There’s no denying that Nevada is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. The scenery can’t be beat! With that being said, one of the best ways to experience Nevada’s beautiful scenery is to take a scenic drive. Not sure where to begin? Let us help you out. Listed below are 11 Nevada scenic byways that will show you how beautiful the Silver State truly is. We think they’re the best scenic drives in Nevada, in fact!

1. Valley of Fire Road
Valley of Fire Highway, Valley of Fire Hwy, Nevada, USA
flickr/James Marvin Phelps
This 10.5 mile road is Valley of Fire State Park's main road, which connects the park's east and west entrances. Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park and it's AMAZING.

Take a look at this video by @ThatAdventureLife:
2. U.S. Highway 50
U.S. 50, Fallon, Nevada, U.S.
flickr/Jasperdo
This highway, which stretches from Sacramento, California, to Ocean City, Maryland, is best known as The Loneliest Road in America.
3. Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway
Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, NF-660, Spring Creek, NV 89815, USA
wikimedia commons/Famartin
Located in Elko County, Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is 12 miles long and meanders its way through Nevada's beautiful Lamoille Canyon.
4. Extraterrestrial Highway
Nevada 375, NV-375, Nevada, USA
flickr/Peter Prehn - News Avoidance Therapy
State Route 375 stretches for 98 miles and is located in south-central Nevada. It's best known as the "Extraterrestrial Highway" because of the numerous UFO sightings that have been reported.

Take a look at this video of some of the stops along the Extraterrestrial Highway by @MatadorNetworkTravel:
5. Las Vegas Strip Scenic Byway
The Las Vegas Strip, S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
flickr/Allen
Looking for "scenic drives near me?" Without a doubt, the Las Vegas Strip Scenic Byway is one of America's most iconic images. This 4.5-mile byway is also America's only nighttime byway. This Las Vegas scenic drive is truly one to remember.

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6. Red Rock Canyon Road
Red Rock Canyon, Nevada 89161, USA
Matthew Dillon/Flickr
Red Rock Canyon is one of the most beautiful gems of Nevada, and the eponymous scenic road is approximately 31 miles long and provides access to the canyon, which is actually one of Nevada's top hiking spots -- so plan to stop and explore!

Take a look at this video by @MagellanandGreyhound:
7. Kyle Canyon Road
Kyle Canyon Road, Kyle Canyon Rd, Las Vegas, NV, USA
flickr/N i c o l a
Kyle Canyon Road, located in Clark County, connects the city of Las Vegas to the recreational areas of Mount Charleston. Kyle Canyon Road is also known as State Route 157, and it's particularly beautiful in the fall.
8. Pyramid Highway
Pyramid Highway, Pyramid Hwy, Reno, NV, USA
flickr/Dimka
Pyramid Highway, which is 42 miles long and located in Washoe County, follows Pyramid Way and eventually connects Reno to Pyramid Lake -- a remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan.
9. Lehman Caves Road
Lehman Caves Road, Lehman Caves Rd, Baker, NV 89311, USA
wikimedia commons/Famartin
Lehman Caves Road, also known as State Route 488, is located in White Pine County. It connects the town of Baker to Great Basin National Park. Lehman Caves is one of Nevada's top attractions and is located in Great Basin National Park.
10. Angel Lake Road
Angel Lake Road, Angel Lake Rd, Wells, NV, USA
wikimedia commons/Famartin
Angel Lake Road, also referred to as State Route 231, is located in Elko County and connects Angel Lake to the town of Wells. This underappreciated route is short and sweet, and pretty much anybody with a vehicle is capable of traversing it!
11. Lake Tahoe - Eastshore Drive Scenic Byway
Lake Tahoe, United States
flickr/DruhScoff
One of the best scenic drives in Nevada is at Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe - Eastshore Drive Scenic Byway, which is 16.2 miles long, runs along the northeastern shore of Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is such a gorgeous place. If you're unable to get in the water, driving along this scenic byway is a great way to get close-up views of Lake Tahoe.

Have you taken any of these Nevada scenic byways? In your opinion, what are the best scenic drives in Nevada? Share your favorite routes in the comments below!

For more scenic trips through the Silver State, check out these 10 gorgeous drives! But before you hit the road on any trip, check out our ultimate list of road trip accessories for everything you need.

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More to Explore

Best scenic drives in Nevada

Sarah | September 07, 2021

What's the most scenic drive in Nevada?

The most scenic drive in Nevada has what's perhaps the least beautiful name: The Death Drive. This drive may not sound very promising at first glance; in fact, it sounds downright dangerous. However, those who brave this strangely named scenic road trip are in fact rewarded with some of the most spectacular destinations that southern Nevada has to offer.

Taking you through valleys, mountains, and everything in between, this road trip will have you utterly mesmerized from beginning to end. You'll start this iconic road trip by driving west from Las Vegas on NV-159 W. This highway takes you through some of the region's most incredible landscapes, including the world-famous Red Rock Canyon NCA and the gorgeous Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. This stretch of the trip shows that there's *so* much more to Las Vegas than The Strip, which is something we Nevadans know quite well!

Are there any scenic backroads in Nevada?

Yes, there are plenty of scenic backroads in Nevada including the following:

  • California Trail National Back County Byway
  • Lovelock Cave National Back Country Byway
  • Gold Butte Back Country Byway

 

Nevada is a beautiful state with many mountains, canyons, waterways, and stunning scenery. From the bright red rocks of Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Gold Butte to the many mountain ranges and glorious and scenic canyons, the Silver State is chock full of natural charm, gorgeous sights, and some of the best back roads for a long picturesque day trip

What are some beautiful places in Nevada?

Among the most beautiful places in Nevada are the following:

  • Lake Tahoe
  • Jarbridge Wilderness in Elko County
  • Lamoille Canyon
  • Valley of Fire State Park in Overton
  • Cathedral Gorge State Park in Panaca

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