Did you know the darkest town in America is right here in Nevada? Part of the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Statistical Area, the tiny town of Gerlach, Nevada is located approximately 100 miles north of Reno. With a total area of 3.1 square miles and a population of just over 200, Gerlach seems like little more than a stop along the way to somewhere more exciting. However, Gerlach has its own claim to fame. This tiny town is known as "America's Darkest Town" and you're definitely going to want to visit!
Gerlach, Nevada, was settled in 1906 and named for the Gerlach Land and Cattle Company, one of the largest businesses in the area. Its founder, Louis Gerlach, was among the richest cattlemen in the entire West.
Today, the town's welcome sign says, "Center of the Known Universe" and "Population Wanted." So you know immediately that this isn't a place where you'll be finding much of a bustling Vegas-style nightscene. Which is just fine by locals!
Bruno's is practically everything in Gerlach. It's the town's only motel, café, casino, gas station, and community center, as well as the place where locals meet visitors and talk about their latest desert adventure stories. Among these, dark sky enthusiasts.
In fact, when it comes to first impressions, Gerlach may not seem like much. But for dark sky-lovers, budding astronomers, and casual stargazers, the tiny town is an absolute delight. You'll find Gerlach in the middle of everything and yet simultaneously away from everything - around five hours from Redding, California and Medford, Oregon; and eight hours from both Boise, Idaho and Salt Lake City, Utah.
The town's setting lends itself perfectly to its claim to fame as America's darkest town, and is particularly unique among other dark sky cities in the U.S. Here, there are very few streetlights in town, resulting in even fewer lights shining upward - a trait which is unusual for inhabited towns, regardless of their size.
But despite being slightly in the middle of nowhere, Gerlach gets a number of visitors just passing through. The incredible Fly Ranch Geyser is located just 20 miles north of Gerlach.
If you've never visited this man-made natural wonder before, please note that the geyser is not open to the public and requires a tour reservation to visit.
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Similarly, many visitors en route to the annual Burning Man Festival in Black Rock City travel through Gerlach on their way to the event.
Nevertheless, Gerlach's greatest claim to fame is actually its official distinction as the "Darkest Town in America." This label is important because of ongoing concern regarding growing light pollution in the U.S., defined as the excessive presence of artificial light.
Light pollution can have serious environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, and the climate. It also prevents residents from seeing stars at their brightest and most vibrant!
So while most visitors typically travel through Gerlach en route to somewhere else, dark sky aficionados, researchers, and astrophotographers recognize Gerlach's unique importance as the darkest city in the U.S.
Back in 2017, one local blogger and dark sky enthusiast measured the night sky at 22.2 mag/arcsec² - the highest he had ever seen. In fact, this number was so high that it didn’t even show up on the legend on the front of the meter. This means that the view of the night sky was tempered only by natural airglow and zodiacal (star) light. This reading was well into Class 1 on the Bortle Scale.
At this level of darkness, one can see the Milky Way in great detail, the Andromeda Galaxy at 2.5 million light-years away, and the Pinwheel Galaxy at a whopping 25 million light-years away, all with the naked human eye.
Gerlach may not get as much attention for being America's darkest town as it does for its iconic desert festival and nearby attractions, but we definitely think this tiny town is worth a visit to step back in time and experience a simpler, quieter, darker side of the Nevadan desert.
"America's Darkest Town" has a world of things to offer, even beyond its infamous dark skies. But they sure are a highlight! So whether you're just passing through Gerlach en route to somewhere else or just want a change from the bright lights of the big city, take a moment, wait until dark, look upward, and enjoy the beautiful expanse of the night sky in the darkest town in America. You won't be sorry!
Ready to dine in the clouds next? For another view-filled experience that doesn't quite keep your feet on the ground, check out this sky-high restaurant in Las Vegas.
The holiday season is a magical time of year where, no matter how young or old you are, you can rejoice in the excitement of the holiday. There's truly no better way to celebrate Christmas in Nevada than by heading out and exploring one of our small towns. Boasting dazzling light displays and picturesque snowy landscapes, the town featured here truly comes alive during the winter. You might find that you'll never want to leave after exploring one of the most magical Christmas towns in Nevada. Take a look at Christmas in Genoa, Nevada.
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The little town of Genoa is often lauded as "Nevada's Oldest Town." Boasting a delightful Old West vibe in a remote region of the Carson River Valley, it's a wonderful place to visit all year long. However, it truly shines as the holiday season approaches. With a population of just 939, it's safe to say that life in Genoa is nice and quiet. It's the type of place where everyone knows everyone, and time seems to move slower.
High quality stock photos of new homes being constructed in Genoa, Nevada.
Simply put, Genoa is the type of town that could easily be the setting of a Hallmark Christmas movie! Every year, the town's main street boasts prominent light displays and cheerful decor.
Christmas is a pretty big deal here. As December kicks off, the community finds various ways to celebrate, including a Breakfast With Santa event, Christmas caroling, and an evening of cookies and hot cocoa. With such a small town, these events feel more like big family gatherings. Not to mention, snow is a pretty common occurrence here in Genoa, and it creates a postcard-perfect winter landscape that is bound to put you in the mood for the holidays. There's something undeniably magical about spending Christmas in such a small town. Maybe it's the tight-knit community or the perfect scenery, but the holiday vibe here is just different.
Christmas in the city. Dad and son looking at a store window
It's towns like Genoa that show us what Christmas is truly all about. It's not about presents, food, or even the magical light displays. It's about community and family. Come visit Genoa and feel the real Christmas spirit. It's alive and well in Nevada!
This Christmas town is the perfect holiday destination! Have you spent Christmas in Genoa, Nevada? For more great destinations to check out this season, be sure to take a look at our list of enchanting Christmas towns in Nevada. If you're planning to visit and need somewhere amazing to stay, check out all the awesome options from our friends at VRBO. You never know what adventure lies in store.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
