Nevada is vastly underrated when it comes to beautiful places. True Nevadans know that our state is much, much more than just Las Vegas or Reno. In fact, those places aren’t even scratching the surface when it comes to all there is to explore and discover in the Silver State. It’s perfectly fine with us if the rest of the country stays in the dark about Nevada’s hidden beauty. That just means there’s more for us to enjoy! Listed below are 8 of the best places to visit in all of Nevada. How many have you scratched off your list so far?
1. Great Basin National Park
There are all sorts of treasures to be uncovered in Nevada's largest state park. Great Basin is arguably one of the most underrated national parks in the country. Despite the fact that hidden within the park are numerous caverns, lakes, hiking trails, and stunning views, it maintains a low number of visitors compared to other national parks. This makes Great Basin a true hidden gem. Spanning over 200,000 square miles, the beauty is pretty much endless.
2. Black Rock Desert
Most out-of-staters are under the impression that the entire state of Nevada looks something like this—flat, arid, desolate desert. Nevadans know that there is much more to our state than that. However, you have to admit that our desert landscapes are pretty stunning as well. Specifically the Black Rock Desert which is comprised of 200 square miles of some of the flattest surfaces on Earth. Visiting the Black Rock Desert is like something out of dream. Completely surrounding you is the sight of seemingly endless desert. It just seems to go on forever.
3. Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is one of the most notable attractions in Nevada, and for good reason. This is a spectacle that needs to be witnessed in person in order to appreciate it fully. Pictures just don't do it justice. Although it was built more than 70 years ago, the dam remains an impressive structure to this day.
4. Lamoille Canyon
The Lamoille Canyon is one of northern Nevada's greatest natural wonders. It is a hotspot of all kinds of recreational activities including hiking, camping, biking, backpacking, and lots more. Even during the winter months you'll often see outdoor enthusiasts flocking to the area for snowmobiling and skiing opportunities. Even if you aren't big on outdoor activities, you can still drive along the incredible Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway as it takes you through breathtaking canyon scenery with elevations of up to 8,800 feet.
5. Cathedral Gorge State Park
Located in the eastern region of our state, Cathedral Gorge boasts 2,000 acres of walking trails, picnic areas, and camp sites in one of the most unique regions in the country. The crazy formations are the result of millions of years of geologic and volcanic activity. This place is truly a photographer's paradise for the pure bizarre quality of the landscape. This is definitely a place that needs to be on every Nevadan's bucket list.
6. Jarbidge Wilderness
Comprised of 113,167 acres, the Jarbidge Wilderness is yet another impressive landscape that flies under the radar for the most part. The area consists of deep, dramatic canyons and mountain peaks reaching heights of over 10,000 feet. Hidden away from any highway and tucked deep into one of the most remote areas in Nevada, the Jarbidge Wilderness requires some extra effort to get to...but it's totally worth it.
7. Valley Of Fire State Park
Perhaps every Nevadan's most beloved state park is Valley of Fire. This park is easily a "fan favorite" for its easy accessibility and jaw-dropping landscape. Consisting of 40,000 acres of bright red and orange sandstone formations, it's hard not to fall in love with this beautiful park. Valley of Fire is equipped with plenty of hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational information for visitors.
8. Fly Geyser
Located within Black Rock Desert, the Fly Geyser is one of the most stunning yet weird sights in the country. Sitting at 5 feet high and 12 feet wide, this thing looks like something from a different planet. It consistently spouts a 5-foot high stream of water. The bizarre geyser was formed accidentally during a well drilling attempt. It may have been created on accident, but Fly Geyser is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Nevada.
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