Discover Your Nevada

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.

Let’s face it: Interstate 80 is a stretch of highway you’ve probably blasted down, pedal-to-the-metal, on your way to somewhere, well… else. If so, you’ve been missing out. In fact, few parts of our state brim with as much western heritage and unspoiled scenic splendor as northeastern Nevada. Elko beckons western buffs with buckaroo art, cowboy crafts, and hearty meals, while glacier-carved Lamoille Canyon and Angel Lake promise to steal your breath, both on stunning hikes and through your camera lens. So pack your boots and bring your appetite for an Elko County adventure.

We don’t bill Nevada as “The Weirdest, Wildest West” for nothing. Between multiple haunted hotels, mannequin cities built just for atomic bombing, and a little ol’ government facility by the name of Area 51, the Silver State is a hoppin’ hotbed of otherworldly experiences. Go supernatural sightseeing with this list of spooky sites, and prepare to get your paranormal on.

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.

Halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, a quick family getaway awaits. Tonopah beckons adventurers, budding rockhounds, and lovers of history and all things odd, thanks to its Historic Mining Park, incredible hike-able rock formations, killer grub, plenty of haunted history, and even the infamous Clown Motel.

Goodsprings, Nelson, St. Thomas, and Rhyolite are a few of the famous ghost towns near Las Vegas. Saddle up and venture out—these Wild West towns are just a short drive from Las Vegas.

An hour and change east of Reno “The Oasis of Nevada” awaits. The friendly farm town of Fallon invites fans of fresh food and outdoor action with great restaurants, a singing sand dune playground, an abundance of wildlife, plenty of comfy places to stay, and more.

Most Renoites have visited Virginia City. But have you really experienced the place? While you may have attended some wild annual events, until you’ve hunted barroom ghosts, danced a jig with locals clad in Victorian get-ups, or explored an underground mine or two.