Northern Nevada, sometimes known as "Cowboy Country," is an amazingly beautiful section of the state that often isn't showcased as much as Nevada's more glitzy large cities and southern half. Let's take a road trip through some northern Nevada towns and attractions to get an idea of what this lovely section of the state has to offer.
Our trip covers 903 miles with a total drive time of about 17 hours and 57 minutes, making it a perfect trip for a 2 or 3 day weekend journey.
We'll start in the state's capital, which is flush with Nevada history. Historic buildings line the streets and it's the site of the some of the largest Nevada Day celebrations in the state. Carson City is also a hugely popular spot for mountain bikers, as well as hikers and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts. It's also a close drive to Lake Tahoe and Virginia City.
Pyramid Lake is the next stop on our journey, with a bit of a detour off our main route. This lake is the largest remnant of Lake Lahontan, which was a huge sea most of the state was under, which is hard to imagine today! The lake is sacred to the Paiute Indian Tribe and is included in their reservation lands. You can get a visitor permit to visit the lake. Popular Pyramid Lake outings including mountain biking and hiking, kayaking and other boating, and fishing is a big deal being that it's the only place in the world you can catch the Cui-ui fish. Nature photographers also love this spot with the lake's greyish blue color and the eerie rock and cliff formations around the shores.
Back on our route and our next location is the city of Lovelock. The city is know for 4 separate "welcome" signs with different themes, and it's also the location for the Lovelock Paiute Tribe reservation. Lovelock brings in tourists each year for its several summer festivals, which include hot air balloon shows, street car fairs, Frontier Days and a celebration of Portuguese culture. Another big tourist attraction is the Lovers Lock Plaza near the court house. Couples come here from all over, particularly on Valentine's Day, to demonstrate their love by adding a padlock to a chain that has become larger with each year.
Another side detour off our main route is the Black Rock Desert, which is located near the tiny town of Gerlach. The Black Rock Desert is known for the massive Burning Man Festival that happens annually. This vast flat area was once part of the lake bed for Lake Lahontan and there are many volcanic geologic formations in the area as well. One popular attraction is the Fly Geyser, which is actually man-made and caused by an accident with some well drilling. The geyser is on private land although it has recently been purchased by the Burning Man Festival so viewing it perhaps may become easier in the future. The desert area is a very popular spot for nature photographers, primitive campers, and ATVs. It's also used often for rocket and land speed testing by researchers and scientists.
Winnemucca is the site of an annual Basque Festival, due to the heavy influence of Basque immigrants during the town's early formation. If you love learning about state history, Winnemucca's Humboldt Museum is a real find. The museum has man exhibits on early life in the town for miners, ranchers and settlers. There are many historical buildings in town - one excellent choice to visit is the Martin Hotel, which is now a delicious Basque restaurant.
Orovada is another rustic and tiny Nevada town that lies by the Santa Rosa mountain range. The range covers about 280,000 acres and contains several elevated cliffs with high altitudes. If you enjoy hiking, climbing and camping in a what will feel like a mostly untouched wilderness, this is the spot for you!
Battle Mountain is another small town that is known historically for fighting between two Native American tribes, the Shoshone and Northern Paiutes. The town still has active gold and silver mines to this day and this serves as the main source for its economy, along with gaming. There are ghost towns you can visit nearby, such as Galena (pictured above). Battle Mountain was also voted "Armpit of America in the Washington Post in 2011 and the town created an annual festival with the name for several years that was actually funded through the Old Spice company. Battle Mountain also hosts an annual bike race each year called the "World Human Powered Speed Challenge" that draws entries internationally.
We're almost on the other side of the state! Elko is a town that loves cowboy history and it's the site of the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. The Western Folklife Center is dedicated to studying and preserving the history of the first settlers and cowboys in Nevada and it's a treat for any U.S. history lover to visit. The city also proudly hosts an annual National Basque Festival. Elko also has several casinos and one of the most well known is the Commercial Casino because of the huge polar bear in their outside sign. This is a replica of White King, the world's largest stuffed polar bear who is on display inside the casino.
