Nevadans have long been aware that desert landscapes are some of the most fascinating places to explore. Contrary to popular belief, our deserts are full of life and extraordinary wonders. They're hiding the most incredible plant life, wildlife, and even some of the strangest natural wonders you'll ever see. For example, most people don't realize there's a giant boiling hot spring hiding smack dab in the middle of the remote desert. This hidden hot spring is much too hot to soak in (although you'll find soakable hot springs nearby), but it's a fascinating sight that you definitely have to see with your own eyes.
Hiding in a remote section of Nevada's Monitor Valley, approximately 70 miles away from both Austin and Eureka, is a geologic wonder known as Diana's Punchbowl. Also referred to as Devil's Cauldron, this hidden hot spring is a fascinating gem that you have to see to believe.
Access to Diana's Punchbowl is available by a 35-mile gravel road that is manageable by most vehicles, but be aware that you might come across some particularly muddy sections. We aren't kidding around when we say this region is as remote as it gets, so be sure to come prepared!
Prepare to be in total awe once you arrive at this strange geothermal feature. The Punchbowl is a cup-shaped depression into a 75-foot mound on the valley's surace. It's a mind-blowing sight amid such a desolate region of the Nevada desert.
The base of the Punchbowl is about 600-feet in diameter and contains a steaming, bright blue pond of hot water. Temperatures usually range in between 140 and 180 degrees which is much too hot for soaking in. It's practically boiling!
You definitely don't want to test these blazing hot waters. However, if you're in the mood for soaking you'll find that a stream flows out from the cauldron and creates smaller pools where the temperature is lower, and therefore soakable.
This geologic oddity is well-worth the long drive into the desert. After all, you don't see too many of these types of hot springs laying around! You can only imagine just how long it took for the earth to form such a unique feature.
The steep, narrow walls of the cauldron make you dizzy as you peer over them. Use caution when exploring this extraordinary natural wonder and keep a close eye on children and pets. This is definitely one of those places that reminds us of the many lovely surprises hiding within our Nevada landscape.
Seeing the northern lights - also known as aurora borealis - is something that's on almost everyone's bucket list. Most people think that you have to visit somewhere like Alaska, Canada, Iceland, or Scandinavia to see them, but that's not true. In fact, you have a chance to see them anywhere above the 40th parallel in the winter, and lucky for us, northern Nevada falls within that parameter. Read on to learn more about this incredible natural phenomenon and learn how you can perhaps see the northern lights of 2024 Nevada yourself.
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Editor’s note: The following images do not show the northern lights in Nevada but images of the northern lights captured from other locations around the world.
The northern lights are spectacular. Watching colorful light dance in the sky is an experience that you'll never forget.
This amazing natural phenomenon happens when energized particles from the sun hit the Earth's upper atmosphere at incredibly high speeds. When the Earth's magnetic field redirects the lights to the poles, incredible colors are created.
Granted, the intensity and appearance of these lights increase the further north you go, but you do have a chance to see them in northern Nevada, and anywhere in the continental United States that lies above the 40th parallel.
For the best chances of seeing the northern lights, wait for an evening with no clouds in the forecast. Drive out to a very dark area, and then look to the sky and wait.
To help you predict the best time to go look for the northern lights of 2024 Nevada, visit the Space Weather Prediction Center's Aurora Viewline page. It will help you determine the best times to strike out on your mission. Good luck!
Going on a road trip to see the aurora borealis? Don't forget to pack some snacks!
The state of Nevada is fascinating and mysterious in that it has many surprising natural wonders often hidden in plain sight. It may appear to be a desolate state without much to offer to those who are simply driving through it on the main interstates, but what many fail to recognize is that Nevada offers some of the most otherworldly, diverse, and beautiful landscapes in the country. You owe it to yourself to add these incredible natural wonders in Nevada to your travel destination bucket list.
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Best Gorges & Canyons In Nevada
Nevada is a geologic wonderland as evidenced by the many rugged and awe-inspiring gorges and canyons that can be found across the Silver State. But the canyons and gorges below stand apart from the rest for their surreal beauty.
