It’s almost the end of 2016 and that means it’s almost time for New Year’s resolutions. We’ve looked at many amazing places in Nevada over the last year. Let’s do a review and resolve to make a plan to visit some (or all!) of these unforgettable Nevada locations.
- Hoover Dam
Allan/Flickr Hoover Dam is an incredibly impressive site up close and you can even take tours down inside the dam to see the operations. Almost one million people each year take the tour!
- Lake Mead
sushiesque/Flickr You can’t miss visiting Lake Mead if you’re going to see Hoover Dam. The lake is the largest reservoir in the county and you can enjoy hiking, boating, dining cruises, scuba diving and other fun activities.
- Virginia City
Jasperdo/Flickr Virginia City is a rustic town that looks not so different from when it was first founded in 1859 with the Comstock Lode discovery. Old West history buffs will love strolling along the town’s main streets and visiting the shops and museums.
- Stokes Castle
Don Barrett/Flickr Stokes Castle, near Austin, is an interesting tower that was built by a mine and railroad magnate back int he 1800s. The tower is uninhabited and the insides are off limits, but you’ll enjoy walking around the structure, as well as a sojourn into nearby Austin.
- Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
The Eye Sees What The Mind Believes/Flickr This lovely park is part of the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. The park features summer theater events, living history programs, and tours of the ranch house. It’s also a gorgeous spot for picnicking.
- Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area
llee_wu/Flickr Considered Nevada’s own “Grand Canyon,” the stunning red rock cliffs of the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area make sure an incredible recreation spot just a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Over 2 million people go to Red Rock each year to hike, climb, bike, horseback ride, picnic and just take in the beauty of the Nevada outdoors.
- Genoa
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr Genoa is a charming town near Reno and the first settlement in the state of Nevada. The town has maintained much of its Old West history and the historic district, known as the Mormon Station, contains some incredible examples of Late Victorian architecture.
- Lamoille Canyon & the Ruby Mountains
Antti/Flickr The Ruby Mountains is located in Elko county in the northeastern part of the state. Lamoille Canyon is a 12 mile long valley which makes it the biggest valley in the mountain range. The area is known for beautiful alpine views, water falls and aspen forests.
- Sand Mountain
pieboy75/Flickr The “singing sand dunes” of Sand Mountain are two miles long and 600 feet high. Aside from the odd noise made by the shifting sands, this place is a natural wonder for ATV lovers, hikes and sandboarders. History buffs will also enjoy the remains of the Pony Express station from 1860.
- Thunder Mountain Mounument
leiris202/Flickr This unusual roadside attraction was built by artist Frank Van Zant AKA Chief Rolling Thunder. The sculpture is built entirely from scrap metal and other found items. The five acres are situated off the I-80 and there are more than 200 sculptures and three buildings to see.
- Lake Tahoe
Don Graham/Flickr Lake Tahoe lies in both Nevada and California and is the largest alpine lake in the North American continent. Lake Tahoe is a beautiful spot to visit no matter what time of year you come. There are incredible outdoor activities available including hiking with one-of-a-kind scenic views, skiing, mountain biking, and so much more. The tourist areas around the lake also have a wealth of dining, lodging and casino options.
- Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Travel Nevada/Flickr This protected wildlife refuge can be found in Southwestern Nevada, not far from Death Valley National Park. The highlight of Ash Meadows are the natural springs that are formed from “fossil water” which are thought to have come into the ground water system thousands and thousands of years ago. The springs are known for their striking aquamarine color.
- Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark
The Shared Experience/Flickr This incredible sight is like something from the moon (hence the name!) The crater was formed from volcanic activity and is 430 feet deep. The crater is one of only six national natural landmarks.
- Cathedral Gorge State Park
Frank Kovalchek/Flickr If you love dramatic cliff formations and rock colorings, you will delight in the Cathedral Gorge State Park. Here you can find many unique geological formations and slot canyons that lead to some terrific hiking and photography opportunities. There are also camping and picnicking facilities.
