Nevada Between Red Rock Landscapes and Pioneer History
Nevada encompasses red sandstone formations, Lake Tahoe, historic parks, and evidence of geological and settlement history.
Red Rocks: Valley of Fire State Park is known for 40,000 acres of brightly colored red Aztec sandstone outcrops embedded in gray and beige limestone.
Elevation and Route: The paved Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is 12 miles long, designed as an out-and-back route, and reaches an elevation of more than 10,000 feet.
Protected Area: Red Rock Canyon was designated Nevada’s first National Conservation Area.
Water Landscape: Lake Mead National Recreation Area has more than 900 campsites and RV spaces.
Public Land: Nevada has more than 60 million acres of public land.
Alpine Dimension: Great Basin National Park covers approximately 77,000 acres.
Landscapes, Viewpoints and Nature Experiences
Valley of Fire State Park combines natural and cultural history. The park contains ancient petrified trees as well as petroglyphs that are more than 2,000 years old. The visitor center offers exhibits on the park’s geology, ecology, prehistory and history.
Red Rock Canyon combines a 13-mile scenic drive with hiking opportunities ranging from a few minutes to a full day. The visitor center features exhibits and a bookstore. In addition, there are four designated picnic areas with views of Red Rock Canyon and access to easier hiking trails.
Along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, you can observe mule deer, marmots, coyotes and rabbits. Viewpoints offer views and photo opportunities of Mount Moriah, Lehman Creek, Wheeler Peak, Doso Doyabi Peak and the Snake Valley below. The route also provides access to trails leading to the Alpine Lakes, the Bristlecone Pine Interpretive Trail, Osceola Ditch and the Wheeler Peak Summit Trailhead.
Sand Harbor is located on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. At Sand Harbor, swimming in the clear waters of Lake Tahoe is possible, as is diving. Two ramps are used to launch boats and other watercraft; there are also picnic areas with grills and tables. Boating and fishing are also possible in Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Nevada’s state park system encompasses more than two dozen diverse sites with unusual rock spires, riverbanks and pioneer forts. For nighttime landscape perspectives, Nevada has several destinations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their exceptionally dark skies.
Historic Places and Unusual Testimony
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park features six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens that were used from 1876 to 1879 to process silver ore. Fishing is possible in the park’s Willow Creek. At Fort Churchill State Historic Park, the ruins of Fort Churchill preserve another historic focal point. In the 19th century, Buckland Station was an important stop for pioneer travelers on the Overland Route; today, the station offers a self-guided tour of the ground floor of the historic residence. The 2.2-mile Nature Trail runs along the Carson River.
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is home to the largest known concentration and the largest known remains of ichthyosaurs. The Fossil House displays the park’s protected ichthyosaur fossils, while the Berlin Townsite can be explored on a self-guided tour. The park also preserves a ghost town established in the 1890s, with many original buildings still standing.
For regional context, you can also view the subregions Clark, Washoe and Douglas County.
Check prices, availability and amenities for your travel dates directly on Booking.com.
View Accommodations and OffersAdvertisement · Affiliate link to Booking.comFAQ
What does Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort preserve?
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort preserves the historic remains of an adobe fort built by Mormon missionaries in 1855. The visitor center contains exhibits and photographs about the site’s history.
What does Spring Mountain Ranch State Park offer?
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park borders Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and preserves some of Nevada’s oldest buildings. Visitors can explore the interior of the Ranch House on a self-guided tour. The park also hosts living history programs featuring role-playing in historical costumes, demonstrations and reenactments.
What history does Mormon Station present?
Mormon Station State Historic Park houses a reconstruction of a trading post built in 1851, which is used as a museum featuring original pioneer artifacts. The 1856 Kinsey House is one of Nevada’s oldest surviving residences.
What can be seen at Elgin Schoolhouse?
Elgin Schoolhouse preserves a one-room schoolhouse where grades one through eight were taught from 1922 to 1967. Many original school items have been preserved and are displayed there.
What views does Hoover Dam offer?
The Hoover Dam observation deck offers a 360-degree view of the dam, the Colorado River, Lake Mead and the Hoover Bypass Bridge. The Original Exhibit Building contains an annotated 3D model of the region’s dams and power systems.
For the higher-level travel overview: USA.
More About the Destination
Relevant information for planning your trip:
More Destinations
More places within the same destination:
