10 Things To Do In Nevada That Aren’t In Las Vegas
Whenever you think about the state of Nevada, Las Vegas is bound to come up. But if you’re planning a trip soon, don’t forget about all the places surrounding it! In the Great Basin above and the Mojave Desert below, there are plenty of interesting attractions, cities and natural parks to explore. Here are just ten of the things to do in Nevada.
1. The Hoover Dam (Boulder City)
Perhaps the most famous sight in Nevada besides the Las Vegas strip, the Hoover Dam is a testament to human ingenuity. Located on the state’s border with Arizona, the concrete structure controls holds the Lake Mead reservoir and therefore the Colorado River behind it. Get your views of it through the Hoover Dam bypass or through a special tour of the dam power plant itself.
2. Lake Mohave (Laughlin)
Surrounded by mountains and cut in half by a border (the same one near the Hoover Dam), Lake Mohave is one of the most beautiful and geographically interesting things to do in Nevada. Have a nice picnic, rent a jetski or a boat. Fishers will be interested in the striped and largemouth bass which can be caught in the area.
3. Cathedral Gorge (Panaca)
It’s what the Nevada State Parks calls “a photographer’s dream.” This valley of clay is a masterpiece of erosion. Slot canyons, towering rock walls and structures resembling Hanoi towers of clay can be found throughout the landscape. An extensive three-miletrails covers many of the highlights. This should last around two hours at most but there is a campground available for use should you wish to stay longer.
4. Laughlin Labyrinths (Laughlin)
No, this isn’t as impressive as many of the other things on this list but it’s still worth checking out. As far as rock art and labyrinths go, it’s exactly as you’d expect it to be. But it’s still a great mediation spot and a fun, little maze game that anyone can enjoy. It’s a bit off-the-road but if you’re looking for a small, interesting diversion, look no further than here.
5. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park (Nye County)
Near the center of the state is the abandoned ghost town of Berlin. Once a booming mine town, the Panic of 1907 cut into its success and it was left alone until 1970 when it was handed over to the state. Another interesting fact about the area is its surprisingly large concentration of dinosaur fossils. There’s enough that you can take a forty minute tour of the archeological dig, now housed in a location about ten minutes away from the town. Talk about historical!
6. Mt. Rose Ski Resort (Reno)
It’s the number one ski resort in Reno for a reason. The city is known for its slopes and Mt. Rose offers those of all types that’ll please both beginnings and advanced athletes. On top of this, the resort gives its users an unobstructed view of Lake Tahoe and the nearby Truckee meadows. So if you’d like a beautiful, welcoming environment to practice your turning, this is it! This is one of our favorite things to do in Nevada!
7. Sand Harbor Beach (Incline Village)
Though the majority of its attractions are located in California, Lake Tahoe offers many things to do on the Nevada side of the border. For example, Sand Harbor Beach offers swimming, kayaking and picnicking opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else in the state. Even if you live near water, this is still a good place to visit. Its beautiful views, large boulders and towering pine trees are absolutely wonderful to see in person.
8. The Truckee River Walk (Reno)
What’s more relaxing than walking alongside a body of water on a cool summer’s day? The Truckee River Walk allows you to do just that without even leaving Reno! There’s multiple restaurants available as well as different stations where you can go swimming if you want. So if you’re looking for a way to wind-down on your trip, this is it! This is one of the best things to do in Nevada!
9. The Flume Trail (Washoe County)
If resting at the beach is not your thing, then don’t worry. There are ways to stay active and enjoy Lake Tahoe too. The Flume Trail runs from Incline Village fourteen miles down to Spooner State Park in lower Washoe. Those who are interested can navigate it by shuttle or by mountain bike. Either way, you’ll be able to see stunning views of the lake, the mountains and the forest that grows on top of them. A must-see if you want to do something physical in the region.
10. Skunk Harbor (Carson City)
Located on another part of Lake Tahoe, Skunk Harbor is not that far from Nevada’s capital and yet, it feels so isolated. It’s a short hike to get there but once you’ve done that, it’s nothing but sun, sea and conifers. Like in other bodies of water, you can boat in it or just take a swim but just resting on the sand is good enough.
So what do you think of this list? Are you excited to see other parts of Nevada? What are your favorite things to do in Nevada? Leave your responses in the comments below!
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