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Nevada is a weird, wild, wondrous state that you don’t know nearly as well as
you think, if all you know is Vegas and Reno. Nevada contains multitudes. It is a constellation of worlds.
Oh, here I am, waxing all poetic. But Nevada is pretty magical when you start to really experience it in full, and as the seventh-largest state in the country, there’s a lot to experience. And there’s no better way to explore the most rural and remote parts of the state (where she hides some of her best secrets) than with a good old-fashioned American road trip.
Here we’ve put together several itineraries designed to take you all
around Nevada and experience all she has to offer, from sunbaked Wild West weirdness to jaw-dropping rugged wilderness — and of course, the Strip,
but with a fresh approach.
Please note that some of these itineraries can get pretty damn REMOTE. We’re talking no cell service for hours at a stretch, and certainly no other services of any kind — gas, water, food, or otherwise. Come prepared. Really prepared. One spare tire is good; two is better. Have full emergency roadside and first aid kits and plenty of water and food in your vehicle. Gas up at every opportunity. Be aware that some of this you cannot attempt without 4-wheel drive. Also note: when we’re talking about the most remote and rural corners of northern Nevada, none of those routes are for the casual hiker; you need some serious pathfinding skills and to be comfortable and confident in the backcountry to take them on.
The Art Lover
For lovers of large-scale public art, you could hardly hope for a better city in America to explore than Las Vegas. Start at Seven Magic Mountains, then hit the Strip for the world-famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign and work your way north. Many of the casino-resorts have massive art collections, including the ARIA, the Cosmopolitan, Wynn, and the brand-new Resorts World. Don’t miss Bliss Dance at The Park Vegas or the Chihuly ceiling at the Bellagio.
Spend a few hours at AREA 15, a 200,000-square-foot experiential megaplex brimming with art, then take Las Vegas Boulevard north to vibrant DTLV. You’ll pass through the new 80-foot-tall “Gateway to Downtown” LED arches heading towards the open-air art galleries of the 18b Arts District and Fremont East, where you’ll find hundreds of murals, plus refurbished neon signs that used to decorate the strip.
Further north, grab selfies in front of the giant metal fire-breathing praying mantis at Downtown Container Park and the 50-foot tall Big Rig Jig at Fergusons Downtown. End at the Neon Museum, where the vintage neon signs of Vegas find their forever home.
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Now that you’ve been properly warned,
happy trails and safe travels in the Silver State!
Click on a to see the route
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The paranormal
investigator
Your journey into the unknown begins at the Extraterrestrial Highway Sign. Grab some road trip snacks at E.T. Fresh Jerky and stop for a selfie with the giant metal alien figure at the Alien Research Center. Follow the Extraterrestrial Highway to get as close as you can get to the actual Area 51, then stop for an “Alien Burger” at the Little A'Le'Inn, a diner/gift shop. Continue on to Tonopah and consider a stay at the World Famous Clown Motel, stuffed full of over 2000 clowns and likely haunted.
Follow the Free Range Art Highway (A.K.A. I-95) to the International Car Forest of the Last Church, a “forest” of junked cars, trucks, and buses – all with rotating paint jobs by resident and visiting artists. From there head to Rhyolite Ghost Town, the remnants of a century-old gold mining boom town, and the Goldwell Open Air Museum, an eerie collection of public art. Spend the night camped out at Big Dune to soak in the pitch-black skies and look for UFOs. End your trip with a refuel at the Area 51 Alien Travel Center, which has a gas station, a 1950s-style diner, and of course, a gift shop.
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THE Outdoor Enthusiast
Start this adventure by hiking to the Hoover Dam via the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail, which overlooks Lake Mead and runs through five massive tunnels up to 300 feet long. South of the dam is a scenic hike to Gold Strike Hot Springs, and a short drive farther south leads to the vibrant waters of Emerald Cave.