Lamoille is a tiny town that puts new meaning in the word picturesque. Most visitors come to Lamoille on their way to visiting the Ruby Mountains, often known as Nevada's "Yosemite." One attraction that's definitely worth a stop is the Little Church of the Crossroads. This Presbyterian church has been tending to its flock since 1872 and still operates to this day. Its old fashioned architecture makes a lovely postcard picture against the backdrop of the Ruby Mountains.
Jarbidge is both a town and a stunningly gorgeous wilderness area that any nature lover should have on their bucket list. Jarbidge, the town, is so remote you can only reach it by driving on unpaved roads. The town has some real personality and there are some lodging and dining options so it and its friendly residents are worth a visit. The Jarbidge Wilderness Area is one of the most remote areas in the state and has a variety of environments, some as low as 5,000 feet and others as high as 10,000 feet, leading to a great diversity of wildlife and scenic opportunities. It's also a very beloved spot for fisherman due to its proximity to the Snake River.
Wells is a small town with a population of about 1,292 (as of 2010 census). A beautiful location to visit by Wells is Angel Lake. This glacial tarn can be reached on State Route 231, a 12-mile scenic road that rides through the Eastern Humboldt mountain range. The area around Angel Lake is very sought after by campers and the in nice weather you can usually find people picnicking around its shores, as well as fisherman and hikers. It also makes for a stunning location for nature photographers.
As we pull into our final location, the famous Wendover Will waves hello! This iconic statute can be seen for miles and he's always happy to take a picture with you. West Wendover is very close to the Utah border and like a few other towns in Nevada, observes Mountain time rather than Pacific time because of it's proximity to Utah. Casinos are a popular business in the town, particularly since they draw all traffic from neighboring Utah where gambling is prohibited. It's a good place to settle in after a long journey, enjoy some fun at a casino and a good meal to conclude our trip.
Do you have a favorite spot in northern Nevada to visit? Or one on your bucket list? Post in the comments!
Are you spending a weekend (or longer) in Vegas? Have you suddenly found that all the lights and people and sounds and activity are a little too much for you? Do you like road trips? If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then this spontaneous weekend Nevada road trip is for you! This road trip will take you to the very best spots to enjoy the quiet, natural beauty near Las Vegas. You'll love getting away from it all and out into these outdoor spaces, away from the hustle and bustle of it all. Not only that, but a quick and easy road trip takes two days, but you can even head back to wherever you're staying or live for the overnight with ease and then return to the loop on Sunday morning. Read on to learn more and get ready to dive in!
Over 650,000 people live in Las Vegas and over 40 million people visit this great city every year. However, very few of them leave the confines of the city to head out into the absolutely beautiful and truly breathtaking natural areas that surround it. This road trip will allow you to do just that, though, and you'll be amazed by what you see.
This road trip is short as distance and driving time goes. It's only about 300 miles and it would only take you 6 hours to drive it all if you just drove through and didn't make any of the stops. You'll want to make some stops, though, for sure! That's why spreading this relatively short trip out over two days is what we recommend. Safe travels! Let's go!
1. Corn Creek Visitor Center - Desert National Wildlife Refuge
Depart your departure point fairly early in the morning, if you can. It'll be cooler and that way you can hopefully avoid any traffic. Your first stop will be at the Corn Creek Visitor Center at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. This is the largest national wildlife refuge outside of Alaska and covers 1.6 million acres. The main objective of this refuge is protecting the habitat of desert bighorn sheep. The rangers at the visitor center will be on hand to answer your questions and tell you about hikes and drives around the refuge. There's a great deal of wildlife and native Nevada plants all over this beautiful place.
After you're done at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, you'll drive 45 minutes to Mount Charleston. This mountain is part of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The peak itself is 11,918 feet and it's the eighth highest mountain in the state. The area around it is quite elevated too, and you'll find this place to be a cool respite from the desert heat. Stop by the visitor center, take a hike, have a picnic lunch, or just take in the views. This natural area is vastly different from all the others you'll visit on this road trip.
