Hiding out in eastern Nevada is a wonderful scenic drive that makes for a perfect adventure. This particular highway leads you through some dramatic canyon scenery and it’s loaded with stellar windshield views from beginning to end. Stretching for 21 miles, it’s just the right length for a lovely day trip. If you’ve been itching to explore a little-known region of our state, we think this might just be the drive for you. Keep scrolling to see what Rainbow Canyon in Nevada and the complementary this scenic byway has to offer and be sure to accomplish it ASAP.

For a unique adventure that explores one of Nevada's underappreciated areas, look no further than the Rainbow Canyon Scenic Drive.
Thure Johnson/Flickr
This 21-mile stretch of road will take you through some stunning Nevada scenery and it makes for a memorable way to spend the day.
Starting at the town of Caliente in eastern Nevada, the Rainbow Canyon Drive is a relaxing ride through one of the Silver State's lesser-known canyons.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Rainbow Canyon is a deep, colorful canyon located just south of Caliente, Nevada and this highway takes you right through it.
Follow State Highway 317 through the canyon and prepare to be wowed.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Rainbow Canyon can be found between the Delamar and Clover Mountains. It's actually quite deep, and these looming Nevada mountains that surround you just accentuate the canyon's steep walls.

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As you drive along the paved road, you'll quickly realize why Rainbow Canyon received its name.
Ken Lund/Flickr
The canyon's multicolored rock formations are simply gorgeous and make for an epic backdrop as you drive.
You may be surprised to observe numerous groves of cottonwood trees along the highway.
Ken Lund/Flickr
The reason for these groves is because the highway also follows the Meadow Valley Wash. This wash collects enough water during the small amount of rainfall in this area in order to allow the cottonwoods to grow. It is primarily a desert area, after all!
Additionally, this scenic highway especially appeals to railway enthusiasts, as it closely follows the United Pacific Railroad for the entire route.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Train lovers will definitely want to make a stop to check out the railroad and wait for one of the line's numerous trains to pass.
Sit back, relax, and soak up the awe-inspiring beauty of this little-known region of eastern Nevada.
Thure Johnson/Flickr
Whether you're a photographer, train enthusiast, or seasoned adventurer, this scenic drive has something for everybody.

Have you accomplished this 21-mile scenic drive? This canyon is the perfect location for a day trip. Don’t you think it is one of the most scenic drives in Nevada? What other scenic byways in NV have you traversed? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Check out our list of 8 Best Back Roads In Nevada For A Drive for more epic adventures that belong on your bucket list.

If you’d like to explore hikes along this scenic drive, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Nevada adventures, take a look at this video about the abandoned town of Rhyolite:

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More to Explore

More to Love about Nevada

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 20, 2023

Where can we find annual festivals in Nevada?

  • The Pahrump Social Powwow in the town of the same name celebrates the Native American traditions of the Paiute and Western Shoshone tribes.
  • The Best Dam Barbecue Challenge in Boulder City attracts scores of barbecue teams that compete for a spot at the famous Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational.
  • The Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con event draws superhero, villain, and comic book character fans from all over the country.

Learn more about other exciting annual festivals in Nevada.

Where can we find small towns in Nevada?

  • Genoa, located one hour south of Reno and 25 miles east of Lake Tahoe is one of the smallest towns in the state.
  • Virginia City, founded in 1859, began as a boomtown with the discovery of the first major silver deposit discovery in the U.S.
  • Minden, established in 1906, was named after the city of the same name in Germany.

Learn more about other charming small towns in Nevada.

Where can we find natural wonders in Nevada?

  • The Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark – This volcanic landmark encompasses an astounding 400 acres in size.
  • The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area – This popular hiking spot was Nevada's first conservation area.
  • Valley of Fire State Park – The park is the largest and oldest state park in Nevada.

Learn more about other natural wonders in Nevada.

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Rainbow Canyon, Nevada 89008, USA