The next morning, head about an hour south to visit the century-old boomtown-meets-movie-set Nelson Ghost Town, then stop by to Nelson’s Landing for some cliff jumping. Around sunset, visit the bighorn sheep at Hemenway Park with beautiful views of Lake Mead before taking a Neon Lights Night Tour on a pedal-powered rail bike downhill with Rail Explorers
at the Nevada State Railroad Museum—Boulder City.
Spend a restful night at the charming Boulder Dam Hotel in historic Boulder City, then fuel up for your day at the Coffee Cup Café. Close this one out
by taking the spectacularly scenic Northshore Drive all the way north to
Valley of Fire.
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THE Spooky Stargazer
Start at Cathedral Gorge, a hauntingly beautiful park full of towering spires, dramatic hoodoos, and spooky slot canyons in a region with some of the darkest skies in the state. Spend the night at the famously haunted Overland Hotel in nearby Pioche and sleep tight! Or, at least try to.
Next, head to Great Basin National Park, a certified “gold tier” Dark Sky Park free of light pollution with its own research-grade observatory and Astronomy Amphitheater. Don’t leave without taking a tour of the outstanding Lehman Caves, too. From here, head to Ely along a stretch of highway known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” and stop at the Ward Charcoal Ovens, another excellent place for dark sky viewing, named for the six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens used for silver processing in the 1870s. Hop over to Cave Lake State Park for the 40-mile Success Loop Scenic Drive, particularly pleasant if you can catch the tail end of leaf-peeping season.
In Ely, you can also book a train ride on a century-old steam engine at the Northern Nevada Railway Museum. (You can even stay the night in the train yard in a bunkhouse or a historic caboose.)
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the Culture Connoisseur
For a deep dive into Nevada’s sunbaked weirdness, start with Thunder Mountain Monument in Imlay, a five-acre art installation, museum, and former hippie commune built out of scrap metal, found objects, and concrete by creator Frank Van Zant, A.K.A. Chief Rolling Mountain Thunder, as a monument to Native Americans.
From here head to Pyramid Lake, the ancient remnants of the prehistoric Lake Lahontan on Paiute territory. Follow the “Burner Byway” to Gerlach, then on to the mile-long “Guru Road,” another weird but inspirational outdoor art installation. Don’t miss Fly Geyser, a six-foot-tall, rainbow-colored mound of mineral deposits that spews hot water several feet into the air.
Past the geyser, you’ll enter the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, a 1.2 million-acre natural area that encompasses “The Playa.” Stay the night in the Soldier Meadows Campground on the northern edge and spend some time taking in the endless expanse of stars as you soak in the bathing pools at Soldier Meadows Hot Springs. Then head to the far northwestern corner of Black Rock-High Rock to the extremely remote Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area, one of only seven Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the US.
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Author: Nicole Rupersburg
Editor: Stephen Rubino
Visual Designer: Charmie Shah
Illustrator: Katie Scarlett
With the world reopening, expect bars to be packed, clubs to be overrun, and everything else, (drinks included) to be overpriced. So why not entertain in smaller, intimate groups, to welcome your “long time, no see” (no, really!) friends with open arms? And, instead of reaching for the usual cocktails, hosting a “Cali sober” party (meaning with cannabis, rather than booze) is perfect for a small group. Here’s how you can skip the beverages and (responsibly!) pass the bud instead this year.
The paranormal
investigator
Your journey into the unknown begins at the Extraterrestrial Highway Sign. Grab some road trip snacks at E.T. Fresh Jerky and stop for a selfie with the giant metal alien figure at the Alien Research Center. Follow the Extraterrestrial Highway to get as close as you can get to the actual Area 51, then stop for an “Alien Burger” at the Little A'Le'Inn, a diner/gift shop. Continue on to Tonopah and consider a stay at the World Famous Clown Motel, stuffed full of over 2000 clowns and likely haunted.
