The next time you feel like branching out and exploring Nevada why not check out some of the state’s hidden gems? From interesting rock formations to refreshing hot springs, here are 12 of Nevada’s many hidden gems you have to see before you die.
- Valley of Fire State Park - Overton
Ray M./Yelp Raging red rock formations, unparalleled photo opportunities and extensive recreational activities make Valley of Fire a must-see. The oldest State Park in Nevada is hidden in Overton.
- Big Bend of the Colorado - Laughlin
Yelp / frances c. Enjoy beautiful views of the Colorado River and surrounding mountains while swimming, picnicking, boating and fishing at this ark. There are also tons of campsites and hiking trails.
- Goldwell Open Air Museum - Rhyolite
Flickr / gamillos
If you love the idea of random public art in the middle of the desert, the Goldwell Open Air Museum is for you. The outdoor sculpture museum features a handful of unique pieces. You may not have known about this hidden gem but trust me, you will never forget it.
- Pyramid Lake
Flickr / Luke H. Gordon One of Nevada’s largest natural lakes, Pyramid Lake is fed by the Truckee River. Compelling rock formations catch the eye and the fishing is world-class. Mystique surrounds the lake in the form of awe-inspiring tribal tales.
- Big Water Spring – Railroad Valley
Flickr / Mary-Austin & Scott Big Water Spring is the largest geothermal hot spring in Nevada protected by the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe. The pristine water of about 91-93 degrees are a designated critical habitat of Railroad Valley Spring Fish. The hidden gem is open to the public. Map.
- Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark
aladybug76/TripAdvisor This hidden gem is a shallow and broad crater that looks other worldly, but its right here in Nevada. The subterranean zone of volcanism covers more than 100 square miles and is 430 feet deep.
- Lamoille Canyon - Elko
Jeremy Michael/Flickr Tucked into the Ruby Mountains, Lamoille Canyon is simply breathtaking. The 12-mile Lamoille Scenic Byway takes you through the mountainous wilderness leading you to the canyon, which boasts lakes, wildflowers, campgrounds and lovely views. It’s a great spot for hiking or sitting back and enjoying the scenery.
- Clark County Wetlands Park - Las Vegas
Flickr / Aryeh Alex The Clark County Wetlands Park is both educational and recreational offering bird watching and miles of walking paths. It is a lush hidden gem that’s a habitat for plants and animals amid the desert city of Las Vegas.
- Cathedral Gorge - Panaca
RaiseTheStakes/TripAdvisor Walk or hike through the trails and slot canyons at this hidden gem, which was eroded through soft bentonite clay. The richly colored canyons are remnants of an ancient lakebed. There’s plenty of wildlife and lots of interesting plants. Camping is available.
- The Spring - Panaca
TripAdvisor / jlscwg At 85-degrees, this Olympic-sized, naturally-fed pool of crystal clear water lures you in to its waters for a swim or a soak. It’s a completely relaxing experience. Map.
- International Car Forest of the Last Church – Goldfield
Janet H./Yelp Valley of Fire Located at the southern end of the living ghost town of Goldfield, this forest of automobiles features spray-painted cars and trucks nose diving into the sand or standing in other strange configurations. It’s thought provoking and mind boggling all at once.
- Lehman Caves - Ely
TripAdvisor / argo141 Inside this fragile ecosystem lives stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, flowstone, popcorn, and more than 300 rare shield formations. You can view these hidden gems on a guided tour of this hidden gem.
If you enjoyed reading about these hidden gems, check out: This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Nevada Like You’ve Never Seen It Before.
Ray M./Yelp
Raging red rock formations, unparalleled photo opportunities and extensive recreational activities make Valley of Fire a must-see. The oldest State Park in Nevada is hidden in Overton.
Yelp / frances c.
Enjoy beautiful views of the Colorado River and surrounding mountains while swimming, picnicking, boating and fishing at this ark. There are also tons of campsites and hiking trails.
Flickr / gamillos
If you love the idea of random public art in the middle of the desert, the Goldwell Open Air Museum is for you. The outdoor sculpture museum features a handful of unique pieces. You may not have known about this hidden gem but trust me, you will never forget it.
Flickr / Luke H. Gordon
One of Nevada’s largest natural lakes, Pyramid Lake is fed by the Truckee River. Compelling rock formations catch the eye and the fishing is world-class. Mystique surrounds the lake in the form of awe-inspiring tribal tales.
Flickr / Mary-Austin & Scott
Big Water Spring is the largest geothermal hot spring in Nevada protected by the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe. The pristine water of about 91-93 degrees are a designated critical habitat of Railroad Valley Spring Fish. The hidden gem is open to the public. Map.
aladybug76/TripAdvisor
This hidden gem is a shallow and broad crater that looks other worldly, but its right here in Nevada. The subterranean zone of volcanism covers more than 100 square miles and is 430 feet deep.
Jeremy Michael/Flickr
Tucked into the Ruby Mountains, Lamoille Canyon is simply breathtaking. The 12-mile Lamoille Scenic Byway takes you through the mountainous wilderness leading you to the canyon, which boasts lakes, wildflowers, campgrounds and lovely views. It’s a great spot for hiking or sitting back and enjoying the scenery.
Flickr / Aryeh Alex
The Clark County Wetlands Park is both educational and recreational offering bird watching and miles of walking paths. It is a lush hidden gem that’s a habitat for plants and animals amid the desert city of Las Vegas.
RaiseTheStakes/TripAdvisor
Walk or hike through the trails and slot canyons at this hidden gem, which was eroded through soft bentonite clay. The richly colored canyons are remnants of an ancient lakebed. There’s plenty of wildlife and lots of interesting plants. Camping is available.
TripAdvisor / jlscwg
At 85-degrees, this Olympic-sized, naturally-fed pool of crystal clear water lures you in to its waters for a swim or a soak. It’s a completely relaxing experience. Map.
Janet H./Yelp Valley of Fire
Located at the southern end of the living ghost town of Goldfield, this forest of automobiles features spray-painted cars and trucks nose diving into the sand or standing in other strange configurations. It’s thought provoking and mind boggling all at once.
TripAdvisor / argo141
Inside this fragile ecosystem lives stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, flowstone, popcorn, and more than 300 rare shield formations. You can view these hidden gems on a guided tour of this hidden gem.
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