Nevada Road Trip Ideas: 10 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Nevada is a wonderfully diverse and beautiful region that offers so much more than its famous Las Vegas casinos (while that is also a fun aspect of the Silver State). Often overshadowed by Utah and California, Nevada has natural scenery in its own right that is well worth exploring. There are some amazing state parks, national Parks, unforgettable bodies of water (such as Lake Mead and Lake Tahoe), incredible hiking trails, and much more to experience. You’ll be amazed at how many unique adventures can be enjoyed here —that’s why we compiled this list featuring the best road trips in Nevada.

1. 1-Day Road Trip in Nevada

• Route: Reno > VirginiaCity > Gardnerville > Lake Tahoe > Incline Village
• Distance: 133 Miles
• Trip Time: 3 Hours And 22 Minutes Driving Time

First on our list of Nevada road trips is his journey that can be completed with one tank of gas. Starting in Reno, you’ll begin the day trip with a stop at Peg's Glorified Ham N Eggs. This eatery is well-known for its amazing breakfast options, and it’s the perfect place to start the adventure. Next, you’ll visit the National Automobile Museum, which features over 200 cars and is also located in Reno. You’ll then travel to Idlewild Park, which is a lovely outdoor area with duck ponds, a rose garden, and more.

You’ll then leave Reno to visit Virginia City’s Cafe Del Rio for some Southwestern-inspired cuisine. Next, if you want to learn about ghosts without traveling to an actual ghost town, check out The Washoe Club Haunted Museum, which is also in Virginia City. Then, you’ll head to Gardnerville to try some gambling at Sharkey’s Casino — a famous landmark that’s been around since the 1940s. And finally, you’ll end the journey by visiting the Lake Tahoe region. First, you’ll stop at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, and end in Incline Village. This entire road trip can be experienced without having to make a stop at the gas station!

2. 3-Day Weekend Road Trip in Nevada

• Route: Lamoille Canyon > Wilson Canyon > Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
• Distance: 688 Miles
• Trip Time: 10 Hours And 40 Minutes Driving Time

This three-day road trip is not only one of the most scenic drives in the state — it’s also one of the prettiest routes in America. With a total drive time coming close to about 11 hours, this is the perfect trip to split up into three days. In this itinerary, each day features another canyon region in Nevada that will surely impress. Starting off, you’ll visit Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountain Wilderness. This region is home to some great hiking trails, is near some great biking trails, and has a lovely downtown area with many bars and restaurants. Not to mention, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views.

On day two, you’ll head to Wilson Canyon to enjoy some unforgettable hiking. Overnight, you’ll stay at the Walker River Resort. This accommodation is great for RVs, but they also offer cozy cabins that overlook the river as well.

And finally, on day three, you’ll finish the trip in the famous Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You can actually see this region from the Las Vegas Strip, but making the trip to visit the Red Cliffs Trail of Red Rock Canyon is one of the coolest experiences in the USA.

3. Nevada Extraterrestrial Road Trip

• Route: Amargosa Valley > Rachel > Hiko
• Distance: 281 Miles
• Trip Time: 4 Hours And 26 Minutes Driving Time

One thing about Nevada is its connection to Aliens, UFOs, and all things extraterrestrial! This road trip through Nevada is one of the most unique drives you will ever take, and it can be completed in less than five hours. You’ll begin in Hiko, which is famous for its “alien culture.” A stop at ET Fresh Jerky and The Alien Research Center are included in this itinerary. Then, you’ll continue to Rachel, Nevada, a small town that features a population of Earthlings and other life forms (so they say)! In the UFO Capital of the World, you'll make a stop at Little A’Le’Inn, which is a unique restaurant, bar, and motel. And finally, you’ll take a drive on the Extraterrestrial Highway. This journey features many roadside attractions, such as the International Car Forest and the Area 51 Alien Center.

