Nevada is often pictured as one big dry, hot desert by people unfamiliar with the state. This wildlife refuge turns that stereotype on its head. Who would think that a lovely lake and marsh set by a mountainous backdrop would be only an hour-and-a-half away from Las Vegas?
The Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge covers 5,380 acres. The refuge is a wetland habitat, of which there are very few in the southern part of the state.
You can easily see thousands of ducks, geese and other waterfowl on a visit during the spring and fall when migratory patterns bring them to Pahranagat.
Another bird species that makes use of Pahranagat is the Bald eagle.
The riparian habitats that can be found in Pahranagat are actually quite rare and endangered in the U.S. southwest, which makes the work of the wildlife service in preserving this oasis vitally important.
Pahranagat has many cottonwood and willow trees along the bodies of water in the habitat.
These riparian habitats are important for the migratory birds that make heavy use of them for nesting. Birdwatchers and general nature lovers will delight in the variety of birds that can be spotted in the habitat.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service notes that at least 264 different species of birds have been identified at the refuge.
There are few places you can visit where you can spend a day hiking and walk through desert, marsh, meadow, lake, and stream environments. Camping is also an option at the Upper Lake area with primitive facilities. Horseback riding is also popular, and boating is an option at the Upper Lake but with small, non-motorized boats only.
If you're traveling from Las Vegas, take the I-15 north and take exit 64 to the US-93/Great Basin Highway. Take the US-93 for approximately 64 miles until you reach the refuge. If you're coming from the Great Basin area, take US-50 west and then the US-93 south through towns such as Pioche and Alamo. The refuge is located a few miles south of Alamo.
Would you love to visit this enchanting spot in Nevada? Share in the comments!
If you have spent any time in Nevada, you know that it's so much more than just a desert. It is home to inspiring landscapes, remarkable mountains, and the most incredible natural wonders. While there are many different ways you can enjoy some of Mother Nature’s greatest creations in the Silver State, a road trip is one of the best. This not only lets you enjoy each stop, but you get a remarkable journey as well.
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However, when taking a natural wonders road trip in Nevada, there is too much to see — you don’t want to rush through your adventure in a single day. With the following road trip itinerary, you will travel approximately 635 miles. But don’t worry, you’ll see 10 natural wonders along the way, including beautiful stretches of Nevada landscape. And, even better, multiple Best Western hotels in Nevada are always available for a night of comfort and relaxation. So, are you ready for the ultimate natural wonders road trip in Nevada?
Our first stop is one of the most well-known natural wonders located in southern Nevada — Elephant Rock. Not far from the east entrance of Valley of Fire State Park is Elephant Rock. This incredible formation is actually a natural arch that looks like an elephant with its trunk extended. There is a short hike to reach the elephant but it’s flat, easy, and worth every step.
While there are many natural wonders we could recommend in Valley of Fire State Park, one of our favorites and a must-visit destination on this road trip is the Fire Wave. This is a unique sandstone formation that looks just like an ocean wave. You’ll enjoy unique colors, flowing formations, and incredible views from every direction. Again, there is a short hike to enjoy this natural wonder but the hike is easy and flat. Just don’t forget a camera!
After a day exploring a few natural wonders in Valley of Fire State Park, rest your head and get ready for another day of adventures by booking a stay at the Best Western Plus Henderson Hotel.
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3. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Henderson
Located in Henderson is the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. This public land is home to wildlife of all sizes, gorgeous desert views, and incredible rock art. Motor vehicles are not allowed in the area but hiking and horseback riding are popular and excellent ways to explore. While there are many natural features to enjoy, the must-visit attraction is the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site, where it is believed there are more than 300 rock art panels with 1,700 individual designs.
Red Rock Canyon is one of the most photographed natural wonders in southern Nevada. Here, you will find red sandstone pillars and cliff walls. You can explore this canyon on the 13-mile scenic drive or on one of the many hiking trails. We also recommend you give yourself a little time to step inside the visitor center to learn even more about this area and all there is to see and do.
You’ve got more stops, sights, and miles ahead of you so stop and relax. We recommend booking a stay at Best West Plus Las Vegas West, just a short distance from Red Rock Canyon.
