Natural wonders in Nevada

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.

Nevada's Natural Wonders — Map

John Fowler / CC BY 2.0

A

Fire Wave

Sandstone formation featuring undulating red and white stripes.

John Fowler / CC BY 2.0

B

Pink Canyon

Narrow wash known for its pastel pink sandstone walls.

C

Elephant Rock

Natural sandstone arch resembling an elephant's trunk and body.

D

White Domes Slot Canyon

Narrow passage through multicolored sandstone with dramatic light and shadows.

E

Kaolin Slot Canyon

Deep, narrow canyon section featuring fine white sand and steep walls.

F

Lehman Caves

Main draw of the Great Basin. Its amazing stone structures and stalagmites are absolutely worth the detour.

G

Devil's Hole

Water-filled cavern and detached unit of Death Valley National Park, home to the rare pupfish.

H

Ribbon Cliff

Layered rock face located in the Jackass Flats region.

I

The Temple

Prominent rock formation overlooking the Virgin Basin of Lake Mead.

J

The Pillars

Series of vertical rock formations along the northern reach of Lake Mead.

K

The Cliffs

Steep escarpment within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

L

Hemenway Wall

Steep rock face near Boulder City known for desert bighorn sheep sightings.

M

Record Bluff

High cliff formation in the northeastern corner of Nevada.

N

Pearl Hot Springs

Geothermal springs located in the high desert of Esmeralda County.

O

Alkai Hot Spring

Natural thermal spring situated in the remote Clayton Valley.

P

Pictured Rocks

Cliff site featuring ancient petroglyphs and distinctive rock weathering.

Q

Egg Point

High peak and cliff formation within the Nevada Test Site.

R

Crescent Cliff

Curved rock face located in the remote desert of Nye County.

S

hot spring

Natural thermal spring located near the Humboldt River.

T

hot spring

Geothermal spring situated in the northeastern high desert.

U

hot spring

Natural hot spring located in the Elko region.

V

Raven Cave

Natural cavern located in the remote Goshute Mountains.

W

Hidden Cliff

Secluded desert cliff located in the Jackass Flats area.

X

Susans Bluff

Rocky bluff overlooking the Carson River near Virginia City.

Y

Window Rock

Natural rock opening located in the eastern Nevada wilderness.

Z

Red Bluff

Stark red cliff formation in northern Humboldt County.

Blizzard Bluff

High-elevation cliff located near the Oregon border.

Danger Point

Sharp escarpment overlooking the Owyhee River desert.

Point of Rocks

Historic rock formation and landmark in the Big Smoky Valley.

Six Mile Bluff

Prominent cliff face in the Hot Creek Range.

Buckwheat Rim

Rocky ridge located in the Pancake Range of central Nevada.

Georges Canyon Rim

Plateau edge overlooking Georges Canyon in Nye County.

Cabin Springs

Cliff area featuring a natural spring in the Sheep Range.

The Ribbons

Layered rock formations situated near the Virgin River.

The Bluffs

Erosion-carved cliffs located in the Meadow Valley Wash.

Dead Man Canyon

Steep-walled canyon located within the Desert National Wildlife Refuge.

Rattlesnake Point

Sharp rocky outcrop near the town of Panaca.

Mormon Mesa

Massive flat-topped landform capped with caliche overlooking the Virgin River.

Mormon Mesa

Section of the Mormon Mesa plateau known for its steep escarpments.

Mormon Mesa

Southern portion of the mesa overlooking the Moapa Valley.

Seven Keyholes Slot Canyon

Interconnected series of narrow slot canyons near Lake Mead.

Black Cliff

Dark volcanic cliff located in the White River Valley.

Natural Arch

Natural limestone arch located in the Snake Range.

Stillwater Point

High overlook in the Stillwater Range near Fallon.

Marble Bluff

Limestone and marble formation on the shores of Pyramid Lake.

Yellow Rock

Distinctive yellow-hued cliff on the Nevada-California border.

Other Lists

Nevada's Unmissable Wonders Nevada's Majestic Peaks Nevada's Natural & Historic Parks Nevada's Historic Treasures Nevada's Lakes and Reservoirs Nevada Casinos and Entertainment