Death Valley National Park · Ronald Gaddis · Public domain (US federal government)

Road Trip Guide:
Nevada

Explore Nevada

Sixty-seven percent of Nevada is public land, and U.S. 50 across its middle still carries the name a 1986 Life magazine article gave it: “The Loneliest Road in America.” The name was meant as an insult, and Nevada adopted it as a slogan.

Around 24 breweries sit near the stops we cover in Nevada. 13 of them are brewpubs with a kitchen, which off the motorway is often the useful part. The kitchen figure is a floor: the source lists some full restaurants as production sites.

Brewpub locations from Open Brewery DB (MIT)

Around 23 public campgrounds sit near the stops we cover in Nevada. 22 of them take reservations; the rest are first-come. Public campgrounds run by federal agencies. State-park and private campgrounds are not included.

Outdoors

Public land, water and snow — the places that are the reason for the drive.

National parks and federal sites in Nevada

7 National Park Service sites in Nevada, including 2 designated National Parks. We have written guides to only a few of these — the rest are here so you can see what is in the state.

*Check before you go. Entrance fees, seasonal road closures, timed-entry reservations and whether a site suits your family are set by each park and change through the year. Follow the link and check with the park itself.

Park register from the National Park Service (public domain)

State parks in Nevada

26 state parks we know of in Nevada. We have not visited these and have no guide to them — this is a list of what exists, so you can look one up.

See all 26

Beaver Dam State Park
Belmont Courthouse State Historic Park
Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park
Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area
Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cave Lake State Park
Dayton State Park
Echo Canyon State Park
Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site
Fort Churchill State Historic Park
Ice Age Fossils State Park
Kershaw–Ryan State Park
Lahontan State Recreation Area
Lake Tahoe State Park
Mormon Station State Historic Park
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
Rye Patch State Recreation Area
South Fork State Recreation Area
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Spring Valley State Park
Valley of Fire State Park
Van Sickle Bi-State Park
Walker River State Recreation Area
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
Washoe Lake State Park
Wild Horse State Recreation Area

*Check before you go. Opening hours, entry fees, campsite availability and whether a park suits your family are not in this data and change with the season. Several of these are day-use only. Please confirm with the park before setting out.

State park locations from Wikidata (CC0)

Lakes in Nevada

6 lakes in Nevada that we have checked. These are the ones from our research that we could check against an official page — not every lake there is. We have not been to these; this is what the official pages say, so you can look one up.

