuring calm blue water surrounded by rocky hills and mountains under a clear blue sky.
John Quiroz/AllTrails

From the overlook, visitors can look out over Lake Mead and enjoy a panoramic view of the Boulder Basin, the Muddy Mountains, and the Callville Mesa. Bring your camera - this is a view you'll definitely want to immortalize.

A serene landscape featuring a shimmering lake surrounded by rocky hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
Lisa Cincinnati/AllTrails

A short hiking trail departs from the overlook and leads right down to Lake Mead's shoreline. The trail is around a mile-long out-and-back and is rated as easy. And if you want to extend your hiking adventure, you'll find there are multiple trails in the area you can explore.

A person walks along a rocky trail with mountains and a blue sky in the background.
William U/Google

The overlook area consists of a picnic shelter, picnic table, restrooms, and a large parking lot. It's a great spot to bring a nice lunch and make a day of enjoying Lake Mead's striking beauty with family.

A shaded picnic area with a table overlooks a vast, arid landscape and distant mountains under a blue sky.
Kenan Qin/Google

You don't have to work hard at all to enjoy a lovely view of Lake Mead and southern Nevada's splendor. Learn more about Sunset View Scenic Overlook and other overlooks in the area by visiting the Lake Mead National Recreation Area website.

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A panoramic view of a serene lake surrounded by rocky hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
Anthony Cappelletti/AllTrails

Have you visited Lake Mead National Recreation Area? There's so much to explore in this giant natural wonderland, but the scenic overlooks are great for a quick outing that's packed with beauty. Share your photos and experiences of this beautiful southern Nevada icon with us in the comments below!

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