Wow Factor: Otherworldly landscape and fascinating geologic formations, caves, spires, and more
Cost: $5 entrance fee for Nevada vehicles, $10 entrance fee for non-Nevada vehicles
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The fascinating Cathedral Gorge State Park is as otherworldly as it is beautiful. Located in southeastern Nevada, the landscape you'll find here is the result of erosive geologic and volcanic processes spanning tens of millions of years. Walk one of the park's trails that wind through towering sandstone and bentonite clay spires. Bring your camera so you can capture these incredible geologic formations found at one of Nevada's first state parks. There's even a well-maintained campground in the park with standard sites and electric hookups for those who fancy a multiple-day stay at this amazing place.
Wow Factor: Colorful sandstone formations and towering cliffs along a very scenic drive
Cost: Visitors can purchase a Scenic Drive 1-Day Personal Vehicle Entrypass for $20 per vehicle (or $10 per motorcycle), or you can reserve one of the limited Fee Free Day Tickets in advance, which are only offered on a select number of days throughout the year. Closed December and January
Located just 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada is the stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. There are a handful of ways to explore this beautiful natural wonder, but the most common is via the 13-mile scenic drive that loops around the park. You can also hike, bike, and horseback ride along one of the 26 trails that weave through the park as you admire the beautiful rock formations all around you. Additionally, you can camp overnight at the well-maintained campground. Just remember that you'll need a timed entry reservation for any day you plan to enter and explore the park. But it is well worth the advanced planning and the nominal fee to explore Nevada's first National Conservation Area and all its geologic wonder.
Wow Factor: Panoramic mountain vistas that seem out of place for Nevada
Cost: No entrance fee
The serene and picturesque Lamoille Canyon is found in the northeastern reaches of Nevada. Framed by the towering Ruby Mountains, this 12-mile-long canyon was sculpted by glaciers during a previous ice age. It is now a lush and sweeping landscape that seems out of place in such a barren and semi-arid climate like that found in Nevada. This high-elevation canyon offers plenty of hiking trails for hikers to enjoy, as well as fishing opportunities at Lamoille Lake and the nearby Dollar Lakes. If you're searching for a taste of mountain scenery and cooler temperatures on a hot summer day, Lamoille Canyon is the respite you need.
Best Caves In Nevada
Expect the unexpected when it comes to exploring Nevada's geologic wonders. Nevada's cave system alone is worth the visit, not only for its historical significance but also for the caves' sheer size and beauty.
Wow Factor: Expansive cave system with guided tours
Cost: Lodge Room and Grand Palace Tours are available in the summertime; Grand Palace Tours are $15 per adult and $8 per child, and Lodge Room Tours are $12 per adult and $6 per child. Due to popularity and the likelihood of selling out, please reserve your tours at least 30 days in advance. Entrance into Great Basin National Park is free
The incredible Lehman Caves is Nevada's longest cave system and is certainly its most impressive. Located within Great Basin National Park, which itself is free to visitors, tours of Lehman Caves have been ongoing since 1885 and now must be reserved in advance. The tours will lead you through a labyrinth of caves and the many impressive stalactites and stalagmites you'll encounter along the way. You'll also learn a great deal about the cave's history of discovery and exploration, as well as its delicate geology and ecosystem. You'll be truly amazed by the scale and beauty of Lehman Caves.
Wow Factor: Beautiful sandstone formations carved into a copper-colored cave
Cost: Valley of Fire State Park requires an entrance fee of $10 for Nevada vehicles and $15 for non-Nevada vehicles
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Windstone Arch has been a beloved geologic wonder within Valley of Fire State Park for decades. Fire Cave, also known as Goblin Cave, is accessed via Scenic Drive and then a very short hike to the cave itself. This cave is very small, and the arch pictured here was very recently destroyed, but it is unclear if this was due to natural forces or human vandalism. It is still a beautiful cave and worthy of visiting. As always, please remember to leave the natural landscape untouched and preserved.
Wow Factor: This cave is historically significant in that it has been occupied by people since 2580 BC, over 4,000 years.
Cost: No entrance fee
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Lovelock Cave is an important piece of archaeological history that is located within the vast desert landscape in northern Nevada that once belonged to the Northern Paiute Native Americans. Initially discovered by guano miners in 1911, over 60 years of excavation, an astonishing excess of 10,000 ancient artifacts were uncovered in this cave. It is believed that this cave was a sacred place to the Native American tribe that once utilized it, and due to its archeological significance, it is critical that visitors leave the site undisturbed. But it is a fascinating site to visit for history and archeology lovers, as well as for anyone who has an appreciation for our region's ancient past.