4. Nevada Pie Shop Road Trip

• Route: Carson City > Reno > Fallon > Pahrump > Henderson
• Distance: 498 Miles
• Trip Time: 8 Hours And 17 Minutes Driving Time

Why not take a road trip through the state of Nevada that’s focused on pie shops? This road trip itinerary features five bakeries that are definitely worth journeying across Nevada’s open roads. You’ll begin in Carson City, which is home to the well-known LA Bakery & Eatery. The wonderful, sugary aroma is present throughout the shop, which offers over 27 different pie options (with some being vegan and gluten-free). You’ll then drive to the Reno area, where you’ll find Josef’s Vienna Bakery. Guests enjoy their great coffee and European-imported ingredients.

Then, moving on to Fallon, you’ll stop at The Courtyard Café & Bakery. This bakery features a quaint atmosphere and a famous banana cream pie. After that, you’ll move on to the French bakery, O Happy Bread, in Pahrump, and conclude with the amazing Humboldt Sweets Bakery in Henderson.

5. Best Nevada Road Trip For Spring

• Route: Valley Of Fire > Clark County Wetlands Park > Red Rock Canyon National Park > Spring Mountains > Lake Tahoe Meadows > Mt Rose > Washoe Lake State Park
• Distance: 591 Miles
• Trip Time: 10 Hours And 54 Minutes Driving Time

Springtime in Nevada is unbelievably beautiful, especially in the desert regions. This road trip will take nearly 11 hours to complete, so feel free to make any adjustments to the itinerary you see fit. You’ll begin at Valley of Fire State Park, which offers some incredible blooms that are especially striking with the rocky landscape as the backdrop. You’ll then drive to Clark County Wetlands Park, which features gorgeous wildflowers and attracts hikers and visitors from all over. This spot is great year-round, but the wildflower season is quite remarkable and definitely worth checking out.

You’ll then move on to Red Rock Canyon National Park, which is an amazing place to see desert flowers in the spring. Make sure to check out the Spring Mountains on the western end of Las Vegas before you drive to the meadows of Lake Tahoe. There’s an opportunity to stop in Death Valley between Vegas and Tahoe (if you feel so inclined) as you travel Nevada. You’ll then visit the Mount Rose trail, which features lovely wildflowers and is just off State Route 431. You’ll end this road trip at Washoe Lake, which is home to the Washoe Lake State Park.

6. Best Summer Road Trip in Nevada

• Route: Reno > Incline Village > Sand Harbor Beach
• Distance: 41.6 Miles
• Trip Time: 1 Hour And 7 Minutes Driving Time

That’s such a great variety of experiences to enjoy in the state of Nevada during the summer months! This summertime road trip is an easy drive time of about one hour and features some lovely spots to take in the great outdoors of the Silver State. You’ll begin in Reno, where you’ll explore the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. There is much to see here including beautiful flowers, trees, waterfalls, and more.

After visiting the gardens, you’ll head to Galenda Falls via the Mount Rose Highway (one of the state’s official Scenic Byways). The hike to get to the falls is moderate and considered family-friendly. After enjoying some outdoor activities in Reno, you’ll make a short trip to Incline Village in Lake Tahoe. And finally, the trip ends with a day well spent at the beautiful Sand Harbor Beach of Lake Tahoe. The crystal-clear waters of this shoreline offer plenty of fun summer activities that you won’t soon forget.

7. Best Nevada Road Trip For Fall

• Route: Lake Tahoe > Reno > Wasoe County > Dayton > Elko County > Great Basin National Park > Floyd Lamb Park > Spring Mountain National Recreation Area
• Distance: 1,063 Miles
• Trip Time: 18 Hours And 3 Minutes Driving Time

If you haven’t visited Nevada in the fall, we highly recommend making a trip! And if you’re local to the state, this is one of the best road trips in Nevada to view fall foliage. However, the journey is 18 hours, so feel free to edit the route to best fit your schedule.

You’ll begin in Lake Tahoe, which offers spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada during the autumn season. You’ll then drive through the Mount Rose Scenic Drive in Reno, which features amazing views throughout. Then, stroll along the Truckee River at Reno’s Riverwalk — this is a great place to grab a hot drink and see the changing leaves.