For some remarkable views, Charleston Peak on Mount Charleston is where you want to go. This peak is 11,916 feet above sea level, making it the highest point in Clark County. Take a drive on the Mt. Charleston Scenic Byway to truly enjoy this incredible area of the Silver State or go for a hike. It’s breathtaking here.
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You can spend an entire day exploring Mount Charleston. From drives and hikes, there is plenty to see and do. So, after a day at this natural wonder, get a good night's sleep and prepare for tomorrow at the Best West Plus North Las Vegas Inn and Suites.
Cathedral Gorge State Park may be home to one of the most unusual and fascinating natural wonders in Nevada. This is a lesser-known and underrated area where you’ll find more than 1,600 acres of cathedral-like spires and formations. Bring good shoes and explore the caves and unique slot canyons. It’s definitely inspiring here.
For the next portion of our road trip, we will head into Great Basin National Park. This park is home to many natural wonders but one that you will not want to miss is Lehman Caves. This cave was discovered in the 1800s and is one of the most beautifully decorated caves in the area. Take a guided tour to see and learn more — you won’t regret it.
While in Great Basin National Park, spend some time admiring Wheeler Peak. This is one of our favorite natural wonders in Nevada with an elevation of 13,065 feet. It is the second-highest peak in Nevada and there are many ways to admire it. We suggest enjoying the views on the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, where you’ll be driving among the clouds. And if you are up for a real challenge, you may want to hike the peak (just add a few extra days for this unforgettable experience!).
You will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere when you visit the Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark. Located between Tonopah and Ely, this natural wonder is hiding in the desert but it’s well worth the drive. Here, you’ll find a 400-acre crater that is approximately 430 feet deep. It has many unique characteristics and is even where astronauts in training would come to prepare for their missions to the moon. You don’t want to miss this sight.
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You’ve likely had a long day. We recommend booking a stay at Best Western Hi-Desert Inn for a little R&R. You deserve it!
The last stop on our natural wonder road trip in Nevada is at Walker Lake. This makes for the perfect ending to our road trip as this is a natural lake located in the Great Basin. This remarkable lake is 11 miles long and 5 miles wide and is home to all types of wildlife. You may want to spend a day boating, fishing, swimming, birdwatching, or just relaxing on the shore before you head back home.
What do you think of this natural wonders road trip in Nevada? What other stops would you add? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to find the closest Best Western property near you before heading on your next adventure!
Let this year be the one you explore the most magnificent hidden gems in Nevada! From the northern mountains to the desert oasis in the south, we’ll discover 12 fascinating and lesser-known epic sights right here in the Silver State. Let's go! Grab your calendar and start planning to see Nevada like never before.
You might think you’re seeing a mirage in the Nevada desert when you come across these shining beacons of light! The Crescent Dunes is a massive solar energy project in Tonopah, Nevada that covers a whopping 296 acres of land. Built in 2011, the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project has had its share of bumps in the road and ceased operation. As recently as 2021, however, new talks of restarting the project have begun again. Visitors can expect educational information throughout and even a shaded picnic area.
The Valley of Fire State Park is one of Nevada’s most beautiful locations, and one of the best ways to see the park is by journeying the Natural Arch Trail! See stunning natural arch formations in vibrant reds. It’s all too easy to pass the Natural Arch Trailhead because there isn’t a road sign marker. However, if you know just where to look, you’ll know you’re in the right place when you find its smaller trailhead sign. Follow a map to this 4.2-mile trail through a sandy channel. You’ll be aptly rewarded with tall canyon walls, dazzling arches, and the kind of sights you could only expect to find in Nevada! Take a look at what makes this trail so magical when you watch the stunning video footage below:
Head to Nevada’s capital, Carson City, to find the Kings Canyon Waterfall! This is a short and sweet hike that rewards visitors with a 25-foot waterfall that’s sure to make you smile. To get there, take a five-minute drive from downtown Carson’s King Street, going west. There’s even a convenient parking lot as you get ready to undertake the Kings Canyon Trailhead. The stunning waterfall does not allow dogs but welcomes you to explore this pristine and gorgeous area with your human friends and family.
