Winter in Nevada is a magical time, even if we don’t see much snow. The lack of snow and warmer temperatures doesn’t mean Nevada isn’t filled with unique things to do during the winter months. In fact, there are plenty of amazing things to do and places to see that are extra special during the colder season. If you’re looking for a unique way to get out and experience our amazing state this winter, go ahead and check out some of these amazing places.

1. Visit Cathedral Gorge State Park.
Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Nevada 89043, USA
Don Barrett/Flickr
Cathedral Gorge is a stunning state park all year long. However, it's especially magical during the winter time when the cliffs are all covered in snow. The sight of the park's unique landscape blanketed in pure white snow is seriously postcard-worthy. Be aware that if you visit during winter, temperatures in the park can drop below freezing. For more information, see our full article here.
2. Attend a snow sculpture festival.
Ely, Nevada
Nevada is home to all sorts of one-of-a-kind winter festivals. A popular festival is the The White Pine Fire and Ice Show which takes place in Ely, Nevada. The festival features dozens of impressive snow sculptures every year. For a complete list of Nevada's winter festivals, see our full article here.
3. Go snow tubing at Lee Canyon.
Lee Canyon, Nevada 89166, USA
Lee Canyon/Facebook
Contrary to popular belief, Nevada is an awesome place to get your thrills in while doing snowy recreational activities. In fact, there is a giant snow tubing hill located at Las Vegas Ski and Snow Resort. Snow tubing is the perfect winter activity for the whole family. No matter what your age is, you'll have a blast zipping down the gigantic snow-covered hill. For more information, see our full article here.

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4. Visit this town that turns into a winter wonderland every year.
Genoa, NV, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Nevada is chock full of small towns that turn into winter wonderlands as they become covered in snow every year. Genoa is the picture perfect winter town that everybody should experience. Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the historic town looks absolutely sublime during winter. For more information, see our full article here.
5. Take a picturesque winter hike.
Jonathan Fox/Flickr
Hiking isn't just a summer activity. In fact, there's no better way of experiencing Nevada's winter beauty than by taking a scenic hike along the state's most incredible landscapes. The colder temperatures shouldn't scare you away. All you have to do is put on some extra layers and bring along a hot thermos. There are plenty of winter trails in Nevada that are perfect for hiking. For a complete list of winter hiking trails, see our full article here.
6. Soak in a natural hot springs.
momo go/Flickr
Visiting one of Nevada's natural hot springs is a delightful activity all year long. However, there's no better time to visit one than during winter. The steamy hot spring water is perfect for warming you up during the low temperatures of winter. Nevada is full of gorgeous natural hot springs, many of which are easily accessible. For a complete list of hot springs, see our full article here.
7. Go ice skating in the middle of the desert.
The Cosmopolitan, Paradise, NV 89109, USA
Travelivery/YouTube
That's right. Nevada may be mainly comprised of desert, but that doesn't mean Nevadans can't enjoy the classic winter activity of ice skating. The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas is nationally ranked as one of the top ice skating rinks in the country. Bring out your inner child and visit this epic skating rink before it closes for the season. Don't forget to roast some marshmallows over one of the nearby fire pits. For more information, see our full article here.

How many of these wintertime activities have you done so far? What would you add? Nevada winters are pretty magical. Have you seen these 11 Things No One Tells You About Surviving A Winter In Nevada?

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What are some nice winter getaways in Nevada?  

Nevada might be desert-y, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t make a great wintertime getaway destination. In fact, we’d argue that it makes the perfect winter getaway destination, especially for people who aren’t big fans of having a white Christmas. Of course, if you live here and you’re hoping for snow, there are getaways for you, too. Diamond Peak, for example, makes an amazing winter getaway. It’s a skier’s paradise, and the views are absolutely amazing. Or you can head to Lee Canyon - which isn’t far from Vegas - and do some more skiing if Diamond Peak just isn’t enough. Winter hikes are another option, and with more than 900 trails to choose from, it’s a great (and fun) winter escape. In fact, we like winter hikes so much that we put together this list of some of the best winter hikes in Nevada you ought to try. Oh, and before we forget – there are also the hot springs! You read that right: hot springs. They’re not just for Wyoming anymore!  

Are there many natural hot springs in Nevada?  

To put it in a single word: ABSOLUTELY. Nevada is a hot springs lover’s paradise, with more than 300 natural hot springs peppered across the state. Nevada is THE hot springs capital of the United States – it even beats out Yellowstone. Several, like Spencer, Gold Strike, Fish Lake Valley, Black Rock, and Soldier Meadows Springs, are on public lands. Many others have resorts and retreats built up around them, like Carson Hot Springs Resort. Honestly, there are so many that it would likely take years to explore them all, realistically. We say go for it, but that might just be us. Some springs, however, are so hot that they are not at all good for soaking; springs like Diana’s Punch Bowl nearby Pott’s Ranch can reach extreme temperatures of up to 200 degrees. Always research a spring before you go, however, to make sure it’s safe to enjoy! 

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