Featured Stories

If literally delving into the depths of prehistory—and maybe a bit of desert ecology—sounds like your idea of a good time, there are a few Nevada caves we’d recommend intrepid visitors take the time to discover.

Dust rose from the streets of Goldfield. Wagons rattled in. Trains unloaded passengers from across the country. Nearly 7,000 people gathered in a boomtown built on gold and ambition—drawn not just by the promise of a fight, but by the electricity of something larger. 

Is this woody retreat truly a micro national forest or just pure Weird Nevada folklore?

How a first timer stepped onstage for an open-mic session at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Goodsprings and Blue Diamond are the perfect day-trip destinations from Las Vegas.

For this issue of Nevada Magazine & Visitor Guide, we’re excited to present (in no particular order) our staff’s favorite ghost towns. This list was assembled from our very own ghost town travels, and we’d recommend each one to any traveler seeking an immersive experience.

Caliente thrived as a division point on the railroad until the 1940s when Las Vegas took over that role, but the town was here to stay, and the legacy of its railway days lives on at the historic Caliente Railroad Depot.

Whether you’re a cowboy at heart or a real wrangler, this classic event is for you. 

North of Wells lies one of Nevada’s more intriguing ghost towns…and unlike most other ghost towns found throughout the Silver State, this one’s got zero ties to Nevada’s illustrious mining days.

Whether you’re new to dusty Nevada roads or a dirt road pro, we’ve got the dirt on off-grid Nevada bliss. From safety tips for driving on dirt roads to a packing list for your dirt road campground, we’ve got everything you need to become an expert on the Dirt Road Code.

Ready for an amazing central Nevada road trip? Get your hands on Nevada turquoise, explore ancient pictograph and petroglyph sites, drive backcountry canyons, soak in Nevada hot springs and more, all within 45 minutes of Austin, NV.

As one of Nevada’s 600+ ghost towns, what still stands at Rhyolite Ghost Town today has qualified it as one of the coolest around. Read on for 28 excuses to bump this one to the top of your to-do… as if you needed any. #NVGhostTown

With a story defined by Wild West outlaw enclaves, caution-to-the-wind mining-era boomtowns, and other outlandish, uncommon chapters, it’s no wonder Nevada is considered to be one of the country’s most supernaturally active state. From haunted hotels and spirit-filled saloons to macabre museum collections and ghost hunt tours, discover how to get into Nevada’s haunted history at these classic haunts.

Go half an hour southeast of the Las Vegas Strip and access an unbelievable array of outdoor experiences. At our brand-new Travel Nevada Adventure Center in Boulder City, you can book tours that’ll get you a little out there by land, air, and water.

In Elko, Alex joins endurance runner Peyton Thomas for an unexpected adventure in the Ruby Mountains. Off the trail, he dives into Basque culture, tries out some cowboy poetry, and silversmiths a romantic gift for his wife.

Pro climbers Alex Honnold and Cedar Wright battle wind and a surprise snowstorm in Great Basin National Park. When the weather clears, Alex explores Ely’s growing mountain biking scene and stargazes beneath some of the darkest skies in America.

Inspired by Episode 3 of “Get a Little Out There with Alex Honnold,” this field guide lets you follow Alex’s lead to the destinations featured in the show, plus a few nearby stops worth a detour.

Inspired by Episode 2 of “Get a Little Out There with Alex Honnold,” this field guide lets you follow Alex’s lead to the destinations featured in the show, plus a few nearby stops worth a detour.

Inspired by Episode 1 of “Get a Little Out There with Alex Honnold,” this field guide lets you follow Alex’s lead to the destinations featured in the show, plus a few nearby stops worth a detour.

Whether you’re new to adventure or just looking for a fresh way to experience Nevada, the Reno-Tahoe area is the perfect place to start. We promise, once you soak in a hot spring, ski down a real mountain, and take in those Lake Tahoe views, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t visit sooner.

In the heart of Nevada is a route best known for one of the largest gatherings in the world: Burning Man. But the lesser-known attractions along the Burner Byway can be every bit as entertaining: striking landscapes to hike, roadside attractions to explore, and camping beneath a sky so brilliant that it will leave you starstruck. 

Some Nevada towns and communities are decorated wall-to-wall (literally) with countless murals, livening up neighborhoods with a range of styles as wide as the color spectrum.

The cocktails around Atomic Liquors aren’t the only thing to keep your interest ignited. Bartender Jeff Grindley explains why the history at this incomparable Nevada bar is still on fire. #NVHistory

Here’s your guide to finding authentic spots—some untouched, some reimagined—that evoke an old-school hipness in today’s Las Vegas.

From dozens of larger-than-life cowboy boots to more than 100 vibrant murals, Elko’s public art scene is thriving.

We all know of those magic moments…the type you can’t plan, pay for, or recreate if you tried. Wrap your arms around an amazing (and achievable) ah-ha moment to strive for at each of Nevada’s 16 State Parks.

Uncrowded, pristine landscapes with some of the darkest skies in the U.S? Plus, the second highest peak in Nevada and rare cave formations? Nah, hard pass on that one.

This six-pack of Nevada state parks—all within 70 miles of each other—serves up the best climbing secret in the state, stargazing from slot canyons, Fern Gully-style singletrack, and true alone-in-nature situations where it’s just you, pristine waterfalls, and incredible wildlife. Is there a more freeing seasonless road trip?

Nevada is home to the oldest living species of tree on the planet. Come get face-to-face with some flora that was flourishing four or five thousand years before you were.

Although the desert bighorn sheep carries the Nevada State Animal crown upon its curvy horns, there’s another worthy critter out here that we consider a just-as-deserving Silver State symbol: the one-and-only wild burro. Learn about what makes them such stalwart survivalists, their firm place in our rich mining history, and where you can see them yourself — and maybe even meet one face to snout.

