10 Nevada Road Trip Ideas With Hidden Gems
Nevada offers much more than Las Vegas lights or endless desert. From vibrant red rock canyons to ghost towns, alpine lakes to extraterrestrial highways, Nevada is packed with unforgettable road trip routes that mix iconic destinations with off-the-beaten-path treasures. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or desert dreamer, these 10 Nevada road trip ideas will introduce you to a wilder, more surprising side of the Silver State.
1. Valley of Fire & Lake Mead Scenic Loop
Just an hour from Las Vegas, this loop blends ancient petroglyphs, fire-red sandstone formations, and cool blue waters. Hike through fiery narrows, snap photos of Elephant Rock, and cool off with a swim or paddle at Lake Mead. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and hidden slot canyons.
Ideal Time to Go:
Fall through spring (October–April) to avoid extreme summer heat.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park
Day 2: Explore Fire Wave, White Domes Trail, then drive to Lake Mead
Day 3: Paddle Black Canyon or visit Hoover Dam and try out the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail before returning
2. Great Basin National Park & Ely Backroads
Explore one of Nevada’s best kept secrets, Great Basin National Park. Home to ancient bristlecone pines, the scenic Wheeler Peak, and mysterious Lehman Caves, this route takes you through alpine landscapes rarely associated with Nevada. Stop in Ely for its charming railroad museum and ghost town vibes. I came here in January and it was tough to navigate as most of the park was closed off due to the snow.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring to early fall (June–September) for snow-free hiking.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Las Vegas to Ely (visit Ward Charcoal Ovens)
Day 2: Great Basin hikes + Lehman Caves
Day 3: Stargazing or scenic drive back through US-50 (the Loneliest Road)
3. The Extraterrestrial Highway
This quirky, mysterious route along Nevada State Route 375 passes by Area 51, alien-themed diners, and wide-open desert where strange lights and stories are the norm. Whether you’re a believer or just looking for something different, this road trip is full of otherworldly charm.
Ideal Time to Go:
Year-round, but spring and fall offer milder weather.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Las Vegas to Alamo (stop at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge)
Day 2: Drive the ET Highway, lunch at Little A’Le’Inn, visit Rachel, NV
Day 3: Continue to Tonopah or return via scenic detours
4. Reno to Lake Tahoe Hidden Lakes Route
Combine vibrant city life with serene alpine beauty on this drive that starts in Reno and leads to lesser-known lakes around Lake Tahoe. While the big lake draws the crowds, places like Spooner Lake and Marlette Lake offer peaceful trails and quiet views.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring to early fall (May–October)
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Reno’s Riverwalk District
Day 2: Drive Mt. Rose Highway, visit Spooner Lake and Marlette Lake
Day 3: Relax at Sand Harbor Beach before heading back
5. Death Valley and the Nevada Borderlands
Though Death Valley is in California, this road trip starts in Beatty, NV, home to wild burros and ghost towns. You’ll visit Rhyolite (an abandoned town with eerie sculptures), cross into Death Valley, then return via scenic desert highways.
Ideal Time to Go:
Fall through early spring (October–March) for tolerable temps.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Las Vegas to Beatty via Red Rock Canyon
Day 2: Explore Rhyolite & Death Valley National Park (Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin and the scenic drives)
Day 3: Drive Titus Canyon (high-clearance vehicle recommended)!
Day 4: Bonus! If you have time, check out Alabama Hills not too far away before returning back to Vegas.
6. Lamoille Canyon Scenic Drive
This “Yosemite of Nevada” is tucked into the Ruby Mountains near Elko. With alpine lakes, jagged cliffs, and fall colors to rival the Northeast, Lamoille Canyon is a hidden paradise for hikers and photographers alike. It’s hard to imagine such a gem is located in Nevada! I never knew about this place even though I have explored much of Nevada, but this is now one of my favorite places and recommendations!
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring through fall (May–October), especially for fall foliage.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Elko to Lamoille (picnic or hike to Island Lake)
Day 2: Explore the canyon’s scenic byway and trails
Day 3: Visit Elko’s Western Folklife Center or head south to Ruby Lake
7. Goldfield, Tonopah & Nevada’s Ghost Town Trail
Step back in time on this eerie yet fascinating road trip through Nevada’s mining past. Ghost towns like Goldfield and Belmont showcase abandoned saloons, forgotten mining equipment, and photo ops galore. Tonopah’s haunted Mizpah Hotel adds a touch of spooky charm.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring or fall for comfortable travel temps.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Las Vegas to Goldfield (explore the Goldfield Hotel)
Day 2: Drive to Tonopah (visit Central Nevada Museum)
Day 3: Detour to Belmont Ghost Town before returning
8. Red Rock Canyon & Spring Mountains Scenic Loop
Escape the city crowds with this quick but stunning drive just outside Vegas. Located only 30 minutes outside the city, Red Rock Canyon is a hiking paradise, and in addition to that a treat to explore for the family and photographers. Hike Calico Tanks, take in the 13-mile scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon, then climb higher to the cool forested trails of Mount Charleston.
Ideal Time to Go:
Year-round; higher elevations are great in summer.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Red Rock Canyon hikes
Day 2: Drive to Mt. Charleston, hike Cathedral Rock Trail
Day 3: Relax at the lodge or scenic drive back to Vegas
9. Pyramid Lake & High Desert Byways
Located on Paiute tribal land north of Reno, Pyramid Lake’s otherworldly rock formations and turquoise waters feel surreal. This lesser-known destination is ideal for solitude, photography, and unique desert landscapes.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring and fall for mild conditions.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Reno to Pyramid Lake
Day 2: Explore the lake, visit the Pyramid Island viewpoint
Day 3: Return via Fernley and historic Fort Churchill
10. Northern Nevada Wild West Circuit
From cowboy towns to volcanic hot springs (Nevada has the most in the US), this loop includes Winnemucca, the Black Rock Desert, and quirky roadside gems. Perfect for off-the-grid explorers.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring through fall (May–October)
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Reno to Winnemucca (visit the Humboldt Museum)
Day 2: Drive to Black Rock Desert (see Fly Geyser if permitted)
Day 3: Return via Gerlach and stop at Pyramid Lake
Packing List for a Nevada Road Trip
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High SPF sunscreen and lip balm
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Plenty of water (especially in desert areas)
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Printed maps or GPS (some areas have no service)
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Snacks and emergency food
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Camera & extra batteries
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Hiking shoes & sunhat
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Layers (desert nights can be cold)
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Park passes or cash for entry fees
Things to Know Before You Go
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Gas stations can be far apart in rural Nevada, fill up often.
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Many ghost towns and scenic spots are on unpaved roads, check vehicle clearance.
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Respect tribal lands and private property, some areas may require permits or be off-limits.
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Watch for wildlife, especially in early morning or dusk.
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Summer temps can be extremely hot, especially in desert zones, plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts:
Nevada is more than a pit stop between California and Utah, it’s a full-fledged road trip paradise filled with colorful canyons, hidden trails, ghost towns, and extraterrestrial vibes. Whether you’re chasing scenery, solitude, or strange stories, these 10 road trip ideas will open your eyes to the state’s wild beauty. If you have questions or need help planning, feel free to ask in the comments below!
