Roadtrip Checklist: Nevada
While omicron parties its way across the US, airlines still seem incredibly daunting to so many of us. But with Spring break and summer trip planning being one of the things that tends to keep us sane in the winter, finding safer travel alternatives is a great compromise to finding a way to thrive during these crazy few years.
A short drive from California, we’ve had Nevada on our radar for a quick family getaway. And considering springtime is the best time to visit the desert weather wise, we thought we’d draw up a quick list of things to do across the entire state for the ultimate Nevada road trip. Here’s what we have so far.
Mount Charleston
Mount Charleston, also known as Spring Mountain National Recreation Area, is a great place to take a break from hectic city life. It is a part of the Toiyabe National Forest and spring mountain range and is approximately 12,000 feet high. Hence, it has become one of the country's topographically prominent peaks and the eighth-highest mountain peak of the state.
The cool and fresh air and witness the serene beauty of nature makes it worth the trip. You can also go hiking through the trails of aspen and ponderosa pines and observe flora and fauna at their best. If you are lucky, you might get to spot wild horses during the 10-mile Bonanza Peak trail.
Great Basin National Park
If being immersed in raw nature is the goal, Great Basin National Park is the perfect place to visit. It is located on the eastern side of the state, approximately 250 miles from Salt Lake City and 350 miles from Las Vegas, in a deserted area; thus one of the least-visited places. Here you can explore the ancient pine forest and hike to pristine mountain lakes. During the night, you’ll also get the opportunity to be amused by a meteor shower.
Another attraction is Wheeler peak, rising over 13,000 feet out of the 200,000-square-mile basin. It allows you to observe the unique ecosystem- alpine forest, limestone caves, and high desert.
The Fly Geyser
Fly Geyser is another remote area located on private land in the Black Rock Desert. It is also one of the coolest “accidental” man-made places to visit. In the early 1900s, workers created a man-made well. However, over time, geothermal waters began to leak through the walls and rose up to the ground level. As the water was piping hot, workers couldn’t prevent the water from spewing out. Thus, this place was given the name fly geyser.
It is not created on public land; thus, not many people know about it. However, you can visit this man-made wonder from State Route 34.
Valley Of Fire State Park
Traveling to Nevada and not visiting the Valley of Fire is simply not done. After all, Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest and largest state park. It is located in Overton, merely an hour's drive from Las Vegas. If you are looking for anything but a normal experience, you must visit this stunning place.
Overton has 45,000+ acres of desert trails, most of which offer awe-inspiring features molded over 150 million years ago due to erosion, moving fault lines, and shifting sand dunes. That’s the reason why it is an ideal place if you want to drive an off-road ATV. All you’ve to do is look for reliable atv rentals las vegas offering different trials through Fiery red mountains, sand dunes, clear desert skies, and more. It is noteworthy that you need your driver's license to rent the ATV.
But, what if you are visiting this place with your family? No worries, desert adventures and activities are family-friendly as well. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you and your family will enjoy incredible natural wildlife and stunningly beautiful vistas.
Black Rock Desert
The Black Rock Desert is a remote region but offers you a gorgeous view of the dry lake bed and treeless mountains of the state's basin and range landscape. For the majority of the year, this place is extremely dry. However, during the winter months, this place could be exceptionally cold. That’s why it is a great place for camping, hiking, off-road driving, and rock collecting.
Know that this place hosts a Burning Man Event, which focuses on art, community, self-expression, and self-reliance every year. So, you’ll get to enjoy a few recreational activities on your visit to this place.
Extraterrestrial Highway
Another offbeat adventure you must try in the silver state is Nevada State Highway 375, also known as “Extraterrestrial Highway.” The drive on this highway is pastoral, surrounded by verdant valleys, glistening lakes, and various free-range cattle along the road.
When you reach Rachel town, you’ll find many alien enthusiasts there. Believe it or not, it’ll make your drive even more thrilling as you’ll get to hear some interesting alien stories of red light appearances in the sky transforming into five-point stars.
The National Automobile Museum
Last but not least, you should visit the National Automobile Museum. Whether or not you are into cars or not, The Harrah Collection is worth your visit. This collection includes vehicles from the last casino mogul William F. Harrah. Not to mention, this museum house has one of the largest collections of unique and vintage automobiles in the whole world.
For instance, you’ll see horseless carriages, a coppers Rolls Royce and a gold DeLorean. You’ll also get to see the 1912 Rambler that appeared in one of the romantic classics ``Titanic.”
Apart from automobiles, you can also see costumes, art collections, and accessories related to automobiles.
Spencer Hot Springs
20 miles southeast to Austin in Central Nevada, you’ll get to enjoy Spencer Hot Springs. It is a great place if you are looking for a weekend getaway. This place offers you a serene and positive vibe. As it is located in a remote area, there is no or significantly less crowd, so you can relax here.
In addition to this, you can go camping, drive an ATV or rent an RV to make the most out of your visit.
