Nevada is one big playground for adventure-seekers — and we aren’t talking about Vegas, either! The Silver State is one of sublime scenic beauty and incredible history, and it is best explored along the open road. So gas up the car, prepare your playlist, and grab some snacks — here are eight of the best, most unforgettable road trips you can possibly take in Nevada. We challenge you to take them all!

1. This Haunting Road Trip Through Nevada Ghost Towns Is One You Won’t Soon Forget.
Haunted Ghost Towns
Google Maps
Rhyolite, NV 89003, USA
Gabriel Millos/Flickr
Ghost towns are a big part of Nevada's history due to the mining boom back in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Cities rose and fell as the mines flourished and then emptied. Today there are over 600 ghost towns and abandoned mining sites in the state. This 18 hour road tour takes you through some of the most well known ghost towns in Nevada including Rhyolite, Gold Point, Beowawe and Silver City.
2. 8 Amazing Places You Can Go On One Tank Of Gas In Nevada.
Google Maps
Idlewild Park
Lake Tahoe, United States
Ed Z./Yelp
If you've ever gotten the urge to just get in your car and go and see where the road takes you, this 3.5-hour trip is perfect if you're in the northern end of the state. Enjoy stopping at some dining, history, and nature spots around the Reno, Carson City and Lake Tahoe areas.
3. This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You (Northern) Nevada Like You’ve Never Seen It Before.
Google Maps
Sand Mountain
Lehman Caves Visitors Center Parking, Nevada 89311, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Nevada is full of some stunningly beautiful natural spaces. This trip through Northern Nevada takes 21 hours of driving and you'll cover such amazing sights as Pyramid Lake, Sand Mountain, Boundary Peak and the Lehman Caves.
4. The Ultimate (Southern) Nevada Natural Wonders Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Take It.
Google Maps
Valley of Fire
Valley of Fire, Nevada 89040, USA
N i c o l a/Flickr
If you prefer a drive through the natural beauty of Southern Nevada, this trip will take you 14 hours and 36 minutes today. You'll love driving through exquisite natural wonders like the Valley of Fire, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and the Red Rock Canyon Natural Conservation Area. And, make a stop at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa for a meal and a dip in the pool!

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5. Take The Ultimate Nevada Road Trip Down The Loneliest Road In America.
Google Maps
Ely
U.S. 50, US-50, Fallon, NV, USA
Ed Brownson/Flickr
Highway 50, which criss-crosses the state, has been called the "loneliest road in America" and dire warnings to avoid the road unless you are a strong survivor are part of Nevada's history. The truth is, you can drive through some delightful historical towns and see some beautiful natural scenes along this route. In fact, get a copy of the Highway 50 Survival Guide and have 5 of the 8 locations stamp it and you can get a "Highway 50 Survivor Certificate."
6. We Dare You To Take This Road Trip To Nevada’s Most Abandoned Places.
Google Maps
Goldfield
Goldfield, NV 89013, USA
Wes Dickinson/Flickr
Because of the rise and fall of mining during the late 1800's and early 1900's, there are many spots in Nevada that were abandoned as mining fortunes turned south. You can still visit these spots today and experience some of our state's history. This trip takes just under eight hours.
7. The Haunted Road Trip That Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Nevada.
Google Maps
El Dorado Pet Cemetery, Boulder City
Boulder City, NV, USA
Miss Shari/Flickr
Because of Nevada's "wild west" history, combined with its many ghost towns, stories of hauntings abound throughout the state. Take this 13 hour tour to visit some of these haunted spots, including the uber-creepy El Dorado Pet Cemetery in Boulder City.
8. The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Nevada That’s Nothing Short Of Magical.
Google Maps
Lights of Tanea
Nevada Governor Mansion, 606 Mountain St, Carson City, NV 89703, USA
Lights of Tanea Facebook Page
Nevadans love Christmas, and some people are more enthusiastic than others when it comes to light extravaganzas! Take this 10 hour trip through the state to see some of our most passionate Christmas decorators! We especially love the lights at the Governor's Mansion in Carson City.

How many of these best road trips in Nevada have you taken before? Which road trip adventure will you choose next? Nevada is full of so many wonderful places to explore, and we challenge you to set forth and see it all!

For more amazing road trips around the Silver State, check out these 10 inexpensive adventures.

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Best road trips in Nevada

Sarah | September 22, 2021

What are some inexpensive road trips in Nevada?

We love road trips because they can be done on the fly, and are often a wonderful way to explore without breaking the bank. Case in point: these 10 amazing adventures, which lead to some truly bucket-list-worthy destinations in the Silver State! Some of our favorite inexpensive road trips in Nevada include the Goldwell Open Air Museum in Rhyolite and the International Car Forest of the Last Church in Goldfield; these two roadside attractions are a ton of fun to explore, and really show some of the history and culture of our lovely state. Another favorite road trip destination in Nevada is Lake Tahoe. There are so many free activities at this highest alpine lake. Hiking and bicycling are extremely popular, in particular this gorgeous hike that is even more spectacular in the autumn!

What are some must-visit places in Nevada?

The Silver State may be known for the glitz and glam of Las Vegas, but really, it's the rest of the state that will take your breath away. Some of our favorite must-visit places in Nevada are Lake Tahoe, the Valley of Fire, Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark, Sand Mountain Recreation Area, the Hoover Dam, and Great Basin National Park.

What are some Nevada road trips that only require a tank of gas?

You don't have to travel far to reach an amazing destination or attraction in the Silver State. Need proof? We designed this road trip that allows you to see some truly spectacular places in Nevada, all on one tank of gas! From the National Automobile Museum in Reno to Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park (and many a ghost town and roadside attraction in between!), you'll have lots of adventures on this 300-mile-long road trip in the Silver State.

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