Lahontan Reservoir
near Fallon; Silver Springs · 10,000 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - walleye, white bass, wiper, catfish, trout
- BoatingBoating and water-skiing; paved launches on both sides of the park
- Rentals & marinaNorth Shore Marina at the Churchill Beach launch
- CampingDeveloped campground at Silver Springs Beach #7; primitive beach camping
- Entry$5 day-use per vehicle ($10 non-NV vehicle)
- SeasonPark always open; showers and flush toilets closed Oct-May
Fish consumption health warning from NDOW; harmful algal bloom advisory on park page. State HAB advisories: ndep.nv.gov
Run by Nevada Division of State Parks (Lahontan State Recreation Area)
Lake Mead
near Las Vegas, NV (about 24 mi west); Boulder City, NV · reservoir
- BoatingMotorized boating allowed; open launches incl. Las Vegas Boat Harbor/Hemenway, Callville Bay, Temple Bar, Boulder, South Cove
- Rentals & marinayes
- SwimmingSwimming allowed in coves; no designated beaches listed in source
- EntryNPS: $25 private vehicle (1-7 days); $45 park annual; vessel $16/7 days or $50/year
- Seasonyear-round
Low water: record low 1,040.58 ft on 2022-07-28; ~35% full Feb 2025. Overton and Echo Bay marinas and Government Wash, Las Vegas Bay, Pearce Ferry ramps listed closed.; State HAB advisories: ndep.nv.gov
Run by NPS - Lake Mead NRA (dam: BOR Hoover Dam)
Lake Mohave
near Bullhead City, AZ; Laughlin, NV; Searchlight, NV · 26,500 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - striped bass and other non-native sport fish; endangered razorback sucker present
- BoatingMotorized allowed; carbureted two-stroke PWC barred since 2013-01-01
- Rentals & marinayes
- SwimmingSwimming allowed; no designated beaches listed in source
- CampingCampgrounds and RV parks at Katherine Landing and Cottonwood Cove
- EntryNPS: $25 private vehicle (1-7 days); $45 park annual; vessel $16/7 days or $50/year
- Seasonyear-round
Swift water at Ringbolt Rapids (divers); State HAB advisories: azdeq.gov
Run by NPS - Lake Mead NRA (dam: BOR Davis Dam)
Pyramid Lake
near Sutcliffe (about 40 mi NE of Reno) · 112,000 acres · natural
- Fishingyes - Lahontan cutthroat trout; fishing permits sold (daily, 3-day)
- BoatingBoating permits sold (daily, 3-day); jet ski permits separate
- CampingOvernight camping permit, per vehicle per night
- EntryTribal permits: day use $22, daily fishing $24, daily boating $26, overnight camping $32
Closed areas exist on the reservation; vehicles must park 250 ft from launch facilities
Run by Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
Topaz Lake
near Topaz Lake, NV · 2,410 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - stocked rainbow, brown and tiger trout; black bass
- BoatingBoat launching at Topaz Marina and Douglas County park
- Rentals & marinaTopaz Marina: fishing boat rentals, boat slips
- CampingCounty park campground with electric hook-ups, restrooms, fish cleaning station
Run by Walker River Irrigation District (reservoir); Douglas County (Topaz Lake Recreation Area); NDOW and CDFW (fishery)
Wild Horse Reservoir
near Wild Horse; Owyhee · 2,830 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, wiper, perch, catfish
- BoatingBoat ramp next to the day-use beach; $10 launch fee
- SwimmingSummer swimming noted; day-use beach
- Camping34-site campground; restrooms and showers
- Entry$5 day use per vehicle ($10 non-NV vehicles)
- SeasonPark open year round
Park page carries a harmful algal bloom (HAB) watch advisory
Run by Nevada State Parks (Wild Horse State Recreation Area)

*Check before you go. Every lake here links to the official page we checked it against. 5 of these state a price we read off that page on the date we checked. Fees, seasons, water levels, algal advisories and ramp closures change without notice and belong to the agency that runs the water. A blank is something we did not confirm, not something the lake lacks. Never assume a lifeguard. Whether a beach is staffed turns on the season, the day, and which agency runs that particular beach — two beaches on one lake can differ. If that matters to your family, confirm it with the agency before you set out.

Lake and River Beaches

1 in Nevada that we have checked against the agency that runs them, by town.

Boulder BeachLake MeadBoulder City
Parking
Entry fee per vehicle
Getting to the sand
Lot at beach
Restrooms
Yes
Camping
On site
Shore
Pebbles/rocky
Best season
Apr–Oct
Lake Mead NRA entrance fee — check the current charge
Main Lake Mead swim beach with year-round campground
Run by National park/seashore

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. We add the safety information we can confirm, and not every beach publishes it: a blank here is something we could not confirm, never a “no”. Never assume a lifeguard. We could not confirm lifeguard cover for any of these — that means we did not find it, not that nobody is on duty. Whether a beach is staffed turns on the season, the day and the agency that runs it, so ask them before you plan a swim. Fees, dog rules, closures and water-quality advisories change without notice and belong to the agency that runs the beach — every name above links to its own page.

Skiing and Snowboarding

4 in this state.

Diamond PeakIncline Village
Community-owned with Lake Tahoe views
Lee CanyonSummer bike parkLas Vegas
Spring Mountains hill an hour from the Strip
Mt. Rose Ski TahoeReno
Highest base in Tahoe; steep Chutes
Sky TavernReno
Nonprofit youth program hill; public some days

This is a list of what is there, not a recommendation of any of it. We do not list rentals: our source marked every ski area in the country “likely” to have them and confirmed none, so there was nothing to publish. Most hills do rent gear — ring ahead rather than take that from us. Opening dates, lift schedules and trail conditions move every year and we hold none of them, so check before you build a day around it. Every name above links to the operator’s own site.

Lift-Served Bike Parks

1 in this state.