- Cave Lake State Park
Travel Nevada/Flickr This park has 32 acres of hiking trails, camping spots and the Cafe Lake reservoir. It’s a hugely popular spot for fishing, including ice fishing in the winter. During the warmer months boating and swimming are some of the major recreation choices, whereas ice skating, snow mobiling and cross country skiing are favorite winter options.
- Jarbidge
Jeremy Michael/Flickr Jarbidge is a tiny town in Elko County that’s a fun spot to visit while appreciating the nearby Jarbidge Wilderness Area. The town has many historical buildings, including an “old West-style” jail you can visit. The wilderness has some truly stunning scenery and is an outdoor recreation paradise, with some first-class fishing areas, as well as camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and nature photography/viewing options.
- Gardnerville
Jasperdo/Flickr Gardnerville, located in Douglas County, is one of Nevada’s many small towns rich with the history of the state. There’s a strong Danish and Basque influence on the architecture and cuisine of the town. You can enjoy a walk down the town’s main street to look at the buildings or enjoy some outdoor recreation in the many lovely parks in Gardnerville.
- Pyramid Lake
rocor/Flickr Pyarmid Lake is one of the largest lakes in Nevada and is known for the blue to gray coloring of the lake depending on the light. It’s also known for the many unique rock formations along and near the shore. In addition to it’s unique natural beauty, it’s also known for incredible fishing and is the only habitat for the Cui-ui fish. You can also enjoy boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the lake, as well as hiking and mountain biking in the areas surrounding its natural beauty.
- Great Basin National Park
Frank Kovalchek/Flickr This national park is fairly new, having been established in 1986. The park has stunning alpine views and is a beautiful spot for hiking and camping. You can also visit the Lehman Caves in the park The Bristlecone Pine, one of the oldest organisms on earth, can be found in many groves on the peaks. National Geographic called the park one of the most underappreciated parks in the U.S. The park is also the site of a new observatory, completed in 2016, and is a first class spot for star gazing.
- Valley of Fire State Park
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr A National Natural Landmark, and the oldest state park in Nevada, the Valley of Fire is truly one of a kind. Here you can find 42,000 acres of sandstone rock formations in several shapes and hues. The park gets its name from the red tones of the rock and the appearance of being “on fire” when the sun’s rays hit the rocks at certain points. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping and photography here, as well as enjoying the history of the place with the many ancient petroglyphs to be found on the rock formations.
- The LINQ Promenade and the High Roller
Jusin Ennis/Flickr If you love Las Vegas, the LINQ Promenade is a new outdoor shopping,dining and entertainment spot on the Strip. The highlight of the LINQ is the “High Roller,” a 550-foot observation wheel (like a Ferris wheel, but with enclosed cabins instead of seats!). It’s actually the tallest in the world and you can have some amazing views of Las Vegas and the mountains surrounding the area. Take it a night for a view of all the lights for a different experience.
- Big Bend of the Colorado Park
Lizbeth N./Flickr Big Bend began in 1996 and is located at the Colorado River by Laughlin. The park has some exquisite views of the mountains, desert and the mighty Colorado River. There are all sorts of fun outdoor recreation choices hear, including fishing, swimming, boating, camping, hiking and simply enjoying a lovely picnic by the river. You can also take a break from the outdoor sun and visit Laughlin for casino, dining and entertainment fun.
- Galena Creek Regional Park
Healther M./Yelp Part of the Humbold-Toiyabe National Forest, this park is an absolute gem for outdoor lovers. There’s a wide variety of hiking trails with forest and alpine views. The park has many nicely outfitted picnic areas. It’s also a popular spot in the winter for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding.
- Logandale Trails System
Logandale Trails Facebook Page Off-road vehicle enthusiasts, hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians in Southern Nevada are big fans of the Logandale Trails System. Here you can find 200 miles of trails with some stunning desert and mountain views. It’s also a spot for petroglyph viewing for history lovers.
