Nevada has natural wonders full of incredible beauty and fun-filled cities like Las Vegas, Reno and more. It does have its dangers, though, and tourists and residents alike should be aware of them. Here are seven of the most dangerous places in Nevada, natural and man-made. Check them out, and be safe out there!
1. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead is a terrific place with lots to see and do. Did you know though that it ranks second for number of fatalities in national parks though? Drowning is the number one reason for deaths at National Parks, and with such a large body of water, it follows that Lake Mead sees quite a few. Add swimming or boating into a mix with partying and alcohol, and this makes Lake Mead a potentially dangerous area if you're not taking common-sense safety precautions. Lake Mead is, however, home to some absolutely amazing overlooks and views.
2. Clark County
According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Clark County has the highest incidence of crime in the state. Clark County is the home of Las Vegas - so it makes sense. It's also, however, the home of cities like Henderson, which often gets picked for "top ten safest cities" lists! The murder rate in Las Vegas has doubled or more since 2015, so while it's a place one can have a lot of fun, it's also a place where one should always be cautious...but again, common sense should prevail (though it doesn't always).
3. Alluvial Fans in the Desert
Ok, so, these are not a specific place in Nevada, per se, but a type of a place you definitely should be cautious about. An alluvial fan is a flattened area in the desert formed from flash floods and other water flows. Plants, particularly creosote bushes, tend to grow in the fans and wildlife gathers in these areas. This means you are at greater risk of running into less-than-pleasant wildlife like rattlesnakes - or drowning in a flash flood. Nevada has several types of rattlesnakes which range from mildly poisonous to potentially lethal. If you intend to visit our deserts, make sure you learn to look out for snakes.
4. Abandoned Mines
There are many abandoned mines in the state that are often explored by adventurous types. This is a very bad idea! The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology cautions on the dangers of abandoned mines; they may contain "bad air" thanks to poisonous gas, or not enough oxygen to breathe for long. They are unstable and can cave in at any time. Ladders may break and shafts can fall apart, and any structures made of decayed wood, in general, are not safe. Old, unused mines may also still have explosives inside left unknowingly by miners. Abandoned mines also can become homes for animals you may not want to run into, such as rattlesnakes or larger predators.
5. The I-15 freeway south of Las Vegas
The Nevada branch of the Automobile Association of America reports that the stretch of the I-15 from Las Vegas going to Los Angeles, California, has the most fatalities on any road on the state. There are a number of reasons for the high number of driving fatalities. Drinking and driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and distracted driving are definitely some of them; it's a long drive with not a lot of points of interest along the way, which can lead to sleepy drivers as well.
6. I-15 through Las Vegas
Driving on the 1-15 in the area right through Las Vegas (i.e. "The Strip" area) is also a high-risk area. Tired and/or distracted drivers are an issue, as well as drivers who've come to party and are driving while drunk. Always drive two ways: carefully and defensively.
7. US Highway 50
The "Loneliest Road in America" is another dangerous stretch of highway in Nevada. There are very few services available along the way, so if you intend to travel on the 50, make sure you have a full tank and some supplies on hand if you break down (water, non-perishable food, a blanket, etc). It's an incredible drive - just take the extra precautions to be prepared!
Are there other spots in Nevada that you would advise visitors to be cautious of? Share in the comments! What are your favorite "dangerous" places in the state? Share those as well!
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