Lee CanyonAlso a ski resortLift-servedLas Vegas
Cool mountain escape an hour from Las Vegas

This is a list of what is there, not a recommendation of any of it. Opening dates, lift schedules and trail conditions move every year and we hold none of them, so check before you build a day around it. Every name above links to the operator’s own site.

Long Bike Trails

1 in this state.

Tahoe East Shore Trail
Length
3 miles
Surface
Paved
End to end
Incline Village NV – Sand Harbor NV
Short ride with clear-water Lake Tahoe overlooks

Days out with the family

Gated attractions with a front door, a ticket and a car park.

Aquariums

4 across Nevada, by town.

Lion Habitat RanchHenderson
Hours
Thu–Tue walk-ins 11–2 (closes 3); closed Wednesdays to general public
Season
year-round
Admission
Child 4 and under free; one free child ticket per adult ticket
Reservations
Not required
Closed Dec 1–2 2026 for private event; may close after heavy rain
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat — some details below are unconfirmedLas Vegas
Admission
Free
Reservations
Not required
Daily keeper talk 10am
* We could not confirm: hours not shown. Check their site before you go.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay BayAZA-accreditedLas Vegas
Hours
Daily 10-8, last admission 7pm; box office 9:30am-7:30pm
Admission
Adult $29 (a one-hour window you pick) · Child $24
Reservations
Not required
Parking
Mandalay Bay self-parking $20 Mon-Thu and $25 Fri-Sun for up to 24 hours, higher during special events; Nevada residents get the first 3 hours free with a valid NV driver licence at the exit gate. Oversized vehicles can only park at Excalibur, $50 per 24 hours.
Inside Mandalay Bay resort. Timed entry - the ticket is good for the one-hour window you choose and the aquarium can sell out at peak times. Children 12 and under must be with a paid adult. Guided aquarium tours run Mon-Sat 3pm and Sun 1, 2 or 3pm and are a separate ticket. Stingray, shark and sea-turtle feeds are separately ticketed and same-day tickets for them must be bought in person. The aquarium sits at the far end of the Mandalay Bay resort, a long indoor walk from self-parking.
Animal Ark Wildlife SanctuaryReno
Hours
10–4:30
Season
seasonal (about March–November; closed winter)
Opening dates weather-dependent

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. 1 of these carries an accreditation we confirmed against the accrediting body’s own register. Where there is no badge we did not confirm one — that is not a judgement on the place, and a good many municipal, state and university sites belong to no register we check. One entry is marked with an asterisk: we could not confirm part of what is listed, and the note under it says which part. Opening times, prices and seasons change without notice, so check the operator’s own site — every name above links to it.

Amusement and Water Parks

5 across Nevada, by town.

Cowabunga Bay Las VegasSeasonalwater parkHenderson
sister park of Cowabunga Canyon
Adventuredomeamusement parkLas Vegas
Opened
1993
indoor park at Circus Circus; opened 1993; daily hours posted
Las Vegas Mini Gran Prixfamily entertainment centerLas Vegas
go-karts, rides and arcade
Wet'n'Wild Las VegasSeasonalwater parkLas Vegas
renamed Cowabunga Canyon in 2022; old wetnwildlasvegas.com domain now unrelated; season April-Sept
Wild Islandfamily entertainment center and water parkSparks
water park seasonal; site updated Sept 2026

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. 2 of these run a season rather than opening year round. Opening and closing dates move every year and we hold none of them, so check the park’s own calendar before you build a day around it. Prices, hours and ride closures change without notice — every name above links to the park’s own site.

Roadside oddities in Nevada

Goldwell Open Air MuseumFolk art / sculpture gardenBeatty
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Any time — outdoors, visible from the road
Nearest road
US-95 / NV-374
Ghostly plaster Last Supper and giant pixel woman
Read on the page we checked
Alien Research CenterRoadside attraction / tourist stopHiko
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Only while it is open, and we did not find its hours published
Nearest road
NV-375
Steel-building gift shop guarded by a giant metal alien
Read on the page we checked
Seven Magic MountainsFolk art / sculpture gardenLas Vegas
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Any time — outdoors, visible from the road
Nearest road
I-15
Neon-painted boulder stacks; BLM lease ends late 2026
- Something about this one changed recently — check before you drive out
Read on the page we checked
Little A'Le'InnRoadside attraction / tourist stopRachel
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Only while it is open, and we did not find its hours published
Nearest road
NV-375
Alien-themed diner and motel near Area 51
Read on the page we checked

These are things you can go and look at, not a recommendation of any of them. Oddities move, get sold and quietly disappear more than anything else we list, so check anything you are driving a long way for. Where this list says we did not find a price or opening times published, that is exactly what we mean. A blank is not “free” and not “always open”. Some sit on private land and can only be seen from the road — please do not go onto anyone’s property. Every entry links the page we read it off.