- Tonopah
Craig Mirkin/Flickr Tonopah is called the “Queen of the Silver Camps” because of its history arising from the silver mining boom in the 1900s. It’s a great town to visit if you love Old West and mining history. Some popular attractions are the Historic Mining Park and the town cemetery, as well as several ghost towns close by. Tonopah is also a top national location for star gazing - in fact, USA Today rated it as a number one spot for star gazing due to its dark skies.
Get that resolution list for 2017 ready! What’s your first choice of place to visit? Share in the comments!
Allan/Flickr
Hoover Dam is an incredibly impressive site up close and you can even take tours down inside the dam to see the operations. Almost one million people each year take the tour!
sushiesque/Flickr
You can’t miss visiting Lake Mead if you’re going to see Hoover Dam. The lake is the largest reservoir in the county and you can enjoy hiking, boating, dining cruises, scuba diving and other fun activities.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Virginia City is a rustic town that looks not so different from when it was first founded in 1859 with the Comstock Lode discovery. Old West history buffs will love strolling along the town’s main streets and visiting the shops and museums.
Don Barrett/Flickr
Stokes Castle, near Austin, is an interesting tower that was built by a mine and railroad magnate back int he 1800s. The tower is uninhabited and the insides are off limits, but you’ll enjoy walking around the structure, as well as a sojourn into nearby Austin.
The Eye Sees What The Mind Believes/Flickr
This lovely park is part of the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. The park features summer theater events, living history programs, and tours of the ranch house. It’s also a gorgeous spot for picnicking.
llee_wu/Flickr
Considered Nevada’s own “Grand Canyon,” the stunning red rock cliffs of the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area make sure an incredible recreation spot just a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Over 2 million people go to Red Rock each year to hike, climb, bike, horseback ride, picnic and just take in the beauty of the Nevada outdoors.
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
Genoa is a charming town near Reno and the first settlement in the state of Nevada. The town has maintained much of its Old West history and the historic district, known as the Mormon Station, contains some incredible examples of Late Victorian architecture.
Antti/Flickr
The Ruby Mountains is located in Elko county in the northeastern part of the state. Lamoille Canyon is a 12 mile long valley which makes it the biggest valley in the mountain range. The area is known for beautiful alpine views, water falls and aspen forests.
pieboy75/Flickr
The “singing sand dunes” of Sand Mountain are two miles long and 600 feet high. Aside from the odd noise made by the shifting sands, this place is a natural wonder for ATV lovers, hikes and sandboarders. History buffs will also enjoy the remains of the Pony Express station from 1860.
leiris202/Flickr
This unusual roadside attraction was built by artist Frank Van Zant AKA Chief Rolling Thunder. The sculpture is built entirely from scrap metal and other found items. The five acres are situated off the I-80 and there are more than 200 sculptures and three buildings to see.
Don Graham/Flickr
Lake Tahoe lies in both Nevada and California and is the largest alpine lake in the North American continent. Lake Tahoe is a beautiful spot to visit no matter what time of year you come. There are incredible outdoor activities available including hiking with one-of-a-kind scenic views, skiing, mountain biking, and so much more. The tourist areas around the lake also have a wealth of dining, lodging and casino options.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
This protected wildlife refuge can be found in Southwestern Nevada, not far from Death Valley National Park. The highlight of Ash Meadows are the natural springs that are formed from “fossil water” which are thought to have come into the ground water system thousands and thousands of years ago. The springs are known for their striking aquamarine color.
The Shared Experience/Flickr
This incredible sight is like something from the moon (hence the name!) The crater was formed from volcanic activity and is 430 feet deep. The crater is one of only six national natural landmarks.
Frank Kovalchek/Flickr
If you love dramatic cliff formations and rock colorings, you will delight in the Cathedral Gorge State Park. Here you can find many unique geological formations and slot canyons that lead to some terrific hiking and photography opportunities. There are also camping and picnicking facilities.