Best Waterfalls In Nevada
Nevada may be the driest state in the country, but for those who know where to look, there are still quite a few places to find respite and renewal by a river, lake, or waterfall. Below are some of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in the state.
Wow Factor: A surprisingly picturesque waterfall for such a dry state like Nevada
Cost: No entrance fee
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Kings Canyon Waterfalls are located just outside of Carson City, Nevada, and a stone's throw from Lake Tahoe. To access the falls, you'll need to hike a 0.6-mile trail that is rated as moderately challenging. Hikers will need to prepare for some incline on the Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail, but the end destination is more than worth the effort. After all, it's rare to find a waterfall as idyllic in the driest state in the country!
Wow Factor: This waterfall is a hidden gem and thus is unlikely to be crowded
Cost: No entrance fee
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The illustrious and remote Big Falls are found tucked away in a canyon on Mount Charleston, not too far from the more popular (but more crowded) Mary Jane Falls. These towering falls are arguably much more impressive than the aforementioned falls due to the falls' height and location off the beaten path. Be sure to download AllTrails+ so that you can download the offline trail maps (including topographic and satellite maps) to ensure you don't lose your way, as the portion of the trail that branches off to these falls is not clearly marked. But if you make a trip in the summer months, that water should be flowing, and it's quite a site to witness.
Wow Factor: Impressive 30-foot waterfalls that usually flow year-round (if they don't freeze!)
Cost: No entrance or parking fees
Touted as the best semi-urban trail near Reno, Hunter Creek Trail is 5.7 miles long. Although rated as moderate, most hikers find the ascent very doable as it is mostly gradual over time. At the end, you'll reach the impressive Hunter Creek Falls, which towers 30 feet in height and flows quite heavily during the summertime. In the winter, if cold enough, the falls sometimes partially or fully freeze over, creating a beautiful winter scene. Needless to say, this trail and the waterfalls they lead to are worthy of exploring any time of year.
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Best Overlooks & Scenic Vistas In Nevada
Nevada is nothing if not scenic. Prepare to be blown away by some of the jaw-dropping views that can be discovered around the state. We've selected a handful of our favorite destinations that are sure to steal your breath away.
Wow Factor: Pristine alpine beauty tucked away in the mountain wilderness in Great Basin National Park
Cost: There is no entrance fee in Great Basin National Park
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Pristine water as clear as glass reflecting the towering mountains in the distance: you're looking at the idyllic Stella Lake. Located within Great Basin National Park, Stella Lake easily makes the list as one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Nevada. To access it, you'll need to first drive Wheeler Scenic Drive to the Bristlecone Parking Area next to the campground. You'll see the trailhead for Stella Lake Trail, which is only 2.1 miles out and back and is rated for moderate difficulty due to elevation gain. But this may be the most spectacular view in the whole park, so we highly recommend you visit Stella Lake if you can.
Wow Factor: Impressive dam, power plant, and the expansive Lake Mead
Cost: Parking on the Nevada side of the Hoover Dam costs $10, but it is free to walk the dam itself. You can take a guided tour inside the Hoover Dam for $15 per adult and $12 per child
Situated within the Mojave Desert about 30 miles east of Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is responsible for the creation of Lake Mead, a large reservoir along the Colorado River. You can walk along the top of the dam for no charge to get a glimpse of this other-worldly view of the dam, the power plant, and the reservoir itself. When completely full, the reservoir is, by volume, the largest reservoir in the country. While the water levels are much lower than they once were due to a combination of anthropogenic and climatic factors, it is still an impressive sight to behold.
Wow Factor: A fascinating geologic feature in an incredibly remote location
Cost: No entrance fee
The Lunar Crater's name may be a bit of a misnomer, but this amazing natural landmark is no less bewildering and awe-inspiring to witness. The crater is roughly 430 feet deep and was formed by an explosive eruption that occurs when groundwater comes into contact with lava. This "maar" - the geologic name assigned to such craters formed by these volcanic explosions - is now a National Natural Landmark. Just be forewarned that this crater and the extensive volcanic field that surrounds it is roughly 80 miles away from the nearest town, so be sure to have plenty of fuel and water before you make the trip out.
Best Rock Formations in Nevada
Nevada is a state of endless geologic beauty and wonder, and this is evidenced by exploring the vast and numerous rock formations across the state. If these fascinating geologic wonders don't leave your jaw on the floor, we don't know what will.