Just a 50 minutes away from Mount Charleston, you'll find an entirely different landscape at Red Rock Canyon. This is one of the most popular scenic excursions for people visiting Las Vegas, so it's unlikely you'll be alone here, but its beauty is worth dealing with some crowds. Take the 13-mile, one-way, scenic drive through this park and get ready to take lots of photos.
Your next stop on this road trip is at nearby Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. This 538-acre state park was the site of the first working ranch in the Las Vegas area and was also later a retreat for millionaire Howard Hughes. Check out a living history program to learn about Nevada ranch life in the 1860s, walk the trails, or enjoy some birdwatching during your time here.
Your last stop for day one is about 40 minutes away - you'll love watching the sunset at Sloan Canyon Conservation Area in Henderson. This spot is home to a vast number of Native American petroglyphs; over 300 rock art panels have been found on site with over 1,700 different images included. Unfortunately, their locations are not publicized due to recent problems with vandalism. Consider taking a hike on one of the park's trails and see if you can find them yourself. Then, get a room in Henderson or head back to Vegas for the night to rest up for tomorrow's adventures!
Start your day with a swim! The first stop on day two of this road trip is Boulder Beach in Boulder City. You may be many miles fom an ocean, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a few hours swimming and sunning at the beach on Lake Mead. It's a little rocky so you'll want to bring water shoes and don't forget your sunscreen, too!
From Boulder Beach, you'll head north about an hour and a half to Valley of Fire State Park. Like Red Rock Canyon, this state park is popular with Las Vegas locals and visitors, so you'll probably encounter quite a few other people here. However, this place is so gorgeous that you probably won't even notice them! This 46,000-acre state park is full of unique and spectacular sandstone formations that will blow you away. Plan to spend quite a bit of time here exploring by car and on foot.
Another 40-minute drive and you'll have reached the final stop on this road trip. Warm Springs Natural Area is not like anywhere else on this list so far. It's a 1,250-acre oasis full of bubbling springs, streams, and lush vegetation. You'll never believe this green and woodsy place is in Nevada, so close to so much desert! You'll love walking the 2/3-mile trail and looking out for birds - over 200 different species have been spotted here.
Your final drive on this trip is about an hour back to Las Vegas. This will give you plenty of time to reflect upon all the amazing and beautiful natural things you saw on this road trip! Isn't it great to be spontaneous sometimes? You've now seen parts of Nevada that few visitors to Las Vegas even know exist, let alone even get to see, and you're richer for it. Frame up some of your photos when you get home and you're sure to always look back fondly upon this trip.
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Ahhh... this spontaneous weekend Nevada road trip is sure to be refreshing and invigorating! There's so much beauty to see in The Silver State and this road trip will give you a great taste of its incredible variety without having to go too far from town. Have a great trip!
And hey - you're sure to get hungry along the way - so don't forget to pack some snacks!
Nevada is a wonderfully diverse and beautiful region that offers so much more than its famous Las Vegas casinos (while that is also a fun aspect of the Silver State). Often overshadowed by Utah and California, Nevada has natural scenery in its own right that is well worth exploring. There are some amazing state parks, National Parks, unforgettable bodies of water (such as Lake Mead and Lake Tahoe), incredible hiking trails, and much more to experience. You’ll be amazed at how many unique adventures can be enjoyed here- that’s why we compiled this list of the 11 best road trips in Nevada.
Route: Reno>VirginiaCity>Gardnerville>Lake Tahoe>Incline Village
Distance: 133 Miles
Trip Time: 3 Hours And 22 Minutes Driving Time
First on our list of Nevada Road Trips is this journey that can be completed with one tank of gas. Starting off in Reno, you’ll begin the day trip with a stop at Peg's Glorified Ham N Eggs. This eatery is well-known for its amazing breakfast options, and it’s the perfect place to start the adventure. Next, you’ll visit the National Automobile Museum, which features over 200 cars and is also located in Reno. You’ll then travel to Idlewild Park, which is a lovely outdoor area with duck ponds, a rose garden, and more. Then, you’ll leave Reno to visit Virginia City’s Cafe Del Rio for some Southwestern-inspired cuisine. Next, if you want to learn about ghosts without traveling to an actual ghost town, check out The Washoe Club Haunted Museum, which is also in Virginia City. Then, you’ll head to Gardnerville to try some gambling at Sharkey’s Casino- a famous landmark that’s been around since the 1940s. And finally, you’ll end the journey by visiting the Lake Tahoe region. First, you’ll stop at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, and end in Incline Village. This entire road trip can be experienced without having to make a stop at the gas station!
