From mountains and deserts to canyons and caverns, there are all types of amazing natural wonders to discover in Nevada. If you’ve lived in the Silver State for very long, it’s likely you’ve seen at least a few of them. However, there’s always something new to explore in our beautiful state so make this the year that you finally tackle some of Nevada’s greatest sights. Below are nine of the state’s greatest natural wonders that you should definitely check out if you haven’t already. Consider it a sign to see some of them for yourself in the near future!
1. Pyramid Lake
Covering approximately 125,000 acres, Pyramid Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the state of Nevada. It also happens to be the largest remnants of ancient Lake Lahontan, a massive inland sea that covered almost the entirety of Nevada. Known for its unusual rock formations and prime fishing opportunities, seeing this beautiful natural wonder in northwest Nevada is a must.
2. Jarbidge Wilderness
Nevada is full of delightfully isolated spots but few are as remote at the expansive Jarbidge Wilderness Area in the northern region of the state. Said to be the most isolated area in the Lower 48, every visit to this beautiful wilderness area promises to be an adventure. It's home to endless backcountry hiking trails, campsites, and fishing spots, so plan a visit to this remote wilderness the next time you feel like getting away from it all.
3. Lehman Caves
Nevada is home to just one national park, but that one park is packed with amazing destinations. Visiting Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada is a must for any nature lover, but you'll especially want to make sure to see Lehman Caves. Comprised of two otherworldly caves, visiting this iconic natural wonder will leave you in awe of what Mother Nature is capable of.
4. Black Rock Desert
It's most famously the site of the annual Burning Man Festival, but the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada is SO much more than that. Boasting a playa that extends for approximately 100 miles, this arid landscape looks like it could be the setting of a science fiction novel and it makes for an awesome place to roam around. The nearby town of Gerlach is a popular entry point to this vast desert region.
5. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Located directly east of Death Valley National Park, Ash Meadows is a protected wildlife refuge in the heart of Amargosa Valley. It was created in 1984 to provide protection to at least 26 plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. This means that visiting this wildlife refuge is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure and it's something you'll definitely want to experience for yourself.
6. Mt. Charleston
When you need an escape from the heat of the Las Vegas Valley, there's no better place to go than the Spring Mountains and Mt. Charleston Wilderness Area. It's just under an hour away from Las Vegas, but it truly feels a million miles away from it all. Comprised of more than 316,000 acres, the wilderness area is a hot spot of recreation including hiking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding, and camping.
7. Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe
It goes without saying that Lake Tahoe is one of Nevada's greatest wonders. There are all kinds of ways to experience the blue bliss that is the largest alpine lake in North America, but one of our favorites is Sand Harbor. Situated on the eastern shore of the lake, Sand Harbor is one of the best places to soak up the lake's beauty. Not to mention, it's extremely photogenic!
8. Valley of Fire
No Nevada bucket list is complete without the addition of Clark County's famous Valley of Fire State Park. This public recreation area received its name from the abundance of sandstone formations that cover the entire valley. Driving through it is a breathtaking experience, but the park itself is home to dozens of hiking trails, campgrounds, and scenic spots for taking it all in.
9. Wheeler Peak
Another must-visit destination when exploring Nevada's Great Basin National Park is the extraordinary Wheeler Peak. As the tallest mountain in the Snake Range (the second-tallest in the state), seeing this prominent peak never ceases to amaze. Whether you view it from the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive or one of the hiking trails that leads to its summit, you'll be floored by this mountain's notable beauty.
How many of Nevada’s greatest natural wonders have you seen for yourself? Let us know about beautiful destinations in Nevada that YOU would add in the comments below.
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