Best Places to Visit in Nevada, United States
Top Destinations in Nevada List
Use our realistic List of the Best Places to Visit in Nevada to plan your next adventure in the “Silver State”.
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Nevada claims the top 10 positions within multiple state rankings. Nevada is the 7th largest state in the US. It boarders California, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon.
At the same time, Nevada is among the least densely populated states in the nation. The vast majority of Nevadan population lives in Las Vegas.
Most people who visit Nevada end up in Las Vegas. The Sin City attracts a large number of visitors. Casinos, shows, sports, and events make Vegas a destination for over 30 million visitors a year.
But here is a lot to see in Nevada outside of the Sin City. The state is home to a national park, a national monument, several national areas and trails. There are also 27 state parks in Nevada.
This List of Best Places to Visit in Nevada helps you narrow down your search for the top destinations.
1. Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park claims the top spot on our list of Best Places to Visit in Nevada. Nevada’s single national park has a unique ecosystem. You might not expect to see a glacier in the desert!
The park has a 12-mile (19-km) scenic drive, a cave system, and lots of hiking trails. All hiking trails start at high elevations of over 7,000 ft (2,100 m). A scenic drive is the best option if you do not have much time in the park.
Great Basin does not charge entrance fees. You can explore the park for free in your vehicle, on your bike, or on foot.
But you have to pay a per-person tour fee if you decide to visit Lehman Caves. It is best to get a cave tour reservation in advance. This way, you can guarantee your spot on the Grand Palace or Lodge Room tour.
2. Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire claims the second spot on our Best Places to Visit in Nevada List. The park is the first state park in Nevada. It is within a short drive from Las Vegas.
Valley of Fire’s attractions make it easy to spend countless hours in the park. This is true even if you visit just the park’s highlights. The White Domes Loop alone has two slot canyons.
Hiking in Valley of Fire could be challenging. Direct sunlight and heat play a role. The Fire Wave and Seven Wonders trails are even off limits during the summer.
But the park has a lot to offer outside of these trail. Even the picnic areas are scenic. You can find historic cabins and petroglyphs right at the picnic spots.
The park’s location makes it a magnet for tourists. It is best to visit the park on weekdays or early in the day. This way, you could avoid a search for parking. Better chances for wildlife spotting are an added benefit.
3. Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cathedral Gorge is a hidden gem about 2.5 hours north of Las Vegas. The park derives it name from the clay spire formation. They resemble cathedral towers.
You can explore the towers up close at the scenic overlooks and hiking trails. The slot canyons are a true highlight of the park. They are not unique to Cathedral Gorge. But you can hike inside the slot caves without a guide.
It is easy to get lost in these labyrinths of the slot caves. The park’s remote location gives an advantage. You can explore these beautiful narrow passages often without seeing a single other visitor.
Cathedral Gorge is impressive during any season.
- Spring and fall are the best times to visit the park.
- A summer exploration is challenging due to the Nevadan heat.
- A winter visit is subject to road flooding.
The park charges affordable fees of $5 or $10 per vehicle. The fee depends on your residency.
4. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon is the park closest to Las Vegas. You can reach Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas Airport in 30 minutes.
The park attracts lost of visitors. Do not even think about visiting it without a reservation between October and May. On the bright side, the park accepts America the Beautiful Annual annual passes.
Red Rock Canyon protects colorful formations. You could choose to drive the park’s scenic drive, hike its trails, or do both.
- Calico and Sandstone Quarry, the first overlooks on the Drive, are popular with rock climbers.
- The High Point, White Rock, and Willow Spring are in the hikers’ territory.
No matter what path you take, you prepare for Nevada’s heat and know your limits.
5. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead is yet another Nevada destination on this list that claims the first title. It was the first National Recreation Area in the US.
The lake is the main attraction of this park. Despite the lake’s water levels receding due to the drought, the area still attracts about 7.5 million visitors a year.
There are plenty of activities at Lake Mead:
- You could go for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
- Cyclists and campers would also find Lake Mead worthy of an exploration.
- There are a few hiking trails in the Mojave desert.
Takeaways: Best Places in Nevada
Nevada is a solid destination for adventure seekers. Exploring the state’s parks and sights could not have been easier thanks to a major airport hub.
Las Vegas is a gateway to Nevada’s parks and the wonders of the entire American Southwest. You would want to fly to Las Vegas when visiting Utah, Arizona, and California.
Only a handful of the top destinations in Nevada accepts the Interagency pass. Nevertheless, the pass is a good investment when visiting Southwest parks.
A state park annual pass might pay off. You just need to visit Valley of Fire, Cathedral Gorge, and other state parks often.
Nevada’s wilderness presents additional challenges for exploration. Some of the most beautiful Nevada sights are in very remote areas. These parks often involve a lengthy drive.
A search for places to stay outside of Las Vegas, NV is not straightforward. Sometimes you are better off staying in Vegas and taking day trips from there.
Picking places to stay in the nearby states is better when visiting remote parks, like Great Basin or Cathedral Gorge.
Take a look at our Best Places to Visit in Nevada Video List. Or visit our YouTube channel for the latest videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Great Basin National Park protects the only glacier in Nevada. The scenic drive, hiking trails, and cave tours make Great Basin an amazing destination. It is well worth the long drive.
Valley of Fire State Park has a greater variety of sights. They range from sandstone formations and slot canyons to CCC buildings and petroglyphs. But Valley of Fire is further away from Las Vegas than Red Rock Canyon.
You have to secure a reservation to visit Red Rock Canyon between October and May.
You can bring pets on leash to Cathedral Gorge State Park.
Lake Mead’s water levels decreased due to the Colorado River drought.
Safe realist travels!
