If you love being outdoors and enjoy hiking, biking, camping or more, Nevada is an incredible state to live in. Whether you're brand new to Nevada, or have lived here a long time, here's a bucket list of many, but not all, of the amazing places in Nevada worth a visit by the outdoor lover in you!
1. Kershaw-Ryan State Park
Kershaw-Ryan State Park is located near the town of Caliente in the eastern part of the state. Despite its small size, this lush garden park is truly delightful.
2. Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
The Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is an incredible wetlands habitat, one of very few in the southern part of Nevada. Bird watchers in particular will love this spot that provides refuge for many species, including the bald eagle.
3. Cave Lake State Park
Cave Lake State Park is located just outside of Ely with a reservoir covering 32 acres. It's the perfect spot for a fishing, boating, swimming, camping or hiking day.
4. Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cathedral Gorge State Park can be found in eastern Nevada near the Utah border and the Nevada town of Panaca. The park is known for its striking rock formations.
5. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is home to one of the longest underground rivers in the world. It also has international recognition as a home to 27 endemic species.
6. Galena Creek Park
Galena Creek Park, near Reno, is a little slice of heaven with its bubbling creek, forests and hiking and picnic areas.
7. Logandale Trails System
The Logandale Trails System isn't as widely known as some other parks in southern Nevada, but if you enjoy red rock cliffs and vistas, you'll be right at home in Logandale. ATV lovers in particular have a passion for this park.
8. Hot Springs
Nevada actually has over 300 hot springs, possibly the most of any state in the U.S., so rather than just listing one, there's a whole array of hot springs you can choose to make your personal bucket list. Pictured here is Frog Pond Hot Springs located near the Black Rock Desert.
9. Sand Mountain
Sand Mountain is near the town of Fallon and it's known for its "singing sands," a naturally occurring phenomenon that needs to be heard to be believed.
10. Mount Rose
Mount Rose, part of the Toiyabe National Forest, is like an elven forest out of the Lord of the Rings books. A hike through these lush green hills is an unforgettable nature experience.
11. Wheeler Peak
Wheeler Peak is part of the Great Basin National Park and the second highest peak in Nevada. If you pick one peak hike in all of the state, Wheeler Peak will satisfy you with incredible views of the park at 13,000 feet.
12. Pine Creek Canyon
Pine Creek Canyon is one of many hikes in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. It's a particular favorite for its lovely views and the creek that flows through most of the year which is a welcome surprise in a hot desert environment.
13. Wild Horse Territory
Since Nevada has the largest amount of wild horses in the country, there are many places one can call "wild horse territory." Getting to see these creatures running free in the wild is an emotional experience for many. Pictured here is the Cold Creek area just outside of Las Vegas that is a known spot to see them.
14. Lamoille Canyon
Lamoille Canyon is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and this area is often called "the other Yosemite." There's good reason for that nickname as this spot is full of beautiful natural waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and unforgettable mountain views.
15. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is Nevada's own "grand canyon" and it's a spot of incomparable natural beauty. It's particularly striking at sundown and sunset when the light hits the red rocks of the cliffs.
16. Jarbidge Wilderness
The Jarbidge Wilderness Area is one of the most remote areas in the state, located in the northeastern corner of Nevada by the border with Idaho. It's also the first protected wilderness in the state.
17. Spring Mountain Ranch
Spring Mountain Ranch is a delightful place to have a picnic, enjoy some hiking or take in some Nevada history.
18. Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country, which is shocking considering how absolutely gorgeous it is. It's also known as an incredible spot for stargazing due to the very dark skies in the park.
19. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is shared by both Nevada and California and it's a photographer's favorite because of the amazing shades of blue and turquoise to be found in the lake and around the shores. There's lovely beaches on the Nevada side, lots of outdoor sports opportunities regardless of season, and the charming town of Incline Village.
20. Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park gets its name from the vibrant red hues of the rock formations in the park which appear to be "on fire" when the sun's rays hit them. It's the state's oldest and largest park.
21. Ruby Mountains
The Ruby Mountains are breathtakingly beautiful and some have called them the "Swiss Alps of Nevada." Located near the city of Elko, the Ruby Mountains is also home to Lamoille Canyon.
22. Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake is an unusual lake with colors of a grey to blue shade depending on how the light hits the lake. The unique rock formations around the shores of the lake give it an air of mystery.
23. Clark County Wetlands Park
Clark County Wetlands Park is one of many parks in Clark County but it's a particular favorite for its lush wetland ecosystem that seems so out of place in hot and dusty Henderson and Las Vegas. The park is also very family friendly and a wonderful respite from the busy city.
24. Big Bend of the Colorado Park
Big Bend of the Colorado Park, located near Laughlin, is the newest of the state's parks and it's a real treat for anyone who enjoys all types of water sports.
25. Lake Mead
The largest reservoir in the country, Lake Mead is a truly impressive sight. There's also a great variety for visitors to do here, from visiting the Hoover Dam, to hiking, kayaking, river rafting, scuba diving, boating and more.
What's on your Nevada outdoors bucket list? Share in the comments!
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