When most people think of Nevada, they picture Las Vegas casinos, Reno nightlife, or the Laughlin Riverwalk. But there’s a whole other side to the Silver State that often gets overlooked, its wide-open landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor adventures tucked into remote corners of the state.

Nevada is home to 17 state parks, 6 state recreation areas, and 5 historic sites, plus millions of acres of rugged public lands. If you’re craving hidden gems far away from the crowds, this Northeastern Nevada loop road trip will take you to some of the best off-the-beaten-path state parks, national forests, and even a national park. If you plan to visit a few parks in a year, an annual State Park Pass may be worth it in the long run.

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Leg 1: Elko Area

Wildhorse State Recreation Area – Elko (about an hour north)

Remote and peaceful, Wildhorse State Recreation Area is a high-desert oasis perfect for year-round adventures. In summer, visitors flock here for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. In winter, the lake freezes over since it is 6,200 feet in the mountains, making it a hotspot for ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling.

Hours: Always open

Fees: $5 NV residents, $10 non-residents

South Fork State Recreation Area – Spring Creek (15 minutes from Elko)

A trip to Elko and the Ruby Mountains wouldn’t be the same without a stop-off at South Fork Recreation Area. Located at the base of the Ruby Mountains the scenery can’t be beat and there is more wildlife than you would ever imagine. Outdoor adventure abounds here with hunting, camping, hiking, swimming in summer. If you love the cold and snowy winter scenes, you’ll love to ski or ice fish here.

Hours: Always open

Fees: $5 NV residents, $10 non-residents

Lamoille Canyon & The Ruby Mountains – Lamoille (30 minutes from Elko)

Nicknamed the “Yosemite of Nevada,” Lamoille Canyon offers jaw-dropping views on a 12-mile scenic byway. Open seasonally, usually May through October, this drive leads to fishing holes, picnic spots, and trailheads into the Ruby Mountains.

Hours: Always open

Fees: Free

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest -Elko

The largest national forest in the lower 48 states stretches across Nevada and eastern California. Near Elko, you’ll find miles of trails for hiking, camping, and photography.

Hours: Always open

Fees: Free

Leg 2: Ely Area (2 hours 45 minutes from Elko)

Cave Lake State Park – Ely (15 minutes from town)

At 7,300 feet, Cave Lake State Park is a favorite for fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking in summer. Winter transforms it into a snowy playground with ice skating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Hours: Always open

Fees: $5 NV residents, $10 non-residents

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park – Ely (30 minutes from town)

Home to six beehive-shaped stone ovens built in the 1870s, Ward Charcoal Ovens combines history with outdoor adventure. The ovens were once used to process silver ore and now stand as striking remnants of Nevada’s mining era. Visitors also enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing.

Hours: Always open

Fees: $5 NV residents, $10 non-residents

Great Basin National Park – Baker (1 hour from Ely)

One of the most underrated national parks in the U.S., Great Basin is home to Lehman Caves, bristlecone pines (some of the oldest trees in the world), and Wheeler Peak. Summer brings incredible hiking and stargazing, while winter means snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Hours: Always open (some areas seasonal)

Fees: Free to enter; cave tours $8–$40

Leg 3: Gabbs Area (3.5 hours from Ely)

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park – Gabbs (20 minutes from town)

A rare mix of history and paleontology, Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park preserves both an early 20th-century mining ghost town, with many of the original buildings still standing and the world’s largest concentration of ichthyosaur fossils, prehistoric marine reptiles that swam here 225 million years ago.

Hours: Always open

Fees: $5 NV residents, $10 non-residents

Sand Mountain Recreation Area – Gabbs (30 minutes from town)

For a totally different Nevada landscape, Sand Mountain is a two-mile-long, 600-foot-tall sand dune popular with OHV riders, campers, and photographers. Don’t miss the nearby Pony Express Station ruins for a taste of history.

Hours: Always open

Fees: $40 per vehicle for a 1–7-day pass (free on Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

Final Thoughts

Northern Nevada is a road tripper’s dream; quiet highways, small towns, and state parks that feel like hidden treasures. Whether you’re camping under starry skies, exploring ghost towns, or discovering fossil beds, this loop shows off a side of Nevada few travelers ever see.

Pick up a Nevada State Parks Passport Booklet. If you get it stamped at 15 different parks, you’ll earn a free annual park pass, the perfect excuse to come back for even more adventures. If you need help planning a road trip, whether in Nevada, or another destination you want to travel, check out roadtrippers.com. They’ll not only give you the best routes, but places to stay and dine. If you use code BTR5QTP, you’ll save $5.

We love to share information and tips we learn to help you make more informed decisions when planning your vacation. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have fun and make lots of memories!

The post Nevada State Parks Road Trip: Exploring the Northeastern Side appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

Nevada is the driest state in the U.S., which means most national waterfall lists leave us high and dry. But the truth is, Nevada does have waterfalls, you just have to know where (and when) to look.

