Nevada is a state with immense natural beauty. From the dozens of mountain ranges to the myriad lakes and everything in between, the Silver State is rife with incredible natural attractions. When the weather is nice and vacations are on the mind, or at least day trips, anyway, here are ten of the most incredible natural attractions in Nevada that everyone should visit at least once. Trust us: these Nevada nature attractions are something amazing, and you’re sure to fall in love with this place all over again.
1. Mount Rose Wilderness, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest between Reno and Lake Tahoe, Mount Rose is Washoe County’s highest mountain within the Carson Range. The hike to the summit is gorgeous, decorated with wildflowers and a stunning waterfall. This is one area of Nevada that you simply must see; it's nothing short of incredibly breathtaking, and you're sure to remain under its amazing spell long after you've left.
Jarbidge Wilderness, and its nearby namesake remote and isolated town, covers 113,000 acres of picturesque mountains and valleys, more than 100 miles of hiking trails, fishing and camping opportunities, and wildflowers galore. This is truly a gorgeous area of Nevada you simply must visit. Should you visit in spring and summer, you're likely to encounter wildflowers that simply make the Jarbridge Wilderness one of the best areas in the state for nature lovers.
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3. Valley of Fire, Overton
Valley of Fire Highway, Valley of Fire Hwy, Nevada, USA
Lovers of highly unique geology with endless stories to tell, this one's for you. Chock full of amazingly stunning natural rock formations, the Valley of Fire is, perhaps, one of the most scenic, beautiful, and most photographed locations in all of Nevada. We don't blame anyone. We'd take lots of photos too.
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4. Cathedral Gorge, Panaca
Cathedral Gorge State Park, 111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV 89042, USA
Cathedral Gorge began with explosive volcanic activity in a long, narrow valley that, coupled with the ebb and flow of erosion over millions of years, resulted in the creation of stunning and dramatic patterns in the soft bentonite clay. Hikers, naturalists, and photographers will love spending a day in this gorgeous natural area. This is definitely a good one for those who love the Valley of Fire!
Red Rock Canyon, located just 30 minutes west of Las Vegas, is a conservation area full of stunning red sandstone peaks and walls called the Keystone Thrust. These majestic stone walls rise as high as 3,000 feet, making them a popular hiking and rock climbing destination. A scenic loop weaves throughout the canyon, and a visitor center provides information and history about the area. Who knew the wilderness of Nevada was so amazing?
Lake Tahoe straddles the Nevada-California border and is the highest alpine lake in the U.S. The gorgeous lake has a variety of activities: water sports, restaurants, concerts, and other entertainment. It's an experience to be had, even if you're not all that much of a nature lover - it's still positively enchanting.
7. Lehman Caves, Great Basin National Park, Baker
National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
Visiting Lehman Caves inside Great Basin National Park is like entering another world. This stunning marble cave is chock full of stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and more than 300 rare shield formations.
Even though Lake Mead is, in fact, a man-made reservoir, it merits inclusion on this list of natural beauty. Regardless of its creation, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in terms of water capacity in the US. Formed by the Hoover Dam, when full, Lake Mead is 112 miles long, 532 feet at its greatest depth, and has 759 miles of shoreline. However, due to drought conditions and increased water demand, Lake Mead has not reached its capacity since 1983. Nevertheless, it is still a beautiful natural wonder in southern Nevada.
Sloan Canyon has been called the Sistine Chapel of Native American rock art due to the myriad petroglyphs in the area. Archaeologists believe that more than 300 rock art panels with over 1,700 individual designs created by native cultures throughout history decorate these rocks. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the canyon, many of which take hikers past visible rock art. It's the closest you're ever going to get to real-time travel!
10. Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark, Tonopah
Lunar Crater is located approximately 75 miles from Tonopah and is thought to have been formed by volcanic activity. In addition to the 430-foot-deep crater, other volcanic formations include cinder cones, lava flows, elongated fissures, and ash hills. Located in the southern portion of the Pancake Range, this volcanic zone covers more than 100 square miles.
If incredible Nevada nature attractions are your cup of tea, you can’t go wrong exploring the Silver State. Our beautiful home state is chock full of beautiful mountains, lakes, rock formations, and primitive wilderness just waiting to be explored by those with a love of adventure.
Have you visited any of these incredible natural attractions in Nevada? Did we leave your favorite off the list? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments and let us know!
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