You don't want to miss Bowers Mansion Regional Park, which is a historical site that’s home to some beautiful changing trees during this time of year. You’ll then make a stop in the small town of Dayton before heading to Elko County, which is home to the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Drive.

Next, you’ll move on to Great Basin National Park, a place that’s gorgeous year-round, but especially during the autumn months. And finally, you’ll visit Floyd Lamb State Park in Las Vegas before ending in Spring Mountain National Recreation Area. This road trip is certainly long, but it’s one of our favorite scenic trips in Nevada.

8. Best Winter Road Trip in Nevada

• Route: Sparks > Reno > Virginia City > Carson City > Genoa > Gardnerville > Las Vegas > Henderson
• Distance: 561 Miles
• Trip Time: 10 Hours And 42 Minutes Driving Time

Wintertime in Nevada can feel quite magical, especially when Christmas lights twinkle in the night sky! This road trip itinerary will take you to some of the best Christmas light viewing spots in all of the state. Starting off in Sparks, you’ll visit the Golden Nugget Casino, which has an entire North Pole Village set up for the holiday season. You’ll then drive to Reno to visit The Lights of Tanea: a home that’s decorated with over 40,000 lights to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Then, you’ll head to Virginia City to experience the beloved "Christmas on the Comstock'' event, followed by a stop at the beautifully lit Governor's Mansion in Carson City.

It’s then off to Genoa to see the Genoa Tree, which has an annual lighting ceremony at the beginning of December. Next, you’ll travel to Gardnerville to attend the Carson Valley Christmas Kickoff where there’s no shortage of fun activities to enjoy for guests of all ages. Finally, you’ll drive to the fabulous Las Vegas to explore the various holiday festivities taking place and end in Henderson at the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden.

9. Road Trip to Nevada Landmarks and Natural Wonders

• Route: Great Basin National Park > Hotel Nevada > Santa Fe Motel & Saloon > Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge > Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa > Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area > Valley of Fire State Park > North Shore Inn at Lake Mead
• Distance: 831 Miles
• Trip Time: 13 Hours And 42 Minutes Driving Time

Nevada is home to some astonishing natural wonders that we encourage you to see in person. This road trip itinerary is perfect for a weekend getaway filled with beautiful scenery. Starting off at the Great Basin National Park, you can explore the amazing Wheeler Peak, as well as the Lehman Caves. Then, you’ll drive on to Ely, a historic mining town that was once a stop along the Pony Express. This is where you’ll experience the well-known Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall, which is home to an iconic 24-hour breakfast.

Moving on, you’ll then drive to Goldfield, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and Valley of Fire State Park. To end this journey, you'll capture incredible views at Lake Mead.

10. Road Trip to Best Small Towns in Nevada

• Route: Eureka > Indian Hills > Kingsbury > Minden > Yerington > Tonppah > Beatty > Caliente > Panaca
• Distance: 892 Miles
• Trip Time: 15 Hours Driving Time

If you enjoy charming small towns, Nevada has many wonderful options to explore. This road trip will take a little under 15 hours and will leave you with a greater understanding of some of the state’s history. One of the best drives in Nevada, you'll stop in Eureka, which is home to some notable historical landmarks and museums. You’ll then head to Indian Hills, which has lots of opportunities for outdoor fun. Then, you’ll travel on to Kingsbury, which is a small community that hosts many of Lake Tahoe’s tour companies.

If you follow our itinerary, you'll continue to Minden, which is a small town known for its historic sites and hang gliding. Next is the charming town of Yerington, which features fairgrounds and a casino, followed by a stop in Tonppah to see the famous Clown Motel. Next, you’ll head to the tourist town of Beatty, which features casinos, art galleries, and shops, and is in close proximity to the ghost town of Rhyolite. You’ll then head on to the natural hot springs of Caliente before you make another stop in Panaca, which will conclude the journey.

These are some of our favorite road trip ideas and itineraries in Nevada. What do you consider the best road trips in Nevada? Do you enjoy weekend adventures or one-day journeys? No matter how long you go, however, make sure you are prepared with everything you need for time in the vehicle, as well as delicious road trip snacks!