When it comes to natural beauty there’s no state quite like Nevada.
From the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the hot springs and geysers of the Great Basin Nevada is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country.
And that’s not even mentioning the state’s world-famous desert landscapes.
From the soaring sandstone cliffs of Red Rock Canyon to the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley Nevada’s deserts are truly like nowhere else on Earth.
So if you’re looking for somewhere to get away from it all and enjoy some of the most incredible natural scenery in the country Nevada is the place for you.
Here are just 10 of the most stunning sights to see in the Silver State.
1.
Valley of Fire State Park
Nevada’s oldest and largest state park Valley of Fire is home to some of the most incredible desert scenery in the world.
The park gets its name from the vivid red sandstone formations that make up its landscape.
These red rocks are the remains of ancient sand dunes that were cemented together by minerals and then carved into shape by wind and water over millions of years.
The Valley of Fire is a photographer’s paradise with an ever-changing landscape of red rocks that glow in the sunlight.
The best time to visit the park is in the late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky and the light is at its most dramatic.
2.
Great Basin National Park
Located in the remote Great Basin region of Nevada Great Basin National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the country.
But that doesn’t make it any less impressive.
The park is home to some of the darkest night skies in the country as well as the oldest living trees in North America – the bristlecone pines.
These ancient trees have been growing in the harsh conditions of the Great Basin for over 5000 years and are truly a sight to behold.
In addition to the bristlecone pines Great Basin National Park is also home to alpine lakes limestone caves and countless hiking and camping opportunities.
3.
Ruby Mountains
The Ruby Mountains are a range of mountains located in northeastern Nevada.
The range gets its name from the red-colored rocks that make up its peaks and valleys.
The Ruby Mountains are a popular destination for hikers campers and horseback riders with over 100 miles of trails to explore.
The Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail runs the length of the range and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4.
Lake Tahoe
straddling the border between Nevada and California Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America.
The lake is renowned for its clear blue waters which are perfect for swimming boating and fishing.
The lake is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains which offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country.
In the summer the mountains come alive with hikers and mountain bikers exploring the numerous trails.
5.
Hoover Dam
Located on the Colorado River Hoover Dam is one of the most impressive engineering feats in American history.
The dam was built in the 1930s to provide power and irrigation water to the southwestern states.
At 726 feet tall Hoover Dam is the tallest dam in the United States.
Visitors can take a tour of the dam or walk across the top of it on the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
6.
Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument is located in northeastern California just a short drive from Reno Nevada.
The monument is home to an extensive network of lava tubes – cave-like structures formed by cooled lava flow.
The lava tubes at Lava Beds National Monument are some of the best-preserved in the world and are a popular destination for spelunkers and cave explorers.
The monument also offers hiking camping and backpacking opportunities.
7.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado just a few hours’ drive from Reno.
The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America which rise up to 750 feet high.
The sand dunes were formed over millions of years as the wind blew sand from the nearby San Juan Mountains.
Today the dunes are a popular destination for hikers sand boarders and photographers.
8.
Zion National Park
Located in southwestern Utah Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country.
The park is known for its dramatic red rock cliffs and canyons which have been carved over millions of years by the Virgin River.
Zion National Park is also a popular destination for hiking and camping.
9.
Laughlin
Laughlin is a small city located on the southern tip of Nevada.
This city is known for its casinos and resorts as well as its proximity to the Colorado River.
Visitors can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities in Laughlin such as hiking fishing and boating.
10.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located in the southeastern part of Nevada.
This area is known for its scenic beauty as well as its many recreation opportunities.
Visitors can enjoy hiking camping fishing and boating in the park.