Now, we head to the bright lights of Las Vegas, not for the casinos, but for the pink hues of the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat! Located on the grounds of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, you’ll enjoy four acres of gardens, streams, waterfalls, dozens of species of birds, and even beautiful koi fish and turtles! Come to this tranquil habitat that’s perfect for the entire family and see Chilean flamingos. It's open seven days a week and is free to enter.
The Fly Geyser is one of Nevada’s most photographed and sought-after scenic locations for good reason. This geothermal geyser can shoot water up to five feet in the air! Visitors are almost guaranteed to view this spectacular natural phenomenon due to the geyser’s consistency. Not only beautiful to look at, the Fly Ranch Geyser is also an incredible geological sight and one that is continuously growing. Please note that the geyser sits on private property, however, visitors can opt to take a Fly Ranch Nature Walk. Curious to learn more about the geyser? Watch this fascinating video:
Are you a fan of The Simpsons? The hit television show reached fans on a whole new level when an exact replica was built in Nevada in 1997! The original idea for The Simpson's House was that the house would be given away to a lucky contest winner; however, the winner chose to take home the prize money instead. Today, it is a residential home. Gone is the original paint and Bart’s treehouse, but the attention to detail is amazing enough for any diehard fan. You can find it at 712 Red Bark Ln in Henderson, although please be respectful as it is privately owned.
Step back to prehistoric times in an adventurous trip to the Lost City Museum in Overton, Nevada! Learn about the ancestral Puebloans on this ancient site as part of the Boulder Dam Museum. See amazing artifacts up close and walk among reconstructed houses of the time. It is one of the most fascinating hidden gems in Nevada, filled with history that visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring. Learn more about this fascinating landmark when you watch the video below:
Art lovers and travelers who appreciate imaginative wonders will truly have found their happy place at Thunder Mountain Monument. This iconic Nevada art installation is a one-of-a-kind creation from Frank Van Zant, starting back in the 1960s. Peruse five acres of buildings and more than 200 sculptures! The site is so impressive, it was deemed a Nevada State Historic Site in 1992. Find Thunder Mountain Monument on Interstate 80. It is open to the public.
Many know Lee Canyon as a ski resort that draws large crowds each winter, but did you know that the canyon is just as magnificent every season of the year? Located only 35 miles from Las Vegas, the Spring Mountains in Clark County calls all outdoor and nature lovers to come and play. Hike among the ancient Bristlecone Pines, mountain bike through spectacular scenery, or even take a mountainside yoga class. The options are seemingly endless at Lee Canyon, one of Nevada’s most pristine hidden gems.
It wouldn’t be Nevada without something on the stranger side of things on the list! This motel calls itself, "America’s Scariest Motel," and it may not be far from the truth. Guests find themselves in themed rooms inspired by horror films like the Exorcist and Halloween. While the motel draws paranormal investigators, clown lovers, and even film makers, many come simply for the spectacle that is The Clown Motel. Find it in Tonopah, Nevada, and if you’re feeling brave enough, we recommend you stay a night!
What could be stranger than a clown-themed motel? Why, a taxidermy shop, of course! Situated in Reno, Nevada, this shop of curiosities is run by a mother and daughter team set on wowing customers with their wide collection of taxidermy animals. Feel as if you’re in an exotic garden as you browse aisles of plants, preserved animals, and even fossils. Natural Selection is a unique shopping experience to say the least!
And finally, we come to The Black Mailbox, one of the most secretive hidden gems in Nevada. Shrouded in mystery and lore, this Area 51 mailbox has culminated in a staunch following of believers. Famous Area 51 employee, Bob Lazar, has claimed that the location of the mailbox is perfect for reaching and communicating with alien life. What would you say to an alien if you had the chance? Visit to leave your message inside The Black Mailbox, located on the Extraterrestrial Highway. You just might receive an otherworldly reply.
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Whether you're looking for off-beat attractions in Nevada, things to do in Nevada, or simply the best hidden gems in Nevada, we sure hope this list has come in handy. It's time to get excited about all the sightseeing possibilities that await in Nevada! Make it a year like no other by visiting the state’s most unique hidden gems. The only thing left to do is pack your bags!
Do you have any hidden gems in Nevada of your own that you’d like to add to this list? Feel free to share it with us in the comments -- we would love to hear from you!
