Posted in Nevada Nature April 03, 2022 by

These Two State Parks In Nevada Are Equally Amazing, Which Is Your Favorite?

Being able to call Nevada home means that we get the luxury of having some of America’s most beautiful and historic state parks right in our backyard. Just under an 8-hour drive away from each other are two of our state’s most jaw-dropping parks that everyone needs to visit. If you’ve grown up here, then chances are you most likely have visited both the Valley of Fire and Lake Tahoe State Parks. Which of these two state parks to visit in Nevada is the best?

So the question is: if it came down to it, which one would you recommend to a visitor? Which one of these wonderful getaways would you call your favorite? Let’s see what they have to offer!

First up, we have the Valley of Fire State Park.
Chirs J./Yelp
Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest and largest state park. You can find this other-worldly slice of heaven in the Mojave Desert open year-round.
The park covers 35,000 acres and has jaw-dropping geological formations.
Adrienne M./Yelp
Pictured above, you can see the Elephant Rock, a popular formation for visitors to stop and see. You'll also find petrified wood and other natural wonders while you're exploring.
And there's nothing quite like taking a drive along the Valley of Fire Highway.
Sum H./Yelp
If you're having one of those moments where nothing but a scenic drive can solve all of your problems, then taking a trip through the Valley of Fire may be perfect for you!
Being in the oldest state park in Nevada means you'll find yourself fascinated by all of its history.
Samuel Mann/Flickr
Built back in the 1930's for travelers, the historic cabins pictured above are a popular site to photograph. Nothing but stunning scenery, all throughout the park you'll find plenty of areas that have become favorite spots for newlyweds to take their wedding pictures. This area included.
There's nothing like visiting during spring while all of the plants are in bloom.
Samuel Mann/Flickr
There's nothing like seeing pops of color and floral features throughout Valley of Fire during the spring.
Like most of our state parks, you'll fall in love with the trails.
Ken Lund/Flickr
From hiking to easy picnics, there's nothing like dedicating time to exploring this vibrant valley. While walking along the trails, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for our unique wildlife!
Camping here is incredible, a truly once-in-a-life time experience.
Ray M./Yelp
Visitors from all over the country make the trip out to Valley of Fire to camp out and fully explore this amazing park.
Valley of Fire is a shutterbug's dream. You'll have a hard time believing that some of the pictures you take in this state park are even real.
Ania K./Yelp
From our fire waves to open blue skies, we'll send you home with a memory card full of unbelievable photos! There's no doubt that this is one of the best state parks in Nevada!
Next up, we have a state park that offers the complete opposite scenery - but it's ALSO one of the best parks in Nevada.
Prathamesh S/TripAdvisor
The crystal clear water and greenery surrounding you at Lake Tahoe State Park is a completely different setting than our Valley of Fire.
The trails you'll find at Lake Tahoe State Park are absolutely dreamy.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Here you'll find over 50-miles of hiking trails, bringing you through our own piece of paradise. One of the most popular trails to explore in this state park is the 4.4-mile long Flume Trail.
If you're into spending the day laid out on a huge sandy beach, then our popular Sand Harbor is the place for you.
Ken Lund/Flickr
55-acres of sandy beaches? Well, don't mind if we do!
As desirable as the desert can be, there's nothing like escaping away to the clear blue water of Lake Tahoe.
Violette54/TripAdvisor
As many of us already know, 40 percent of Lake Tahoe is made up of precipitated water that falls directly onto the lake, creating a heavenly body of water that's more clear than you could ever imagine!
Another reason to love this park? Spooner Lake Backcountry.
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
Offering you something the Valley of Fire can't, at Spooner Lake you'll be able to enjoy a day of catch and release fishing!
So, what's your final verdict? Valley of Fire State Park or Lake Tahoe State Park? If someone is looking for things to do outside in Nevada, either one is a wonderful option.
Daniel Meacham/Flickr
Do you prefer to be in the valley exploring our historical and natural formations? Or is getting a view of the water more appealing to you?

It’s hard to choose just one, or is it? I think we can all agree that these are two of the best state parks to visit in Nevada, and both deserve the title of best state parks in the state! If you’re not done exploring our state just yet, then check out these 12 Natural Wonders Of Nevada That Should Be On Your Bucket List!

Address: Valley of Fire State Park, 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, USA
Address: Lake Tahoe - Nevada State Park, NV-28, Incline Village, NV 89451, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

state parks to visit in Nevada

April 11, 2022
Christy

Can you see both of these state parks in one day?

You could, but it would be difficult. Because they are almost eight hours apart, you’d have to get up before dawn to enter the first one you choose. You’d have to rush through that one and then get on the road to drive to the second one to explore it before the sun sets. It’s possible, but it’s probably not the best way to experience these two parks. Both of them deserves at least an entire day of exploration, and you could easily spend several days in either one.

Which one should I do first?

It depends! What are you most into? Do you like deserts and rock formations and red, orange, and yellow beauty? Or, do you prefer greenery and blue water and snow-capped mountains? These two parks are about as opposite as two parks can be; it’s amazing that they are both within the same state! Most people love them both, but every person is different. It’s likely that in the end you’ll prefer one over the other – it all depends on your personal tastes.

What is a good place to stay that is equidistant between the two parks?

As you probably already know, Nevada is a large and somewhat desolate state with lots of unpopulated areas. However, this is a main reason that many people love it so much! There are no cities along the way between these two parks and the towns are also few and far between – but many of the small towns you will pass through have hotels for travelers along this route, and campgrounds with hookups, too. Tonopah is about halfway and has about a dozen hotels in town, but you should probably book ahead to make sure you can get a room during the busy months. It’s a long way from there to the next towns in either direction – Babbitt to the north and Bonnie Claire or Beatty to the south – and they have even fewer accommodations to offer.

Address: Valley of Fire State Park, 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, USA
Address: Lake Tahoe - Nevada State Park, NV-28, Incline Village, NV 89451, USA