Route: Lamoille Canyon>Wilson Canyon>Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Distance: 688 Miles
Trip Time: 10 Hours And 40 Minutes Driving Time
This three-day road trip is not only one of the most scenic drives in the state- it’s also one of the prettiest routes in America. With a total drive time coming close to about 11 hours, this is the perfect trip to split up into three days. In this itinerary, each day features another canyon region in Nevada that will surely impress. Starting off, you’ll visit Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountain Wilderness. This region is home to some great hiking trails, is near some great biking trails, and has a lovely downtown area with many bars and restaurants. Not to mention, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views. On day two, you’ll head to Wilson Canyon to enjoy some unforgettable hiking. Overnight, you’ll stay at the Walker River Resort. This accommodation is great for RVS, but they also offer cozy cabins that overlook the river as well. And finally, on day three, you’ll finish the trip in the famous Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You can actually see this region from the Las Vegas Strip, but making the trip to visit the Red Cliffs Trail of Red Rock Canyon is one of the coolest experiences in the USA. The hiking trails here offer incredible views of rock formations, as well as lizard sightings and photo opportunities. Be sure to make a stop at the visitor center to learn more before you leave. Then, we recommend staying at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas. which is a short drive from the Conservation Area.
One thing about Nevada that’s pretty hard to come by anywhere else is its connection to Aliens, UFOS, and all things extraterrestrial! This road trip is one of the most unique drives you will ever take, and it can be completed in less than five hours. You’ll begin in Hiko, which is famous for its “alien culture”. A stop at ET Fresh Jerky and The Alien Research Center are included in this itinerary. Then, you’ll continue on to Rachel, Nevada- a small town that features a population of Earthlings and other life forms (so they say)! In the UFO Capital of the World, you'll make a stop at Little A’Le’Inn, which is a unique restaurant, bar, and motel. And finally, you’ll take a drive on the Extraterrestrial Highway. This journey features many roadside attractions, such as the International Car Forest and the Area 51 Alien Center.
Why not take a road trip through the state of Nevada that’s focused on pie shops? This itinerary features five bakeries that are definitely worth journeying across Nevada’s open roads for. You’ll begin in Carson City, which is home to the well-known LA Bakery & Eatery. The wonderful, sugary aroma is present throughout the shop, which offers over 27 different pie options (with some being vegan and gluten-free). You’ll then drive to the Reno area, where you’ll find Josef’s Vienna Bakery. Guests enjoy their great coffee and European-imported ingredients. Then, moving on to Fallon, you’ll stop at The Courtyard Café & Bakery. This bakery features a quaint atmosphere and a famous banana cream pie. After that, you’ll move on to the French bakery, O Happy Bread, in Pahrump, and conclude with the amazing Humboldt Sweets Bakery in Henderson.