Wow Factor: Vibrant red sandstone rock formations sweep across this desert landscape
Cost: Nevada residents may enter the park for $10 per vehicle, and non-Nevada residents may enter the park for $15 per vehicle
You will be hard-pressed to find a desert landscape that is more colorful and mesmerizing than that found at Valley of Fire State Park. Just beyond the sparkling Las Vegas lights lies this magical landscape where vibrant red sandstone formations bewilder the imagination. Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest state park, so designated in 1935. 46,000 acres of otherworldly beauty stretch out before you as you enter the park, and endless hiking trails lead you to magical destinations such as the infamous Fire Wave formation, shown in the foreground here. History buffs will love the park, given that it is known to have been inhabited since 300 BC, and many ancient petroglyphs remain within the park today.
Jutting out of the barren desert landscape in far southeastern Nevada are these fin-shaped red Aztec sandstone formations in an area known as Little Finland. Located within Gold Butte National Monument, Little Finland is an area where these alien rock formations have been shaped and eroded by the elements over 150 to 200 million years. These intricate rock formations are fascinating all on their own, but you'll also find ancient petroglyphs etched on the rock walls nearby.
Cost: Nevada residents may enter the park for $10 per vehicle, and non-Nevada residents may enter the park for $15 per vehicle
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Elephant Rock is one of the most fascinating and unusual rock formations found in Valley of Fire State Park. It's also quite easy to access, given its location just off the Valley of Fire Highway with its own designated parking lot. You'll want to explore every angle of this fascinating rock formation and arch that looks awfully similar to the trunk of an elephant; you'll surely see the resemblance! A bonus tip for photographers: we recommend visiting at sunrise or in the morning hours for the best lighting opportunities on Elephant Rock. But it's a beautiful place to visit year-round and at any time of day. Be sure to make this a bucket list destination if you plan to visit Valley of Fire State Park in the near future.
Unique Natural Wonders in Nevada
Unique natural wonders are in ample supply across the state of Nevada. You'll be hard-pressed to find a state more geologically diverse and awe-inspiring. Below are a handful of the most unique natural wonders you'll find across the Silver State.
Wow Factor: It is the largest alpine lake in North America and the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Cost: No entrance fees generally speaking, but usually there is paid parking around the perimeter of the lake. Additionally, certain areas such as Sand Harbor, Spooner Lake, and Cave Rock do require an admission fee of $10 for Nevadans and $15 for non-Nevadans.
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If you've never visited Lake Tahoe before, you owe it to add it to your travel bucket list. Not only is its size impressive, but it also contains some of the purest lakewater in the world. It was even designated as an Outstanding National Resource Water under the federal Clean Water Act. But aside from its pure waters, the lake itself is arguably one of the most stunning lakes in the country, with tranquil coves and inlets and beautiful mountains framing almost its entire circumference. The lake borders California and the Nevada side offers just as many stunning viewpoints as its neighboring side, and even offers a ski resort aptly named Heavenly Mountain Resort. You'll want to carve out several days (at least) to explore all the beauty at Lake Tahoe. The lakeside restaurants are worth a visit as well, while you're at it.
Wow Factor: Unique history, geology, and an island in the center of the lake
Cost: No admission fee
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Pyramid Lake in western Nevada is as captivating as it is beautiful, given its unique history and formation. It is the largest of only two remnant lakes that were originally part of Lake Lahontan, a much larger lake that dried up about 9,000 years ago. Pyramid Lake today offers pristine waters and world-class fishing and recreation to its visitors. Last but not least, its geology is fascinating in that it contains some of the best Tufa deposits you'll likely ever find, and its island rises like a pyramid in the center of the lake, contributing not only to its name but also to its unique beauty.
Wow Factor: Extremely rugged and remote terrain, diverse wildlife and geologic features
Cost: No entrance fee
When it comes to exploring Nevada's remote beauty, the High Rock Canyon Wilderness is a must-see. Framed by towering mountain ranges in northern Nevada, this seemingly untouched wilderness will transport you seemingly thousands of miles away from the noise and chaos of life. Wind through expansive canyons and the desolate desert landscape as you immerse yourself in the quiet of nature. Make your visit to High Rock Canyon Wilderness a day trip, or even better, carve out several days to hike and explore this 46,464-acre paradise.
Have you explored any of these amazing natural wonders in Nevada? If not, which one are you most excited to add to your travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!
