Nevada is a state that’s filled with natural beauty. From mountains and canyons to rivers to lakes, and more, we have so many awe-inspiring places in the Silver State to explore. And here are 15 of the most beautiful places in Nevada that will blow you away, and in my opinion, they are worthy of your bucket list this year. So, are you ready to explore these scenic places in Nevada? Let’s go!:
1. Ruby Mountains - Elko County
The Ruby Mountains provide excellent backpacking and hiking opportunities.
2. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is an American icon. Easily one of the prettiest and most popular lakes in the country, Lake Tahoe sits on the state line between California and Nevada, surrounded by the majestic, snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Located at 6,225 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe is the highest alpine lake in the country, as well as the second deepest. But superlatives aside, it's absolutely ravishing. The cold, crystal-clear waters of this lake are mesmerizing, and really provoke a sense of awe and wonder. Lake Tahoe is often lauded as one of the most beautiful places in the country, and it really does deserve each and every word of praise.
3. Jarbidge Wilderness - Elko County
The Jarbidge Wilderness consists of 113,167 acres of high mountains and deep glaciated canyons.
4. Mount Charleston - Clark County
With an elevation of 11,916 ft, Mount Charleston is the highest mountain in both the Spring Mountains and Clark County.
5. Lamoille Canyon
Approximately 12 miles in length, Lamoille Canyon is the largest valley in the Ruby Mountains.
6. Floyd Lamb Park - Las Vegas
Floyd Lamb Park spans more than 2,000 acres and features beautiful lakes and wildlife.
7. Valley of Fire State Park - Overton
With an area of nearly 42,000 acres, Valley of Fire is Nevada's largest state park. It's also the state's oldest state park, having been dedicated in 1935. During your first visit to the park, you'll instantly understand why the park received its name. Consisting of nearly 46,000 acres, vibrant red rock formations stretch for as far as the eye can see. It's an astonishing thing to witness with your own eyes!
8. Truckee River
The Truckee River flows for 121 miles and is the sole outlet of Lake Tahoe.
9. Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden - Henderson
Ethel M.’s Botanical Garden is a four-acre botanical cactus garden located at the eponymous Chocolate Factory in Henderson, just south of Las Vegas. It's home to 300 species of plants ranging from ornamental, cacti, and other succulents native to the American Southwest, as well as desert trees and shrubs from the Southwestern U.S., Australia, and South America. It's the largest botanical cactus garden of its kind in all of Nevada -- and among the largest in the world, in fact. Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden is a completely unexpected treasure that will challenge everything you thought you knew about Nevada.
10. Cathedral Gorge State Park - Panaca
Covering 1,608 acres, Cathedral Gorge State Park features a gorge eroded through soft bentonite clay.
11. Lake Mead
When full, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States - in terms of maximum water capacity.
12. Tonopah, Nevada
Tonopah's magical nighttime sky is what makes the town such a beautiful place. As a matter of fact, Tonopah has been rated "#1 Stargazing Destination in America" by USA Today.
13. Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is, surprisingly, one of the least-visited National Parks in the U.S. Not far from the Loneliest Road in America (Highway 50), this remote paradise offers solitude for those who want to camp, hike, or simply enjoy the beautiful backcountry in peace and quiet. At this 77,180-acre park, you will find geological oddities, mountain streams, alpine lakes, and many, many hidden gems!
14. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Las Vegas
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is Nevada's first national conservation area and receives more than 1 million visitors yearly.
15. Lehman Caves
Located within Great Basin National Park, Lehman Caves features more than 300 rare shield formations.
Discover more about some of the best places to visit in Nevada from this YouTube video by touropia:
https://youtu.be/C9HVxEQ8iIA
The Silver State is such a natural beauty, isn't it? What do you consider to be the most scenic places in Nevada? Share them with us in the comments below!
Are you planning on exploring some of these scenic places in Nevada this year? Before you hit the highway, check out our ultimate road trip packing list guide for some great ideas.
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