From the neon lights of Vegas to the deserts that cover a large portion of the state, there is always something interesting to explore in Nevada. Hikes, museums, and beautiful views can easily fill an entire trip to the Sagebrush State. In fact, because there is so much to see and do in this place, you may want to make a Nevada bucket list in order to keep track of your ideas. This can help you keep track of everything you want to do while you’re in the state.
We’ve listed some of the places you may want to include in your bucket list that cover the natural areas, history, and attractions in Nevada.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a fascinating park to visit during three out of the four seasons of the year. You’ll want to avoid the park in summer when the heat can be intense. But you can explore the canyons, colorful rocks, craters, and other formations during the cooler months and learn about this unique landscape.
Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is the only national park completely within Nevada’s state lines. You can hike Wheeler Peak, explore caves at the park, and stargaze with some of the darkest skies in the country.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the largest reservoir in the United States. Visitors to the lake enjoy swimming, boating and fishing. It’s also a lovely place for a bike ride or a hike, and there are lots of natural areas to explore.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
The area just north of Las Vegas was once a wetland and was home to a number of animals including mammoths, lions, and camels. Visit the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument to see the fossils of these creatures and learn about their respective ways of life.
National Historic Trails
In addition to the parks mentioned above, Nevada has a few national historic trails running through it. These are always fun to explore, and the visitor centers along these trails provide fascinating history lessons.
The trails you’ll find in Nevada include:
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
- Old Spanish National Historic Trail
- California National Historic Trail
Attend Burning Man
Each year, thousands of music fans gather in an empty desert to create what they call Black Rock City during the Burning Man music festival. This festival focuses on artistic expression, inclusion, and cooperation, and the experience it offers is unlike any other.
Check Out Las Vegas
No Nevada bucket list is complete without mentioning Las Vegas. See the Bellagio Fountains, the mermaids at Silverton Casino Hotel, and the flamingos at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. Pay a visit to Container Park for shopping and dining (and an awesome play structure for the kids), see the Coca-Cola Store and M&M’s World, and be sure to catch the Fremont Street Experience.
Eat on Top of the World
Eating at the Top of the World Restaurant inside of the STRAT Hotel’s skyline-dominating observation tower is an upscale … but unique … experience. The dining area revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes. The views are incredible, and the food is equally as wonderful.
Play at the Pinball Hall of Fame
Las Vegas is home to the Pinball Hall of Fame, an extensive collection of pinball machines. The machines are open and you can visit and play the pinball machines as well.
Learn at the Atomic Museum
The Atomic Testing Museum highlights 70 years of atomic testing. It also explores the Atomic Age culture and looks at scientific and technological advances.
Tour the Neon Museum Las Vegas
The Neon Museum Las Vegas is a graveyard for the old neon signs that once lit the streets of Sin City. Tours are offered daily and take guests through the maze of old signage, telling the stories behind each of the signs and painting a picture of old Las Vegas.
Visit Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire was the first natural area to be named a state park in Nevada. When you visit, you’ll understand why people felt the need to protect this place. Be sure to find the Elephant Rock formation, check out the Beehives formations, see the Fire Cave, and hike to the Fire Wave.
Marvel at Hoover Dam
Located on the border between Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam is an incredible sight to see. You can tour the dam, but also be sure to take a look at this architectural wonder when visiting the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which offers amazing views of the dam.
Admire the Dunes of Amargosa Valley
Big Dune Recreation Area in Amargosa Valley is a great place to get outdoors and take in some lovely views. The dunes at this natural area are almost otherworldly. Riding ORVs is permitted in many areas and can be a lot of fun. Sand sledding and sand boarding also offer a great time with a lot less noise.
Find Petroglyphs on the Grimes Point Archaeological Trail
There’s something incredibly exciting about finding messages left by people from another time. Look for these petroglyphs when hiking Grimes Point Archaeological Trail – a moderate trail that is located near Fallon.
Ski the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Since Nevada shares the Sierra Nevada Mountains with California, there are several places to ski. Many of the best areas are in Lake Tahoe – try Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe, Diamond Peak in Incline Village, or Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. You’ll find lots of great restaurants, casinos, and other winter activities in Lake Tahoe to enjoy as well.
Hike through Lamoille Canyon
Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains offers gorgeous views and a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature. Considering this is the largest valley in the Ruby Mountains, you’re sure to find plenty of ground to cover during your time there.
Swim in Lake Tahoe
America’s largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to visit when you want to cool off during the summer months. Nevada has a few different swimming beaches along the eastern shores of this pristine lake – Sand Harbor is a popular spot, as is Nevada Beach.
Explore the Ghost Town of Rhyolite
In 1905, the busy mining town of Rhyolite was founded. Unfortunately, the mine was eventually shut down, leaving the town abandoned. These days, this place is the most visited ghost town in Nevada, and it provides an interesting peek into the past.
Discover the 7 Magic Mountains
Drive into the desert about 10 miles south of Las Vegas and you’ll be greeted with a colorful surprise. Here, the 7 Magic Mountains art installation stands proud and tall in the middle of an otherwise empty desert area. The piece features 7 colorful towers of boulders stacked more than 30 feet high.
Watch a Sunrise at Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area features lovely geological features and was Nevada’s first conservation area. The way the sun hits the red rocks first thing in the morning makes getting up early well worth your time.
Watch Fly Geyser Erupt
Fly Geyser is an accidental man-made geyser in Washoe County. The geothermal geyser sends hot water up to five feet into the air, and the bright green and red deposits surrounding the spout are now around six feet high. While the geyser is technically on private property, it can be seen from the road. You can also schedule a tour through the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock to get a closer look.
Hang Out with Ghosts in Virginia City
Considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States, Virginia City is the place to be if you’re hoping to see a ghost. Take a ghost tour or head out on your own to find the haunts that make this town so famous. Even if you don’t run into a spectre, you can see historic buildings, take a stagecoach ride, or take a mine tour.
Play a Round at Wolf Creek Golf Club
Considered by golf enthusiasts everywhere to be one of the best golf courses in the country, Wolf Creek Golf Club in Mesquite is the place to go for an excellent round of golf. Pack your clubs and schedule a day to check out this stellar course.
See the Sedan Crater
The result of a nuclear test, the Sedan Crater is an incredible sight to see. Over 12 million tons of earth were displaced by the explosion, leaving a crater 1,280 feet in diameter and 320 feet deep.
Grab Grub at Pioneer Saloon
At Pioneer Saloon you can enjoy a meal in what feels like a completely different era. This restaurant was originally built in 1913 and has stood the test of time. It is made of stamped tin and is likely the last of its kind. The building has been featured in a number of movies, but for the most part, it’s still used as a saloon on a day-to-day basis.
Nevada is a wonderful state that is well worth visiting. Of course, you will want a comfortable place to stay during your time there. Fortunately, there are Nevada RV rentals.
Choosing an RV rental for your lodging during your Nevada getaway allows you to find comfort wherever you roam. This means you can jump from one place to another, seeing all the sights on your Nevada bucket list while sleeping in the same bed each night.