Of all the curiously uncommon gems Nevada has to offer, the Devils Hole pupfish is the rarest. In fact, it’s the rarest fish in the entire world—and it can only be found here in the Silver State.

Nevada Wildlife Biologist Travis Allen spends his days in the field tracking and studying animals not found in many other places. From surveying Desert Bighorn Sheep, to Rocky Mountain Elk, and beyond, read on to hear why Allen’s work wouldn’t be the same anywhere else. #NVWildlife

What is wild Nevada to you? Fish conservationist Darrin Miller explains why cultivating a healthy fish population not only drops him into some pristine landscapes, but unlocks Nevada adventure in ways he never saw coming. #NVWildlife

Studying most of Nevada’s terrestrial, non-game wildlife, every day spent in on Nevada’s back roads is different for Wildlife Diversity Biologist Mackenzie Jeffress. Read on to read why the esteemed Northern Goshawk ranks among her favorite. #NVWildlife

Ready to dig into Nevada’s past (and present) in an anything-but-ordinary mining adventure? Along the way, you’ll explore century-old tunnels, wander remote ghost towns, marvel at Old West engineering, and tour some of the world’s most productive gold mines.

Harrison Duran (@duranosaur) takes a fossil road trip around Nevada, showcasing the prehistoric treasures he recommends everyone enjoy and explore.

Northern Nevada may be famous for its Cowboy Corridor, but it’s also home to a vibrant Basque community. Travel through Elko, Winnemucca, and Reno to experience a variety of cultural celebrations and iconic establishments.

When you unearth your very own Virgin Valley black fire opal at Royal Peacock Opal Mines, the experience is made all the better by knowing exactly how it got there in the first place.

Nevada brims with haunted history and strange wonders, earning it a reputation among paranormal enthusiasts as one of the most haunted parts of the country. A professional paranormal investigator recommends seven must-see pit stops.

Nevadans have a special place in their hearts for a sea creature known as the ichthyosaur. The official state fossil is the focal point of a state park, the namesake of a favorite northern Nevada beer, and the centerpiece of a new exhibit at the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno.

These leading ladies took the chance to go where no woman had gone before, and for that, they are our favorite firsts.

In honor of Nevada’s birthday, we’re back with another lineup of historical figures every Nevada-lover should get to know—as well as museums, state parks, and other intriguing places you can follow in their footsteps, all around the Silver State.

They don’t call Las Vegas the “Entertainment Capital of the World” for nothing. Find out why when we say, “What happens here, only happens here,” we really mean it.

Whether it’s on pavement or in the backcountry, on two wheels or four, in desert canyons or alpine paradise, Nevada’s got a scenic byway with your adventure-mobile’s name all over it.

Need help finding the perfect road trip? Why not consult the cosmos! Horo-scope out our handy guide to discover which one of our 10 classic Nevada road trips best aligns with your astrological sign. Then get our in-depth descriptions of what to do, where to stay, and how to make the most of it, every leg of the way.

Go behind the scenes with some of our favorite shot-in-Nevada films. When it comes to places to visit, Nevada’s always been pretty great at stealing the scene. But as it […]

Discover which Las Vegas restaurants earned highly coveted honors from MICHELIN Guide Southwest.

Looking for swoon-worthy gift inspiration for Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re celebrating romantic partners, gals and pals, or simply treating yourself, our guide is here to help.

Northern Nevada may be famous for its Cowboy Corridor, but it’s also home to a vibrant Basque community. Travel through Elko, Winnemucca, and Reno to experience a variety of cultural celebrations and iconic establishments.

This cocktail is not for the faint of heart: It was meant to warm the bodies and soothe the souls of sheepherders and cowboys.

Barbecue is as close to being our national food as apple pie. Every state—heck, every restaurant—puts its own spin on grilling, smoking, and slow cooking tasty cuts of meat, and Nevada’s barbecue restaurants are no different.

While there are plenty of coffee chains in the Silver State, we can’t recommend our homegrown, one-of-a-kind cafes enough. Here are a few favorites for sipping gourmet brew amid local color.

We’re not trying to brag, but the staff of Travel Nevada really gets around the Silver State. We log countless miles in pursuit of all the best Nevada has to offer so we can share it with you. During our travels, we’ve had our fair share of tasty meals—and decided to dish on some of our favorites.

As you make your way across Nevada, keep these rural restaurants in mind – your stomach and your spirit will thank you.

Looking for swoon-worthy gift inspiration for Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re celebrating romantic partners, gals and pals, or simply treating yourself, our guide is here to help.

Whether you’re new to dusty Nevada roads or a dirt road pro, we’ve got the dirt on off-grid Nevada bliss. From safety tips for driving on dirt roads to a packing list for your dirt road campground, we’ve got everything you need to become an expert on the Dirt Road Code.

Looking for a double dose of adventure? Pair a picturesque hot spring soak with an awesome only-in-Nevada experience.

Hot springs are magical. Learn how you can do your part to keep them that way.

From majestic hot springs to fireside cocktails and Basque feasts, discover the hottest places to chill out in Nevada this winter.

A past filled with Wild West boomtowns, top-secret government facilities, and mob-run casinos makes the Silver State an anything-but-ordinary road trip destination.

Forget Roswell—this storied stretch is the unofficial UFO Capital of the World. If you haven’t ET Highway-ed yourself, bump this one to the top of your to do. #WeirdNevada

Crank up this appropriately #WeirdNevada playlist, inspired by our site’s lineup of delightfully offbeat attractions.

If you’re willing (and eager) to get a little out there, Las Vegas and its surrounding cities have a wide variety of curiously uncommon sights to see. From only-found-here history to larger-than-life landmarks, discover an anything-but-ordinary side of the Silver State.