fly fishing at dufurrena ponds in sheldon national wildlife refuge in nevada

Recreate Responsibly

Welcome to wide-open, wild-at-heart Nevada. With the most public lands in the Lower 48—some 60 million acres of diverse, awe-inspiring landscapes—our expansive outdoor playground can deliver any and every kind of adventure you’re after.

But though Nevada is yours to explore, it’s ours to protect. It’s up to all of us—residents and travelers alike—to preserve our parks, ghost towns, and hot springs, from the highest deserts to the deepest canyons and all the rivers and lakes in between.

It’s our home. We can’t do it alone. So, please—responsibly roam.

Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge

Highlights

Partner Resources
How to Recreate Responsibly
Nevada Travel Alerts
Free State Map & Guide

Resources for Roaming

Be Aware. Alerts to Share. Travel with Care.

Road Conditions & Closures

Current Fire Restrictions

Weather Info

friends taking a selfie at red rock canyon

Air Quality Index

off-roading ward mountain near ely nevada

Recreate Safely in Sagebrush Country

Leave No Trace

woman hiking at cathedral gorge state park nevada

Nevada Travel Conditions

Do Your Research

Recreating responsibly means being prepared for anything and everything. Do your research before you head out (and while you have cell service).

Pack & Dress Accordingly

In the Silver State, conditions can change fast depending on the season and weather. Pack clothes for both warm and cold temperatures in any season.

Check Travel Advisories

If we know about access issues or closures that may affect your visit, we post those alerts below. We also link you to the best resources for the latest updates.

Choose Safety

When in doubt, make choices that keep you and your travel buddies safe. And remember: There’s always something new to discover here, even if you have to change your plans.

How to Recreate Responsibly in Nevada

Off-Road Safety: Before you get your hands (and tires) dirty, read Nevada’s Dirt Road Code for driving tips, responsible practices, and packing essentials.
Hot Spring Etiquette: Nevada’s hot springs are precious natural treasures. Help keep them pristine with these etiquette and safety tips.
Off-Highway Vehicles: Ride smart, respect trails, and register your OHV before you set out.
No Trespassing: Whether it’s private or public, all of Nevada’s land belongs to a person or agency. Respect No Trespassing signs and leave gates the same way you found them.
Take Only Memories: Removing artifacts from ghost towns, state parks, and other historic sites is illegal. Take photos, but leave objects (big or small) for others to discover.
Be BearWise: When you’re recreating in Nevada’s bear country, do your part to prevent encounters. Get tips about securing your garbage, protecting personal property, and more from the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Don’t Feed the Wildlife: Feeding Nevada’s wildlife is also illegal. If wild animals are fed or become dependent on human food, they can get malnourished or die.
Dim the Lights: Nevada’s night skies are some of the darkest in the Lower 48. Help protect our star sanctuaries by lighting your camp mindfully and minimally.
Plan to Unplug: Our wild places are some of the most remote in the country. Cell service can be spotty or nonexistent, so always travel prepared.

Short-Term Nevada Travel Advisories

Last Updated: June 9, 2026

Seasonal fire restrictions and harmful algal bloom advisories are in effect for multiple Nevada State Parks. Before you visit, get the complete list of affected locations and prohibited activities from Nevada State Parks’ website.
Bob Scott Campground is currently closed for renovations that will modernize the facility and improve accessibility. Visit the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s website for the latest project updates.
At Great Basin National Park, Lehman Caves and Lehman Caves Visitor Center are closed through summer 2026 for electrical system upgrades. Get the latest updates from Great Basin National Park’s website.

Long-Term Nevada Travel Advisories

Last Updated: May 28, 2026

Nevada Historical Society will be closed for renovations through December 2026. During the closure, off-site programming will take place at various Reno locations. Find out when and where by visiting Nevada Historical Society’s website.
At Spooner Lake & Backcountry State Park, rehabilitation projects for both Marlette Lake Dam and Hobart Reservoir Dam will result in trail and road closures during construction hours. From 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, all trails within Spooner Lake & Backcountry State Park boundaries will be closed to the public, as will Lakeview, Franktown Creek, and Pipeline roads. The Tahoe Rim Trail and Capital to Tahoe Trail will remain open during construction hours. Visit Spooner Lake & Backcountry State Park’s website for complete access details, timelines, and the latest updates.
The majority of trails in Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (which includes Mt. Charleston) are open, but some closures remain due to 2023 flash flood damage. In Lee Canyon (State Route 156), the Upper Bristlecone Trail is closed. In Kyle Canyon (State Route 157), Mary Jane Falls Trail and Trail Canyon Trail are also closed. The latest updates will be provided through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

mountain biking on the cover of the spring summer 2026 issue of nevada magazine and visitor guide and story spread about the picon punch

Get Your Free State Map & Visitor Guide

We’ll send you an official state road map when you request our free Nevada Magazine & Visitor Guide. New issues come out every six months, each full of new stories, things to do, and travel tips.

Get Your Free Guide

#TravelNevada

Share the heart of Nevada with the world. From hidden gems to actual gems, neon lights to dark skies, and ghost towns to a motel full of clowns, there’s always more to discover when you get a little out there.