Venues and Annual Events

15 across Nevada, by town.

Where to see something

Las Vegas Motor Speedwayfestival groundsNorth Las Vegas
Hours
Event days only
Address
7000 N. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV
Capacity
80,000
Site of EDC Las Vegas since 2011
SpherearenaParadise (Las Vegas)
Address
255 Sands Ave., Paradise, NV
Capacity
17,600 seated / 20,000
Opened September 29, 2023
T-Mobile ArenaarenaParadise (Las Vegas)
Address
3780 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Paradise, NV
Capacity
12,000-20,000 (concerts)
Opened April 6, 2016
The Colosseum at Caesars PalacetheaterParadise (Las Vegas)
Address
3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Paradise, NV 89109
Capacity
4,100
Opened March 25, 2003
Pioneer Center for the Performing ArtstheaterReno
Address
100 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV
Capacity
1,500
Opened 1967

What is on, and when

Burning Mancultural festivalBlack Rock City (Pershing County)
Usually
Late August-early September (through Labor Day), over several days
Held at
Black Rock Desert
Since
1986 (Black Rock Desert since 1990)
Elko County FairfairElko
Usually
Late August–Labor Day, over several days
Held at
Elko County Fairgrounds
White Pine County Fair & Horse Races — some details below are unconfirmedfairEly
Usually
Mid-August
Held at
White Pine County Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: anything beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
NASCAR at Las Vegas Motor Speedwaysports-motorsportLas Vegas
Usually
Spring and fall, over several days
Held at
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Clark County Fair & RodeofairLogandale
Usually
April, over several days
Held at
Clark County Fairgrounds
Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegasmusic festivalNorth Las Vegas
Usually
May, over several days
Held at
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Since
1991 (Las Vegas since 2011)

See the other 4

Pahrump Fall Festival — some details below are unconfirmedfairPahrump
Usually
Late September, over several days
Held at
Petrack Park
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Las Vegas Grand Prix (Formula 1)sports-motorsportParadise (Las Vegas)
Usually
November, over several days
Held at
Las Vegas Strip Circuit
Since
2023
National Finals RodeorodeoParadise (Las Vegas)
Usually
December, over several days
Held at
Thomas & Mack Center
Since
1959 (Las Vegas since 1985)
State Fair of NevadafairReno
Usually
June, over several days
Held at
Nevada State Fairgrounds

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. Events are listed by the month they usually fall in, because that is what we hold — we do not publish dates, and a month is not a promise. Check the organiser before you plan around one. 2 entries are marked with an asterisk: we could not confirm part of what is listed, and the note under it says which part. Opening times, line-ups and ticketing change without notice, so check the venue’s or organiser’s own site — every name above links to it.

On the road

Before you set off.

Scenic roads through Nevada

Federally designated scenic byways and All-American Roads, with the places we publish along each one in the order you meet them.

City of Las Vegas, Las Vegas Boulevard National Scenic BywayNevada · 8 places we publish Las Vegas StripNevada · 8 places we publish Lake Tahoe - Eastshore DriveNevada · 7 places we publish Pyramid Lake Scenic BywayNevada · 2 places we publish

What to wear in Nevada

Illustrated outfit board for Nevada: four seasonal panels of clothing with average temperatures.

Spring 62°/35°F (17°/2°C)

Spring warms southern deserts while northern and mountain areas remain cooler.

Wear: Pair a breathable tee or relaxed shirt with lightweight chinos, joggers, or an easy midi skirt. Add an open overshirt for cool stops.
Shoes: Broken-in walking sneakers; water-resistant shoes when rain is forecast.
Pack: light cardigan or overshirt
packable rain jacket
sun hat
spare socks

Summer 86°/54°F (30°/12°C)

Summer brings intense low-desert heat and cooler high-elevation nights.

