Nevada is full of beautiful scenic drives, which provide travelers with some of the most amazing views of the Silver State. If you feel like taking an afternoon drive, what a way to see the state’s scenery. Here are 10 scenic drives in Nevada you should definitely check out:

1. Lamoille Canyon Scenic Drive
Lamoille Canyon, Nevada 89828, USA
flickr/Cortney Smith
Lamoille Canyon is located in Elko on Interstate 80, and it's a definite must-see for anyone passing through the area. This drive is easy and provides some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Nevada, which includes the lovely Ruby Mountains.

Take a look at this video by @Meanderings:
2. Red Rock Canyon Backcountry Byway
Red Rock Canyon, Nevada 89161, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The Red Rock Canyon Backcountry Byway is a paved 13-mile drive that follows Red Rock Canyon Road through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This one-way paved road is suitable for all vehicles. This is one of my all-time favorite Nevada scenic drives.
3. Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive
Lake Tahoe, United States
flickr/Druh Scoff
Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive is located in west-central Nevada, approximately 15 miles west of Carson City. This scenic drive follows the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe between the cities of South Lake Tahoe and King's Beach and is a great drive to take in the fall. The byway follows State Route 28 and U.S. Route 50, and it's 30 miles long. These highways are usually open all year and are suitable for all vehicles.
4. Big Smoky Valley Scenic Drive
Big Smoky Valley, Nevada, USA
flickr/Terry Feuerborn
This scenic drive follows the entire length (100 miles) of Highway 376 in central Nevada. The nearest town to the southern beginning point is Tonopah, and the nearest town to the northern beginning point is Austin.
5. Valley of Fire Road
Valley of Fire Highway, Valley of Fire Hwy, Nevada, USA
flickr/Andrew
Pictured above, a road is leading through rock formations into the Valley of Fire State Park, which is located near Las Vegas in the Nevada desert. Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's largest and oldest state park. The beautiful rock formations make this scenic drive well worth it.

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6. Pyramid Lake National Scenic Byway
Pyramid Lake, Nevada 89510, USA
flickr/Ken Lund
Pyramid Lake lies within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, and it's located 30 miles north of Reno. \It follows State Route 445, State Route 446, and State Route 447. These state highways are suitable for all vehicles. The Pyramid Lake National Scenic Byway is 40 miles long.

Take a look at this video by @WestBoundAmerica:
7. Hamilton Ghost Town Scenic Drive
Hamilton, NV, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
This scenic drive begins at U.S. Hwy 50, 39 miles to the west of Ely. It provides beautiful views of Mt. Hamilton, the Mokomoke Mountains, and the White Pine Range. It also provides beautiful views of several valleys and mountain ranges that are located in the far distance.
8. Christmas Tree Pass Scenic Drive
Christmas Tree Pass, Nevada 89046, USA
flickr/Dorian Wallender
Christmas Tree Pass is located in southern Nevada and leads over the Newberry Mountains. Christmas Tree Pass Road is the road that crosses the pass, and it begins just outside of Laughlin, off NV Hwy 163. It ends to the south of Searchlight on U.S. Hwy 93. This scenic drive is only 12 miles long and is one of the best backroads in Nevada.

Take a look at this video by @Trail89Adventures:
9. America's Loneliest Road
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
This scenic drive takes place on U.S. Route 50, AKA, America's Loneliest Road, as it travels through Reese River Valley. Despite its nickname, it's one of the best driving roads in Nevada.
10. Mount Rose Scenic Byway
Mount Rose Summit, Mt Rose Summit, Nevada 89704, USA
flickr/Ken Lund
If you're looking for "scenic drives near me," Mount Rose Highway is located in Washoe County and is nearly 25 miles long. It connects Incline Village-Crystal Bay at Lake Tahoe with Reno. Mount Rose Highway was named after the eponymous mountain, which is located just off the highway. The entire length of Mount Rose Highway has been designated the Mount Rose Scenic Byway.

Have you taken any of these scenic drives in Nevada? Is there an additional scenic drive you can suggest? Let us know in the comments below!

Before hitting the road on any road trip or scenic drive, check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List.

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scenic drives in Nevada

Kim Magaraci | March 02, 2021

What are the best outdoor adventures in Nevada?

Some of the best outdoor adventures in Nevada include the following;

  • If you love hiking and seeing new things, visit Great Basin National Park and explore the caves.
  • One of the most popular outdoor adventures is located just outside of Vegas, in Red Rock Canyon. You can spend time exploring side trails, pathways, and scenic vistas on an easy and memorable drive through the gorgeous canyon.

 

Is Nevada a great place to live?

The Silver State might be your dream come true if you love dry and warm weather! Our cost of living is low, the sights are beautiful, and there's always something to do. In the summer, it's easy to cool off at a museum or in a park with a swimming hole, and in the winter, Nevada is home to a whole lot of open space for snow sports and recreation.

Does Nevada have any natural wonders?

Yes, Nevada has numerous natural wonders including:

  • The Jarbridge Wilderness is one of the most remote places on Earth.
  • Valley of Fire will impress even the most seasoned outdoorsman.
  • Lake Tahoe is like being on another planet.
  • Lehman Caves will take your breath away.

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