While we’re not talking Yosemite thunder or Niagara-style cascades, Nevada’s waterfalls are impressive for another reason: they’re surprising little oases tucked into desert canyons, alpine forests, and rugged backcountry. Some gush in spring, others trickle in late summer. But all are worth the hike (or drive) if you’re chasing a refreshing escape and natural beauty.

Here are 10 of the best waterfalls in Nevada, from Las Vegas to Lake Tahoe, plus a few bonus falls that deserve honorable mention.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Waterfalls Near Las Vegas

 First Creek Waterfall – Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

A pleasant 4-mile out-and-back hike through desert terrain takes you to this peaceful little waterfall surrounded by cottonwoods and willows. The trail is mostly flat and easy, with a short scramble at the end. Look for the First Creek trailhead along SR-159 between the main fee area and Bonnie Springs. This is outside of the fee area for Red Rock Canyon.

 Ice Box Canyon – Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

This 2.2-mile hike is short but strenuous. You’ll trek through a shaded box canyon where seasonal waterfalls appear between December and April. Expect boulder scrambling, cooler temps, and zero sun in the canyon, pack layers and good shoes. This is inside the fee area for Red Rock Canyon.

 Lost Creek Falls -Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

An easy, family-friendly .8-mile trail leads you to this lovely seasonal waterfall tucked into Lost Creek Canyon. Bonus: there are Mojave Desert pictographs, shaded picnic spots, and interpretive signs. Best flow is from December through April. Also, inside the fee area.

 Stonewall Falls – Nevada Test and Training Range (Near Goldfield)

This waterfall wins for most unexpected. Located on military land, Stonewall Falls is reachable by car via a remote dirt road, just follow posted rules and stay on the main route. These aren’t tall falls, but the scenery and surprise factor make them worth the drive.

Directions: From U.S. 95 south of Goldfield, turn at mile marker 14.4 and reset your odometer. Drive 2.9 miles to a fork, keep right. At 3.9 miles, turn right again, and in 0.5 miles you’ll reach the fence and falls.

Waterfalls in Northern Nevada

 Kings Canyon Falls – Carson City

Tucked just west of Nevada’s capital, this 25-foot waterfall is a local favorite. The trail is under a mile and easy to hike, even with some elevation. Peak flow runs from April to July.

Hunter Creek Falls – Reno

One of the tallest and most visited falls in the state. This 30-foot waterfall lies at the end of a 5.7-mile out-and-back trail in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Expect moderate, changing terrain and gorgeous views. Spring through fall is the best time to go.

 Galena Falls – Mt. Rose Wilderness (Lake Tahoe Area)

Located just below the Mt. Rose summit, this 60-foot alpine waterfall is the payoff for a mostly easy 4.8-mile roundtrip hike with minimal elevation gain. Best flow is from May through August. Start at the Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead on Highway 431.

 Tamarack (Galena Creek) Falls – Mt. Rose Wilderness

For a more challenging waterfall hike, Tamarack Falls sits at 9,600 feet, halfway to the Mt. Rose summit. It’s a 6-mile roundtrip trail that’s moderate to strenuous. Views and alpine air make it worth the effort.

 Van Sickle Falls – Van Sickle Bi-State Park (Stateline, NV/CA)

This 6.4-mile hike along the Rim Trail Connector serves up two waterfalls with stunning mountain views and wildflowers. Located right on the NV/CA border near South Lake Tahoe, this park offers beautiful cross-border trail magic.

Waterfalls in Eastern Nevada

Thomas Canyon Falls – Lamoille Canyon (Near Elko)

Located in the Ruby Mountains, Thomas Canyon is one of Nevada’s most scenic spots. A 2.5-mile roundtrip hike starts from the campground and passes multiple waterfalls, thanks to the nearly year-round snowmelt in the canyon.

Bonus Falls on Mount Charleston

Mount Charleston, just 45 minutes from Las Vegas, is home to two beautiful waterfalls, Mary Jane Falls and Big Falls. Both require moderate hikes and are best visited in late spring through early summer. As of 2023, both trails remain closed due to storm damage from Tropical Storm Hilary. Check the U.S. Forest Service for updates before heading out.

Mary Jane Falls- A popular 3.9-mile roundtrip hike with switchbacks and a seasonal waterfall.

Big Falls – A 4-mile off-trail hike to an 85-foot waterfall flowing between limestone cliffs. More strenuous, but worth the view.

Final Thoughts: Are Nevada’s Waterfalls Worth the Trip?

Absolutely. Whether you’re escaping the desert heat, chasing snowmelt in the spring, or just craving a different kind of adventure, Nevada’s waterfalls are underrated gems. They may not be postcard-famous, but they offer tranquility, surprise, and a chance to see the Silver State in a whole new light.

We want to give you information and tips we learn along the way to help you when planning your trip. We hope to inspire you to find your adventure, have fun and make memories. If you are planning a roadtrip and want help with areas of interest or just the route, check roadtrippers.com for help. Use code BTR5QTP for $5 off. Whether you want to chase waterfalls or enjoy a staycation, we hope you find your best adventure.

The post 10 Best Waterfalls in Nevada (Yes, We Actually Have Waterfalls!) appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.