When people think of Nevada it’s always Las Vegas, Reno/Lake Tahoe and possibly Hoover Dam. But do you know about all of the other great things there are to do in Nevada? Especially all of the wonderful state parks and history that abounds here.
I did a blog about my bucket list places I want to visit in Nevada but here are some more places that you should consider visiting, especially if you like to hike, bike or camp in the wilderness.
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Gold Butte National Monument
Gold Butte National Monument is 9 miles from Mesquite, NV which is about an hour and a half from Las Vegas. Mesquite is a small town that has 3 casino/resorts. Gold Butte is on BLM land and covers 300,000 acres. This park is very primitive with limited cell service, no facilities, and minimal marked trail heads. The road is rough and is recommended that you have a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle. Hiking and horseback riding is permitted to see the beautiful red rock peaks and canyons in this area. There is some rock art in some of the canyons so keep your eyes out when on your hike. Some areas of interest here are Whitney Pocket, Little Finland and if you’re up for it climb 8000 ft. to Virgin Peak. There is also Devil’s Throat sinkhole, but again it’s tough to get to without 4-wheel. You can also take a backcountry byway to a mining ghost town. We are not big hikers, so we probably won’t be going here, but it does sound like a great adventure.
Black Rock Desert
Black Rock Desert is a wilderness area in Humboldt & Pershing counties in Nevada. This too is on BLM land and is about 9.5 hours from Las Vegas. This area is known for the remains of prehistoric Lake Lahontan, where you can see it’s remains of the shoreline. There are lava rocks and alkali flats here and beautiful peaks. Hiking, camping and hunting are allowed in this area, but check the website for restrictions especially for the hunting. The area covers over 314,000 acres. This is not to be confused with Black Rock Playa, this is a true wilderness area with no facilities. There aren’t any specific trail heads here. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the land. If you’re lucky while your hiking, you may see some wild horses and burros.
Ruby Mountains/Lamoille Canyon
The Ruby Mountains and Lamoille Canyon are located in Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service oversees this area. This glacier carved mountain and canyon is 5.5 hours from Las Vegas, in Lamoille, NV. There is a 12-mile scenic byway where you can stop and get pictures or start your hiking adventure at one of the trailheads. One of the popular places in the park, is Rubycrest National Recreation Area. You can fish in the streams and lakes that have endangered Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, so make sure you check on rules and fishing permits are required. Big Game hunting is also allowed in this area, but again you must obtain a license beforehand. You will find the largest mule deer herd here, plus many other animals. Camping is also allowed and available May-November in either tents, yurts or the Ruby 360 Lodge. In the winter, you can enjoy the snow by either snowshoeing or snowboarding.
Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cathedral Gorge State Park is in Panaca, NV. This is about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas. Best known for its amazing pink cathedral like spirals and cave-like formations to explore, this park offers hiking, camping and has many picnic areas around. Because it is a state park, there is a fee of $5 for residents of Nevada and $10 for non-residents. There is a 4-mile loop hiking trail along with other trails around the park. You can also drive through the park and stop at the pull-offs. There are 22 campsites with flush restrooms and showers along with firepits. I think I missed this on my bucket list, so I’ll have to put it on. If you love camping and hiking, I think this probably should be on your bucket list too!
Kershaw-Ryan State Park
Kershaw-Ryan State Park is located about 3 miles from Callente, NV. This is about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas. This is an unusual canyon because it is a long valley nestled between 700-foot-high mountains. Its natural springs provide water not only for the animals, but help wild grapevines, white oak tree and willow trees to grow making it a beautiful, serene area to hike. Since this is a state park, there is a fee for entering $5 for residents, $10 for non-residents. There are 14 miles of trails which include Barne and Rainbow canyons. There are wild horses and other native animals in the canyon, so keep your eyes open and if you’re lucky you will see them. Many times you can see them at the springs getting a drink. Mountain biking is also permitted here, along with camping. Be sure to check this park out.
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park is known for exactly what it’s name implies. There are 6 beehive ovens that were used in the 1800’s to process rich silver ore. The park is located in the Egan Mountain Range, 20 miles South of Ely, NV. It has lots of great forested scenery and the unique charcoal ovens. The park is always open, and you can enjoy camping, hiking, picnicking and fishing here. There are two-day use picnic areas that have covered tables, restrooms and grills. Willow Creek runs through the park where rainbow trout is stocked. There is a trail system for hiking in warmer months and cross-country skiing in winter. Since this is a state park, there is an entrance fee of $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. This park is about 4 hours north of Las Vegas. While you’re here, take a ride up to Ely to learn more history about copper mining in Nevada.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many places to explore in Nevada. I’m excited to get to know this state a little better and to explore states around us. Every state has hidden gems, so go out, explore, and have a great adventure!! Please remember anytime you visit the outdoors to leave it as you found it. If you want to see some videos of our adventures, go to:https://youtu.be/x_UIrvC1lWo