Wear: Try a loose tee or breathable sun shirt with lightweight shorts or airy pants. Add a light overshirt after sunset.
Shoes: Breathable closed-toe walking shoes for dusty stops; hiking shoes for uneven trails.
Pack: sun hat
sunglasses
light sun shirt
light evening layer
spare socks

Fall 66°/37°F (19°/3°C)

Fall ranges from warm southern afternoons to cold high-country mornings.

Wear: Build around a long-sleeve tee, comfortable pants, and a sweater or fleece. Add a wind-resistant jacket for breezy overlooks.
Shoes: Walking shoes with grip; water-resistant boots for wet or muddy routes.
Pack: sweater or fleece
wind and rain shell
beanie
light gloves
spare socks

Winter 44°/23°F (7°/-5°C)

Winter can be mild by day in southern deserts and snowy in the mountains.

Wear: Layer a moisture-wicking long-sleeve top under a sweater or fleece and an insulated coat. Wear long pants; add thermal bottoms when the forecast calls for them.
Shoes: Waterproof insulated boots for snowy stops, with warm wool or synthetic socks.
Pack: thermal base layers
insulated coat
beanie
gloves or mittens
warm spare socks

Adjust for your route. Las Vegas summer outfits need a fleece added for high country. Reno and Tahoe-area winter stops need insulated layers and snow boots.

Climate background: NOAA State Climate Summary

See what to wear in every state →

Keep exploring

See It in the Book

Explore Nevada

Locations in Nevada

Boulder City (Hoover Dam)

Carson City

Las Vegas

Reno

Hoover Dam

Lost City Museum

Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Valley of Fire State Park

National parks and federal sites in Nevada

State parks in Nevada

Lakes in Nevada

Lahontan Reservoir

Lake Mead

Lake Mohave

Pyramid Lake

Topaz Lake

Wild Horse Reservoir

Lake and River Beaches

Boulder BeachLake MeadBoulder City

Skiing and Snowboarding

Diamond PeakIncline Village

Lee CanyonSummer bike parkLas Vegas

Mt. Rose Ski TahoeReno

Sky TavernReno

Lift-Served Bike Parks

Lee CanyonAlso a ski resortLift-servedLas Vegas

Long Bike Trails

Tahoe East Shore Trail

Aquariums

Lion Habitat RanchHenderson

Flamingo Wildlife Habitat* — some details below are unconfirmedLas Vegas

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay BayAZA-accreditedLas Vegas

Animal Ark Wildlife SanctuaryReno

Amusement and Water Parks

Cowabunga Bay Las VegasSeasonalwater parkHenderson

Adventuredomeamusement parkLas Vegas

Las Vegas Mini Gran Prixfamily entertainment centerLas Vegas

Wet'n'Wild Las VegasSeasonalwater parkLas Vegas

Wild Islandfamily entertainment center and water parkSparks

Roadside oddities in Nevada

Goldwell Open Air MuseumFolk art / sculpture gardenBeatty

Alien Research CenterRoadside attraction / tourist stopHiko

Seven Magic MountainsFolk art / sculpture gardenLas Vegas

Little A'Le'InnRoadside attraction / tourist stopRachel

Venues and Annual Events

Where to see something

Las Vegas Motor Speedwayfestival groundsNorth Las Vegas

SpherearenaParadise (Las Vegas)

T-Mobile ArenaarenaParadise (Las Vegas)

The Colosseum at Caesars PalacetheaterParadise (Las Vegas)

Pioneer Center for the Performing ArtstheaterReno

What is on, and when

Burning Mancultural festivalBlack Rock City (Pershing County)

Elko County FairfairElko

White Pine County Fair & Horse Races* — some details below are unconfirmedfairEly

NASCAR at Las Vegas Motor Speedwaysports-motorsportLas Vegas

Clark County Fair & RodeofairLogandale

Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegasmusic festivalNorth Las Vegas

Pahrump Fall Festival* — some details below are unconfirmedfairPahrump

Las Vegas Grand Prix (Formula 1)sports-motorsportParadise (Las Vegas)

National Finals RodeorodeoParadise (Las Vegas)

State Fair of NevadafairReno