16 Ways To Give Ordinary Adventure The Heave-Ho

Almost like you’re getting away with something you shouldn’t in a state that’s sometimes overlooked, or dismissed and stereotyped as flat, barren and empty, when it comes to getting outside in the Silver State, there is no ceiling. Whether you’re basking in one of the dozens of off-grid soaks beneath the milky way, summiting one of Nevada’s 63 summits over 11,000 feet, working a line in the world’s best outdoor climbing gym, reeling in tigers in Lamoille Canyon, or two-wheelin’ in the heart of the Mojave, there’s nowhere like Nevada when it comes to outdoor recreation. Ready to get out there? Read on for 16 ways to get out of the house and into some of the best outdoor rec in the West.

1/1

1. Chasing the buzz that comes with ripping Nevada’s newest trail systems.

2. Giving migrating raptors once over, then putting them back on their flight plan in the Goshutes.

3. Grabbing a belay bud to hit the best outdoor rock climbing gym on Planet Earth

Photo by: Matt Kuehl

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Matt Keuhl

4. Earning your spot on the IGFA Royal Trout Slam in Jarbidge Wilderness

5. Diggin up your very own turquoise, black fire opal, or garnet in them thar hills

6. Catching a charge off those storied Washoe Zephyrs, and seeing that even Twain’s quip couldn’t articulate their exhilarating fury

7. Realizing there’s no better way to let the Mojave show herself to you than getting a little sand in those chompers

8. Heading deep into the heart of the golden west at Nevada’s hundreds of ghost towns

9. Kayaking from the base of a Modern Marvel of the World, to the glimmering Emerald Cave

10. Embracing crowdless euphoria on an untouched drop in the Rubies

11. Two wheelin’ through the Road Trip Capital of the USA

12. Catching summit fever from Mt. Charleston all the way to the Matterhorn

13. Taking views of Big Blue to new heights

Skydive Lake Tahoe

14. Kicking your idea of a “Sunset Picnic” into high gear

15. Living your best Snow White moment for real at the Mount Rose Meadows

Photo by: Zach Youngberg

Mount Rose Wilderness Area

Zach Youngberg

16. Unlocking off-grid magic only a place like Nevada can produce

1/1

Get the lowdown on even more ways to get outside in the Silver State here.

Related Stories

Outdoor Recreation

3 National Monuments in Nevada: Ancient, Epic, and All to Yourself

Whether you’re looking to ogle Ice Age fossils a few minutes from civilization, meander among arches and ancient petroglyphs, or venture off-grid into a haven of otherwordly rock formations, read on to find out what awaits you at three spectacular Nevada national monuments, as well as how to make the most of your adventure when you visit them.

Read Full Article

wildflowers in nevada on success loop near ely

Outdoor Recreation

Wildflowers: Chasing Blooms Across the Silver State

A desert state might not be the first place you’d think to check when looking for wildflowers, but thanks to our wide elevation range, Nevada has diverse climates that support an array of flowers. Here’s a highlight of some of our favorite wildflower watch areas.

Read Full Article

teresa lake great basin national park nevada

Things to Do

10 Only-in-Nevada Resolutions to Make in 2025

Need a New Year’s resolution worth keeping? Kick off the brand-new year with our list of 10 only-in-Nevada resolutions, packed with adventure inspiration, surprising discoveries, and something for everyone.

Read Full Article

Outdoor Recreation

Capturing the Nevada Landscape One Timelapse At A Time

Nearly two years of traveling through Nevada and shooting time-lapse photography during his free time, Derrick Lytle showcases a spectacular array of timelapse photography across the Silver State. From the Ruby Mountains, to Lake Tahoe, Valley of Fire State Park and beyond, plan your astrophotography tour through the Silver State.

Read Full Article

Hot Springs

Get Stoked to Soak at These 10 Hot Springs Pairings

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

Read Full Article

Wildlife

Finding Wild Friends: Catching Glimpses of Nevada’s Animal Kingdom

By Megg Mueller

If you want to go wildlife spotting in the Silver State, we’ve gathered some of the best places you might glimpse a view of some new-to-you or favorite creatures.

Read Full Article

Outdoor Recreation

Cool Down at Nevada’s Lesser-Known Lakes

These backcountry destinations might mean arrival by a rough road or hike, but time it right and you could have a pristine aquatic playground practically to yourself.

Read Full Article

woman hiking at cathedral gorge state park nevada

Parks & Recreational Areas

Park-Packed Weekend On The Great Basin Highway

Marked by stunning contrasts around every bend, the Great Basin Highway blasts out of Las Vegas and winds through wide-open country to several Nevada State Parks and a couple of small towns teeming with tales. Pack all the things—this route is replete with hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and stargazing opportunities.

Read Full Article

ohv off-roading at ward mountain near ely nevada

Things to Do

Live, Laugh, Unplug: How to Disconnect in Nevada

By Cory M.

Whether you’re seeking a screen detox or simply want to get away from this century for a while, you’ll find plenty of ways to unplug in the Silver State.

Read Full Article