Route: Valley Of Fire>Clark County Wetlands Park>Red Rock Canyon National Park>Spring Mountains>Lake Tahoe Meadows>Mt Rose>Washoe Lake State Park
Distance: 591 Miles
Trip Time: 10 Hours And 54 Minutes Driving Time
Springtime in Nevada is unbelievably beautiful- especially in the desert regions. This road trip will take nearly 11 hours to complete, so feel free to make any adjustments to the itinerary you see fit. You’ll begin at The Valley of Fire State Park, which offers some incredible blooms that are especially striking with the rocky landscape as the backdrop. You’ll then drive to Clark County Wetlands Park, which features gorgeous wildflowers and attracts hikers and visitors from all over. This spot is great year-round, but the wildflower season is quite remarkable, and definitely worth checking out. Then, you’ll move on to The Red Rock Canyon National Park, which is an amazing place to see desert flowers in the Spring. You’ll then check out the Spring Mountains on the Western end of Las Vegas before you drive to the meadows of Lake Tahoe. There’s an opportunity to stop in Death Valley between Vegas and Tahoe (if you feel so inclined) as you travel Nevada. You’ll then visit the Mount Rose trail, which features lovely wildflowers and is just off State Route 431. You’ll end this road trip at Washoe Lake, which is home to the Washoe Lake State Park.
That’s such a great variety of experiences to enjoy in the state of Nevada during the Summer months! This road trip is an easy drive time of about one hour and features some lovely spots to take in the great outdoors of the Silver State. You’ll begin in Reno, where you’ll explore the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. There is much to see here- beautiful flowers, trees, waterfalls, and more. After visiting the gardens, you’ll head to Galenda Falls via the Mount Rose Highway (one of the state’s official Scenic Byways). The hike to get to the falls is moderate and considered family-friendly. After enjoying some outdoor activities in Reno, you’ll make a short trip to Incline Village in Lake Tahoe. We recommend dining at Big Water Grille to enjoy delicious food and memorable views. If you really want to feel fancy, we suggest a stay at The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort. This gorgeous property offers amazing amenities and stunning views- especially for nighttime stargazing. And finally, the trip ends with a day well spent at the beautiful Sand Harbor Beach of Lake Tahoe. The crystal-clear waters of this shoreline offer plenty of fun Summer activities that you won’t soon forget.
Route: Lake Tahoe>Reno>Wasoe County>Dayton>Elko County>Great Basin National Park>Floyd Lamb Park> Spring Mountain National Recreation Area
Distance: 1,063 Miles
Trip Time: 18 Hours And 3 Minutes Driving Time
If you haven’t visited Nevada in the Fall, we highly recommend making a trip! And if you’re local to the state, this itinerary is a wonderful way to explore the beauty that surrounds you. The journey is 18 hours, so feel free to edit the route to best fit your schedule. You’ll begin in Lake Tahoe, which offers spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada during the autumn season. You’ll then drive through the Mount Rose Scenic Drive in Reno, which features amazing views throughout. Then, stroll along the Truckee River at Reno’s Riverwalk- this is a great place to grab a hot drink and see the changing leaves. You’ll then head to Bowers Mansion Regional Park, which is a historical site that’s home to some beautiful changing trees during this time of year. You’ll then make a stop in the small town of Dayton before heading to Elko County, which is home to the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Drive. The region features gorgeous foliage in the Fall. Next, you’ll move on to Great Basin National Park- a place that’s gorgeous year-round, but especially during the Fall. A trip to this National Park is definitely a bucket list item during this time of year. And finally, you’ll visit Floyd Lamb State Park in Las Vegas before ending in Spring Mountain National Recreation Area. This road trip is certainly long, but it’s one of the coolest itineraries you can follow during the autumn months in North America.
Route: Sparks>Reno>Virginia City>Carson City>Genoa> Gardnerville> Las Vegas> Henderson
Distance: 561 Miles
Trip Time: 10 Hours And 42 Minutes Driving Time
Wintertime in Nevada can feel quite magical, especially when Christmas lights twinkle in the night sky! This itinerary will take you to some of the best Christmas light viewing spots in all of the state. Starting off in Sparks, you’ll visit the Golden Nugget Casino, which has an entire North Pole Village set up for the holiday season. You’ll then drive to Reno to visit The Lights of Tanea: a home that’s decorated with over 40,000 lights to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Then, you’ll head to Virginia City to experience the beloved "Christmas on the Comstock'' event, followed by a stop at the beautifully lit Governor's Mansion in Carson City. It’s then off to Genoa to see the Genoa Tree, which has an annual lighting ceremony at the beginning of December. Next, you’ll travel to Gardnerville to attend the Carson Valley Christmas Kickoff- there’s no shortage of fun activities to enjoy for guests of all ages. Then, you’ll drive to the fabulous Las Vegas to explore the various holiday festivities taking place and end in Henderson at the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden.