Follow the Free Range Art Highway (A.K.A. I-95) to the International Car Forest of the Last Church, a “forest” of junked cars, trucks, and buses – all with rotating paint jobs by resident and visiting artists. From there head to Rhyolite Ghost Town, the remnants of a century-old gold mining boom town, and the Goldwell Open Air Museum, an eerie collection of public art. Spend the night camped out at Big Dune to soak in the pitch-black skies and look for UFOs. End your trip with a refuel at the Area 51 Alien Travel Center, which has a gas station, a 1950s-style diner, and of course, a gift shop.
X
X
NEXT route
THE Outdoor Enthusiast
Start this adventure by hiking to the Hoover Dam via the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail, which overlooks Lake Mead and runs through five massive tunnels up to 300 feet long. South of the dam is a scenic hike to the Gold Strike Hot Springs, and a short drive farther south leads to the vibrant waters of Emerald Cave.
The next morning, head about an hour south to visit the century-old boomtown-meets-movie-set Nelson Ghost Town, then stop by to Nelson’s Landing for some cliff jumping. Around sunset, visit the bighorn sheep at Hemenway Park with beautiful views of Lake Mead before taking a Neon Lights Night Tour on a pedal-powered rail bike downhill with Rail Explorers at the Nevada State Railroad Museum—Boulder City.
Spend a restful night at the charming Boulder Dam Hotel in historic Boulder City, then fuel up for your day at the Coffee Cup Café. Close this one out by taking the spectacularly scenic Northshore Drive all
the way north to Valley of Fire.
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NEXT route
THE SPOOKY STARGAZER
Start at Cathedral Gorge, a hauntingly beautiful park full of towering spires, dramatic hoodoos, and spooky slot canyons in a region with some of the darkest skies in the state. Spend the night at the famously haunted Overland Hotel in nearby Pioche and sleep tight! Or, at least try to.
Next, head to Great Basin National Park, a certified “gold tier” Dark Sky Park free of
light pollution with its own research-grade observatory and Astronomy Amphitheater. Don’t leave without taking a tour of the outstanding Lehman Caves, too. From here, head to Ely along a stretch of highway known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” and stop at the Ward Charcoal Ovens, another excellent place for dark sky viewing, named for the six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens used for silver processing in the 1870s. Hop over to Cave Lake State Park for the 40-mile Success Loop Scenic Drive, particularly pleasant if you can catch the
tail end of leaf-peeping season.
In Ely, you can also book a train ride on a century-old steam engine at the Northern Nevada Railway Museum. (You can even stay the night in the train yard in a bunkhouse or a historic caboose.
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the swimmer
Start at Stateline at the Van Sickle Bi-State Park for your first of many “WOW” moments, and maybe treat yo’self to a night at the very fancy Edgewood Resort (YOLO!). Stick to
the Nevada side of the Lake Tahoe Loop and head north along the astoundingly scenic shoreline — there’s a reason this has been called one of the most beautiful drives
in America.
As you continue heading north, stop at Cave Rock State Park, Logan Shoals Vista Point, Skunk Harbor, and one of the many stunning beaches like the aptly named Bliss Beach, the extremely secluded Whale Beach, or, if you’re feeling saucy, the Secret Cove nude beach. North Lake Tahoe continues to deliver the WOW moments with Bonsai Rock and Sand Harbor State Park.
Keep heading north to Reno, which happens to be one of the biggest-bang-for-your-buck craft booze scenes in the West. Discerning drinkers simply must hit Lead Dog Brewing, Ferino Distillery, IMBĪB Custom Brews, and Revision Brewing, and maybe even extend out your trip to include Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillers to the east in Fallon and Bently Heritage Estate Distillery in Carson Valley, just over the hill from Stateline where it
all started.
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the Culture Connoisseur
For a deep dive into Nevada’s sunbaked weirdness, start with Thunder Mountain Monument in Imlay, a five-acre art installation, museum, and former hippie commune built out of scrap metal, found objects, and concrete by creator Frank Van Zant, A.K.A. Chief Rolling Mountain Thunder, as a monument to Native Americans.