This park has 32 acres of hiking trails, camping spots and the Cafe Lake reservoir. It’s a hugely popular spot for fishing, including ice fishing in the winter. During the warmer months boating and swimming are some of the major recreation choices, whereas ice skating, snow mobiling and cross country skiing are favorite winter options.
Jeremy Michael/Flickr
Jarbidge is a tiny town in Elko County that’s a fun spot to visit while appreciating the nearby Jarbidge Wilderness Area. The town has many historical buildings, including an “old West-style” jail you can visit. The wilderness has some truly stunning scenery and is an outdoor recreation paradise, with some first-class fishing areas, as well as camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and nature photography/viewing options.
Gardnerville, located in Douglas County, is one of Nevada’s many small towns rich with the history of the state. There’s a strong Danish and Basque influence on the architecture and cuisine of the town. You can enjoy a walk down the town’s main street to look at the buildings or enjoy some outdoor recreation in the many lovely parks in Gardnerville.
rocor/Flickr
Pyarmid Lake is one of the largest lakes in Nevada and is known for the blue to gray coloring of the lake depending on the light. It’s also known for the many unique rock formations along and near the shore. In addition to it’s unique natural beauty, it’s also known for incredible fishing and is the only habitat for the Cui-ui fish. You can also enjoy boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the lake, as well as hiking and mountain biking in the areas surrounding its natural beauty.
This national park is fairly new, having been established in 1986. The park has stunning alpine views and is a beautiful spot for hiking and camping. You can also visit the Lehman Caves in the park The Bristlecone Pine, one of the oldest organisms on earth, can be found in many groves on the peaks. National Geographic called the park one of the most underappreciated parks in the U.S. The park is also the site of a new observatory, completed in 2016, and is a first class spot for star gazing.
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
A National Natural Landmark, and the oldest state park in Nevada, the Valley of Fire is truly one of a kind. Here you can find 42,000 acres of sandstone rock formations in several shapes and hues. The park gets its name from the red tones of the rock and the appearance of being “on fire” when the sun’s rays hit the rocks at certain points. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping and photography here, as well as enjoying the history of the place with the many ancient petroglyphs to be found on the rock formations.
Jusin Ennis/Flickr
If you love Las Vegas, the LINQ Promenade is a new outdoor shopping,dining and entertainment spot on the Strip. The highlight of the LINQ is the “High Roller,” a 550-foot observation wheel (like a Ferris wheel, but with enclosed cabins instead of seats!). It’s actually the tallest in the world and you can have some amazing views of Las Vegas and the mountains surrounding the area. Take it a night for a view of all the lights for a different experience.
Lizbeth N./Flickr
Big Bend began in 1996 and is located at the Colorado River by Laughlin. The park has some exquisite views of the mountains, desert and the mighty Colorado River. There are all sorts of fun outdoor recreation choices hear, including fishing, swimming, boating, camping, hiking and simply enjoying a lovely picnic by the river. You can also take a break from the outdoor sun and visit Laughlin for casino, dining and entertainment fun.
Healther M./Yelp
Part of the Humbold-Toiyabe National Forest, this park is an absolute gem for outdoor lovers. There’s a wide variety of hiking trails with forest and alpine views. The park has many nicely outfitted picnic areas. It’s also a popular spot in the winter for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding.
Logandale Trails Facebook Page
Off-road vehicle enthusiasts, hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians in Southern Nevada are big fans of the Logandale Trails System. Here you can find 200 miles of trails with some stunning desert and mountain views. It’s also a spot for petroglyph viewing for history lovers.
Craig Mirkin/Flickr
Tonopah is called the “Queen of the Silver Camps” because of its history arising from the silver mining boom in the 1900s. It’s a great town to visit if you love Old West and mining history. Some popular attractions are the Historic Mining Park and the town cemetery, as well as several ghost towns close by. Tonopah is also a top national location for star gazing - in fact, USA Today rated it as a number one spot for star gazing due to its dark skies.
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