The 3 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Nevada

Believe it or not, the flashing neon lights on the Strip aren’t the most colorful places in Nevada. From vibrant fall foliage to striking red rocks and man-made art installations that stand in stark contrast with the barren desert landscape, these destinations are must-visits. Whether you want to take some epic photos or simply enjoy the surreal views, look no further. The following are just three colorful places in Nevada for your bucket list.

1. Valley of Fire State Park, Overton

Ask any local about the most colorful places in Nevada, and I guarantee their first answer will be Valley of Fire State Park. Located roughly an hour northeast of Las Vegas, this stunning place is known for its fiery red sandstone formations, which appear even more vivid in the intense desert sun. Visitors can enjoy numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty, and the park’s main road offers several scenic overlooks. Fall and winter are the best seasons to visit because of cooler weather, and sunrise and sunset offer the best views. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $15 for non-residents.

Why This Is the Most Colorful Place in Nevada

What's in a name? In this case, everything you need to know. The rocks at Valley of Fire State Park are so radiant that the landscape looks as if it's on fire. Layered sandstone formations feature multitudes of swirling hues for a scene that's almost too otherworldly to be real.

2. Seven Magic Mountains, Las Vegas

Not all colorful places to visit in Nevada are natural. In fact, some of the most stunning spots are man-made, like Seven Magic Mountains. Located in the Ivanpah Valley south of Las Vegas, this public art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone features seven tours of stacked boulders painted in a variety of bright colors. Each tower is 30 to 35 feet high, and the attraction is a popular roadside stop for tourists.

3. Lamoille Canyon, Elko

Nicknamed the “Swiss Alps of Nevada,” Lamoille Canyon is a glacial valley in the Ruby Mountains near Elko. The canyon features a 12-mile paved road that meanders through the rugged cliffs and expansive meadows, offering year-round access to hiking trails and scenic views. Fall is generally considered the best time to visit Lamoille Canyon, because that’s when it becomes one of the most colorful places in Nevada. The trees put on a spectacular show, displaying vibrant autumn hues worthy of a postcard.

Tips for Visiting and Photographing the Most Colorful Places in Nevada

If you're looking to capture some epic shots (or just make the most of your trip), timing is everything. Valley of Fire State Park is best visited at sunrise or sunset because the light hits in such a way that makes the colorful landscape really pop. The same goes for Seven Magic Mountains; the neon rock towers look even more vibrant when they aren't washed out by the harsh desert sun. As for Lamoille Canyon, it isn't about the time of day, but the time of year. While it's beautiful in every season, the golden aspens that grace the hills during fall are beyond breathtaking. And in terms of how to visit these places, scenic drives and road trips are great because you can see multiple destinations.

Have you experienced all of these beautiful places? Are there any other colorful places to visit in Nevada? Let us know by filling out this nomination form. We'd love to hear from you.

If you're feeling inspired to discover more destinations where you can experience Nevada in color, try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.