From here head to Pyramid Lake, the ancient remnants of the prehistoric Lake Lahontan on Paiute territory. Follow the “Burner Byway” to Gerlach, then on to the mile-long “Guru Road,” another weird but inspirational outdoor art installation. Don’t miss Fly Geyser, a six-foot-tall, rainbow-colored mound of mineral deposits that spews hot water several feet into the air.
Past the geyser, you’ll enter the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, a 1.2 million-acre natural area that encompasses “The Playa.” Stay the night in the Soldier Meadows Campground on the northern edge and spend some time taking in the endless expanse of stars as you soak in
the bathing pools at Soldier Meadows Hot Springs. Then head to the far northwestern corner of Black Rock-High Rock to the extremely remote Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area, one of only
seven Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the US.
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the social distancer
If social distancing was your way of life even before the pandemic, you’ll love Nevada’s northeastern-most corner. Enjoy traditional Basque dining (and a notorious Picon Punch or three) at the iconic Star Hotel in Elko, and really savor it — this will be your last interaction with other humans for a while.
From Elko head south to the Ruby Mountains, where lush valleys, burbling streams, and sparkling alpine lakes make “the Rubies” one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the state. Drive the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway for jaw-dropping views at every turn, then hike portions of the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail to your heart’s content.
For even MORE remote outdoors, head further north to the rugged Jarbidge Wilderness where you’ll find pristine landscapes and some serious backcountry. Resupply in the tiny, tiny town of Jarbidge (population: under 100), one of the last gold rush sites of the Wild West and one of the most isolated towns in the continental US. Do some peak bagging in the Jarbidge Mountain Range — the top pick here is “The Matterhorn,” a challenging trek to the top of one of Nevada’s most topographically prominent spots.
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the swimmer
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Start at Stateline at the Van Sickle Bi-State Park for your first of many “WOW” moments, and maybe treat yo’self to a night at the very fancy Edgewood Resort (YOLO!). Stick to the Nevada side of the Lake Tahoe Loop and head north along the astoundingly scenic shoreline — there’s a reason this has been called one of the most beautiful drives in America.
As you continue heading north, take a dip at Cave Rock State Park, Logan Shoals Vista Point, Skunk Harbor, and one of the many stunning beaches like the aptly named Bliss Beach, the extremely secluded Whale Beach, or, if you’re feeling saucy, the Secret Cove nude beach. North Lake Tahoe continues to deliver the WOW moments with Bonsai Rock and Sand Harbor State Park.
Keep heading north to Reno, which happens to be one of the biggest-bang-for-your-buck craft booze scenes in the West. Discerning drinkers simply must hit Lead Dog Brewing, Ferino Distillery, IMBĪB Custom Brews, and Revision Brewing, and maybe even extend out your trip to include Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillers to the east in Fallon and Bently Heritage Estate Distillery in Carson Valley, just over the hill from Stateline where it all started.
the social distancer
If social distancing was your way of life even before the pandemic, you’ll love Nevada’s northeastern-most corner. Enjoy traditional Basque dining (and a notorious Picon Punch or three) at the iconic Star Hotel in Elko, and really savor it — this will be your last interaction with other humans for a while.
From Elko head south to the Ruby Mountains, where lush valleys, burbling streams, and sparkling alpine lakes make “the Rubies” one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the state. Drive the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway for jaw-dropping views at every turn, then hike portions of the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail to your heart’s content.
For even MORE remote outdoors, head further north to the rugged Jarbidge Wilderness where you’ll find pristine landscapes and some serious backcountry. Resupply in the tiny, tiny town of Jarbidge (population: under 100), one of the last gold rush sites of the Wild West and one of the most isolated towns in the continental US. Do some peak bagging in the Jarbidge Mountain Range — the top pick here is “The Matterhorn,” a challenging trek to the top of one of Nevada’s most topographically prominent spots.
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Now that you’ve been properly warned, happy trails and safe travels in the Silver State!