Looking for outdoor adventures? You’ll find it all right here in Nevada’s backyard. With 85 percent of the state considered public land—most of it unfenced and untamed—Nevada is a playground for every kind of explorer. Trek through high desert canyons, paddle across alpine lakes, and plunge down snow-capped peaks. Every season brings a new reason to get outside and roam.
Outdoor Recreation in Nevada
Nevada’s Outdoor Activities
Nevada’s landscapes are as diverse as the adventures they offer. In a single day, you can go from mountains and sand dunes to rivers and hot springs, all while discovering countless adventures along the way.
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Alex Honnold Hosts New Travel Series
Alex Honnold is known for free-soloing some of the world’s most impossible climbs—like the 3,000-foot face of El Capitan captured in the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo” and, most recently, the 1,667-foot skyscraper Taipei 101 in a Netflix livestream watched worldwide.
But he’s also a Nevadan: One drawn to the state’s wild landscapes and colorful character.
In this five-part series, Alex gets his hands on out-there action, offbeat attractions, and other experiences only Nevada can deliver.
From untouched climbing and backcountry dining to burro-filled towns and motels filled with clowns, follow Alex as he uncovers what the Silver State has in store for him—and you.
Get to Know Nevada’s Great Outdoors
Nevada is huge. With more than 60 million acres of public land—the highest percentage of public land in the Lower 48—the Silver State is wild, wide open, and yours to explore.
As the most mountainous state in the contiguous U.S., our peaks provide unmatched hiking trails and mountain biking. Lake Tahoe and the Ruby Mountains offer world-class skiing and snowboarding, while Great Basin National Park is home to ancient bristlecone pines, alpine lakes, and some of the best stargazing in the state.
For anything-but-ordinary outdoor adventures, hit the dirt road to track down Nevada’s hundreds of ghost towns—we have more mining camps and former boomtowns than populated cities! Plus, with more than 300 natural hot springs, you’re never far from a steamy soak. We don’t map most of these geothermal treasures, but finding one is a reward in itself.
You don’t have to go far for breathtaking views either. Some of the best outdoor activities in Las Vegas are just a short drive from The Strip, including Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (a favorite for rock climbing) and Valley of Fire State Park. Near Reno, outdoor activities include trophy fishing at Pyramid Lake, kayaking around Lake Tahoe, and multiple opportunities to catch some air.
Looking for a trail? Find everything you need at NVTrailFinder.com.
Recreate Responsibly
Though Nevada’s nature attractions are yours to explore, they’re everyone’s to protect. It’s up to all of us—residents and travelers alike—to preserve our parks, ghost towns, hot springs, and every bit of natural beauty in between.
We’ve got guidance on how to recreate responsibly in Nevada, which includes resources for current fire restrictions, road closures, and alerts that may impact travel plans. If you’re planning on really getting a little out there, our dirt road code has tips for navigating Nevada’s backcountry safely. Our hot spring etiquette guide will also make sure you only get yourself into the right kind of hot water.
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