7 Undeniably Fun Weekend Trips To Take If You Live In Nevada

The Resort On Mount Charleston is just a quick 30 minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. However, it feels light years away in atmosphere. Tucked away in the mountains of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the resort makes for a serene getaway from the chaotic Vegas scene. The resort offers easy access to some of the most amazing hiking and skiing trails in Nevada. Hiking to the summit of Mount Charleston should definitely be on every adventurer's bucket list.

New Washoe City is an underrated gem when it comes to outdoor adventure. Full of picture perfect spots, the Washoe area is full of endless things to do. The incredible Washoe Lake State Park is a must see. The park boasts awe-inspiring views of the Sierra Nevadas along with an abundance of recreational activities such as hiking, water sports, and camping. Go on a one-of-a-kind horseback riding adventure with Heavenly Hoofprints or explore Scripps State Wildlife Management Area which is home to a diversity of migratory bird species.

Unionville may be a ghost town of just 20 or so people, but it actually has a lot to offer. Located in the heart of northern Nevada's backcountry, Unionville is one of the most fascinating ghost towns in the state. The isolated aspect of the town makes this a truly sweet escape from the rest of the world. The town contains one business: The Old Pioneer Garden B&B Guest Ranch. Spend your nights at the cozy little inn while exploring the town during the day. Unionville may be quiet today, but during the 19th century it was one of the most bustling towns in Nevada. Check out the ruins of this historic mining town and don't forget to stop by remnants of the one and only Mark Twain's cabin.

Great Basin National Park has got to be one of the most underappreciated national parks in the country. However, that suits us just fine because we like it better without the crowds! It definitely will take more than a weekend to explore all that this incredible park has to offer but it's definitely worth a two-day trip every once in awhile. Delve underground into the beautiful Lehman Caves, enjoy fruit from the century-old Lehman Orchard, seek out the historic Pictograph Cave, or just enjoy one of the many hiking trails.

Feel like being transported to the past? A quick trip to Virginia City should do the trick. This quaint town is straight out of the 19th century, complete with a charming downtown of historic buildings. Spend the night in a real Victorian home at Edith Palmer's Country Inn before heading out to explore the reportedly haunted Washoe Club, the Comstock Historic Walking Trail, or the beautiful Piper's Opera House which now functions as a museum. The opportunities are really endless!

The Lake Mead Recreation Area is by far one of the most diverse areas in Nevada. Again, you could spend way more than a weekend taking in all of the sights and exploring every inch of this place. The recreation area encompasses 1.5 million acres of every type of landscape you could imagine. Mountains, canyons, lakes, valleys, etc. Popular areas of the park include the iconic Hoover Dam, the recreational paradise known as Lake Mohave, the educational Boulder Basin, and the majestic wonderland of Black Canyon.

The breathtaking mountain retreat of Incline Village is definitely a place every Nevadan should treat themselves to at some point. Built by loggers in the late 1800s, Incline is one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful natural wonder that is Lake Tahoe. The village boasts some of the most relaxing beaches, hiking trails, the Mt. Rose ski area, and the cultural treasure that is the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival during the summer.