Nevada’s natural beauty is a significant tourism draw, as it isn’t just the bright lights of Las Vegas that keep visitors coming back to the Silver State. Nevada’s natural beauty consists of scenic red deserts, jagged snowy mountains, vast canyons, sparkling lakes, and everything in between. It is one of the most naturally diverse, picturesque states in the U.S. Let’s look at seven of Nevada’s most scenic destinations to explore.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area typifies the beauty of Nevada’s Mojave Desert. This gorgeous preserve has scenic trails leading to panoramic viewpoints, a gorgeous 13-mile drive through the park, and incredible geologic features, including red sandstone formations and limestone cliffs. Whether you want to hike, bike, or drive through this vast area, there are beautiful views at every turn.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a natural wonder shared by California and Nevada, a sparkling blue ancient lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This gorgeous freshwater lake along the Nevada-California border is an all-season recreational destination. Resorts that line the mountains overlooking the lake in the winter are popular for skiers and snowboarders, and in the summer, it is a playground for those who enjoy fishing, boating, and water sports.
Great Basin National Park
The mountainous Great Basin National Park, near Nevada’s border with Utah, is located in the Great Basin Desert and includes much of the South Snake mountains. While exploring this park, you’ll find incredible mountain views, ancient pine trees, picturesque lakes, and large caverns. It has pleasant hiking and biking trails, and the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is one of the most beautiful routes Nevada has to offer.
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is a sprawling outdoor area with many canyons, viewpoints, and hiking trails that visitors can explore. The rocks that line the park have red and white stripes, giving the area a unique appearance. Those who prefer to avoid the Nevada heat can tour the park by car on one of its drivable roads.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is in both Arizona and Nevada. A year-round hub for outdoor fun, Lake Mead comprises a massive 1.5 million acres of land, which includes mountains, lakes, valleys, canyons, and more. There is much to do in Lake Mead, ranging from fishing, boating, hiking, and biking to camping and sunbathing on a beach.
Clark County Wetlands Park
Clark County Wetlands Park is a natural destination near Las Vegas with beautiful environments worth exploring. Adding this natural area to your itinerary is a nice way to break up a trip to Sin City. Clark County Wetlands Park spans over 2,900 acres and has trails that wind through wetlands and marshes. The park’s plentiful vegetation attracts unique birds and other native wildlife, so bring your binoculars!
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake, an ancient inland lake north of Reno, is a gorgeous destination for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. This picturesque lake has unique fish that make these waters their home, including endangered species and one-of-a-kind trout. Because Pyramid Lake is on Paiute land, a valid tribal permit must be purchased before camping or fishing, which are both popular activities there.
