Nevada

Featured Lists

Joao Carlos Medau / CC BY 2.0

Nevada's Unmissable Wonders

Nevada's landscape features a mix of high-energy urban centers and quiet desert history. This collection spans the Las Vegas Strip’s major landmarks, including the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower and the seasonal botanical displays at Bellagio. Beyond the neon, explore the geological formations of Red Rock Canyon and the remains of the early 20th-century mining boom at Rhyolite Ghost Town. Cultural highlights range from the mid-century Googie architecture of the Las Vegas sign to Cold War history at the National Atomic Testing Museum.

17 places

John Fowler / CC BY 2.0

Nevada's Majestic Peaks

Nevada is the most mountainous state in the contiguous United States, defined by the Basin and Range Province. This collection spans the state's diverse topography, from the glaciated canyons of the Ruby Mountains to the limestone cliffs of the Spring Mountains. Key highlights include Wheeler Peak, home to ancient Bristlecone pines and Nevada's only glacier, and the high-altitude alpine environment of Mt. Charleston. These summits showcase unique geological features, including volcanic buttes, pure silica formations, and dramatic desert peaks rising thousands of feet from the valley floors.

20 places

Famartin / CC BY-SA 3.0

Nevada's Natural & Historic Parks

Nevada's landscape extends beyond the desert to include high-altitude forests, glacial lakes, and significant historical landmarks. This selection features the massive Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the beehive-shaped kilns of Ward Charcoal Ovens. Visitors can explore the well-preserved Berlin ghost town alongside 225-million-year-old Ichthyosaur fossils, or observe desert bighorn sheep within the expansive Desert National Wildlife Range. From the granite shores of Lake Tahoe to the lush canyon springs of Kershaw-Ryan, these parks preserve the state's diverse geological history and pioneer heritage.

10 places

Larry Myhre / CC BY-SA 2.0

Nevada's Historic Treasures

Nevada’s landscape preserves a diverse timeline, from the 225-million-year-old Triassic fossils at the Ichthyosaur Shelter to the 19th-century boomtown ruins of Rhyolite. This collection highlights the state's industrial and cultural evolution, featuring the remarkably intact Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, prehistoric petroglyphs in Keyhole Canyon, and the remnants of Cold War-era nuclear testing at the Project Faultless site. These sites reveal the lives of early indigenous inhabitants, pioneer settlers, and the miners who shaped the Silver State.

20 places

Kumar Appaiah / CC BY-SA 2.0

Nevada's Lakes and Reservoirs

Nevada's hydrology spans from the massive man-made reservoirs of the Colorado River to ancient terminal lakes and high-altitude alpine basins. This collection features major landmarks like Lake Mead and Pyramid Lake alongside the remote, often seasonal playas of the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge. These bodies of water serve as critical wildlife habitats, irrigation sources, and recreational hubs for fishing and boating across the state's arid Great Basin landscape.

23 places

John Fowler / CC BY 2.0

Nevada's Natural Wonders

Nevada’s landscape is defined by its diverse geological history, featuring the vibrant Aztec Sandstone of Valley of Fire State Park and the ancient limestone formations of Great Basin National Park. This collection highlights significant natural landmarks, including the multi-colored Fire Wave, the subterranean stalactites of Lehman Caves, and the rare geothermal habitats of Devil’s Hole. From the towering caliche-capped Mormon Mesa to secluded hot springs and slot canyons, these sites showcase the state's rugged Basin and Range topography.

46 places

Nandaro / CC BY-SA 3.0

Nevada Casinos and Entertainment

Nevada's entertainment landscape extends from the high-density Las Vegas Strip to historic gaming halls in Reno and border towns like West Wendover. This collection features iconic landmarks like the Stratosphere Tower and the themed New York-New York complex. Beyond gambling, the list highlights diverse performance venues, including the MGM Grand’s custom-built KÀ theatre and Reno’s Pioneer Center. Thrill-seekers can find attractions such as the Desperado hypercoaster in Primm and the five-acre indoor Adventuredome theme park.

20 places

Nevada — Map

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit: March, April, October, November

Practical information

Tours & Activities