Nevada isn’t exactly known for turning into a frosty wonderland as the winter season makes its arrival. There seems to be a widespread belief among non-Nevadans that our state is solely comprised of warm desert landscapes. However, that’s simply not true. In fact, there are plenty of regions in our state where you can experience “real” winter, and there’s one place in particular you’ll want to be sure to visit this season. Wild Horse State Recreation Area consistenly boasts some of the most stunning winter scenery that our state has to offer, and it’s well worth seeing for yourself as the cold weather settles in! Come along with us as we share with you why we think this spot is a wonderland during winter in Nevada!

Treat yourself to some of the most glorious winter scenery the West has to offer when you visit Wild Horse State Recreation Area in Northern Nevada.
Wild Horse State Recreation Area Facebook page.
This idyllic Nevada landscape is stunning all year long, but it's especially known for its winter beauty.
Located near the town of Elko, Wild Horse is situated at an incredible 6,200-feet above sea level.
Cheryl/Google
That's around the same elevation as Lake Tahoe, and that means the winters are just as good. In fact, Wild Horse regularly touts the lowest winter temperatures in all of Nevada.
As a result of its freezing cold temps, Wild Horse has become a beloved destination for all sorts of winter recreation opportunities.
Stagg King/Google
Ice fishing is an especially popular activity since Wild Horse Reservoir commonly freezes quicker than other surrounding Nevada lakes.

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Other common winter activities at Wild Horse include ice skating on the frozen reservoir...
Kip Nissen/Google
...sledding down the surrounding hills, and snowmobiling or backcountry skiing. There's a ton of frosty fun just waiting to be had here, but be sure to bundle up!
Wild Horse is the high desert escape that you could only dream of - and really not imagine anything so wonderful.
Adanchus/Google
It's here that you can surround yourself with some of the most inspiring Nevada countryside, without all the noise and rowdiness of destinations that are a bit closer to home.
Boasting 2,830-acres, you'll have plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the landscape for yourself when you visit.
Kris Davidson/Google
Although wild horses are actually NOT commonly found in this area, you may come across regional wildlife like Pronghorn Antelope, Desert Bighorn Sheep, and Rocky Mountain Elk.
Wild Horse State Recreation Area offers up unforgettable winter adventures and those who love snowy scenery will definitely want to pay it a visit.
Kris Davidson/Google
The park is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to visit!

So if someone were to ask you, “Does it snow in Nevada?” now you’ll know exactly what to say!

For more information, check out the Nevada State Parks website, as well as the Wild Horse State Recreation Area Facebook page.

Have you ever been to the Wild Horse State Recreation Area? If so, what was your favorite part? What’s your favorite way to enjoy winter in Nevada? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

For more beautiful spots, check out this list of 10 Places In Nevada Everyone Must Visit This Winter. 

If you’d like to explore winter hikes in and around the area, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Nevada adventures, take a look at this video about the abandoned town of Rhyolite:

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More to Explore

More To Love About Nevada

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | December 14, 2023

Where can we find hot springs in Nevada?

  • Bog Hot Springs in Denio Junction are popular outdoor hot springs accessible all year long.
  • Trego Hot Springs in Black Rock Desert are for those who enjoy remote locations away from the crowds.
  • Gold Strike Hot Springs in Boulder City are accessible via a somewhat strenuous hike along the Colorado River.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other inviting hot springs in Nevada.

Where can we find small towns in Nevada?

  • Virginia City, founded in 1859, began as a boomtown with the discovery of the first major silver deposit discovery in the U.S.
  • Genoa, located one hour south of Reno and 25 miles east of Lake Tahoe is one of the smallest towns in the state.
  • Minden, established in 1906, was named after the city by the same name in Germany.

Learn on to learn more about the many other charming small towns in Nevada.

Where can we find annual festivals in Nevada?

  • The Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con event draws superhero, villain, and comic book character fans from all over the country.
  • The Best Dam Barbecue Challenge in Boulder City attracts scores of barbecue teams that compete for a spot at the famous Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational.
  • The Pahrump Social Powwow in the town of the same name celebrates the celebrate Native American traditions of the Paiute and Western Shoshone tribes.

Read on to learn about some of the other exciting annual festivals in Nevada.

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Featured Addresses
Wild Horse State Recreation Area, Elko, NV, USA