Route: Las Vegas> Goldfield>Carson City>Reno>Lovelock>Elko>Wells>Ely>Las Vegas
Distance: 1,188 Miles
Trip Time: 18 Hours And 33 Minutes Driving Time
If you look at the photo of Cesar’s Palace shown above, you may be wondering how to make a family-friendly trip start in Las Vegas. You’ll see that this itinerary is all about fun and food, and the 18-hour journey you’ll embark on will be an unforgettable getaway for everyone in the family. You’ll start in Las Vegas, where you’ll visit the Linq Hotel for the Hash House A Go Go. Then, you’ll drive to the Dinky Diner in Goldfield- the best family-owned restaurant to get a bacon cheeseburger. Then, you’ll move on to Cafe at Adele’s for a Marsala Pizza, followed by a stop in Reno for Peg's Glorified Ham N Eggs. Then, you’ll head to the Cowpoke Cafe in Lovelock- a favorite eatery among locals. Next, you’ll travel to Elko to visit Luciano's Bar and Restaurant. This place features a large menu with pasta and seafood, so this stop will probably stand out amongst the others. You’ll then head to Wells to try Bella's Restaurant & Espresso, which features all homemade dishes. Then, you’ll drive to the Hotel Nevada Cafe in Ely, which is open for 24 hours and has some really interesting history. And finally, you’ll wind up back on Las Vegas Boulevard, where you’ll try Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Ceasar’s Palace. Be sure to check out the theming of the Forum Shops- family members of all ages may appreciate the intricate design and the painted ceiling.
Route: Great Basin National Park> Hotel Nevada> Santa Fe Motel & Saloon> Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge> Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa> Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area> Valley of Fire State Park> North Shore Inn at Lake Mead
Distance: 831 Miles
Trip Time: 13 Hours And 42 Minutes Driving Time
Nevada is home to some astonishing natural wonders that we encourage you to see in person. This road trip itinerary is perfect for a weekend getaway filled with beautiful scenery. Starting off at the Great Basin National Park, you can explore the amazing Wheeler Peak, as well as the Lehman Caves. Then, you’ll drive on to Ely, a historic mining town that was once a stop along the Pony Express. This is where you’ll experience the well-known Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall, which is home to an iconic 24-hour breakfast. Moving on, you’ll then drive to Goldfield to try the Santa Fe Motel & Saloon’s Pizza. Next, you’ll drive to the beautiful region of the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge before heading on to the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa. After visiting the Casino, you’ll head to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the rock formations. Then, you’ll travel to Valley of Fire State Park to experience even more extraordinarily beautiful natural wonders before finishing the road trip at the North Shore Inn at Lake Mead.
If you enjoy charming small towns, Nevada has many wonderful options to explore. This itinerary will take a little under 15 hours and will leave you with a greater understanding of some of the state’s history. Eureka, which is home to some notable historical landmarks and museums. You’ll then head to Indian Hills, which has lots of opportunities for outdoor fun. Then, you’ll travel on to Kingsbury, which is a small community that hosts many of Lake Tahoe’s tour companies. You’ll then drive to Minden, which is a small town known for its historic sites and hang gliding. Next is the charming town of Yerington, which features fairgrounds and a casino, followed by a stop in Tonppah to see the famous Clown Motel. Next, you’ll head to the tourist town of Beatty, which features casinos, art galleries, and shops, and is in close proximity to the ghost town of Rhyolite. You’ll then head on to the natural hot springs of Caliente before you make another stop in Panaca, which will conclude the journey.
These are some of the very best road trip itineraries you can follow if you're planning to explore the state of Nevada! Do any of these getaways stand out to you? Do you prefer weekend road trips in Nevada or quick road trips in Nevada? Let us know in the comments!
For more to explore, take a look at this stunning footage of Lake Mead:
