30 Ultimate Nevada Bucket List Things To Do!
I visited Nevada and had a blast. The deserts are breathtaking, and the cities are like adult playgrounds. Ready to explore the top Nevada bucket list sites? Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston, Hoover Dam, Great Basin National Park, and Valley of Fire shouldn’t be missed.
With so much to see, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 30. When I first saw the Nevada desert it was in Las Vegas. I took a trip outside the city to see the Seven Magic Mountains art installation. But if you’re a traveler seeking to discover more of Nevada beyond Las Vegas, this post is your guide!
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1. Las Vegas Strip
Dive into the heart of entertainment with dazzling shows and iconic neon lights.
The Bellagio fountain show is a must-see spectacle of water, music, and light.
Fun fact: The Strip isn’t actually located within Las Vegas city limits and really is located in unincorporated Clark County.
Also see: Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List: Best 46 Things To Do!
2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
A paradise for hikers with breathtaking views.
Early morning visits offer cooler temperatures and better wildlife sighting opportunities.
The area is home to more than 600 species of plants.
3. Great Basin National Park
Stand among ancient bristlecone pines and explore the Lehman Caves.
The park’s golden aspen trees in autumn are a sight to behold.
Great Basin’s Wheeler Peak is the second-highest peak in Nevada.
4. Hoover Dam
Marvel at this engineering wonder set in the dramatic Black Canyon.
The dam tour allows you to see the power plant and passageways constructed in the 1930s.
Over 100 workers lost their lives during its construction.
Also see: The Best 11 Things To Do At Hoover Dam!
5. Mount Charleston
Escape Las Vegas’s heat and find refuge in cooler temperatures and scenic hiking trails.
Mount Charleston is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views and a variety of trails.
It’s noteworthy that it’s home to the endangered Mount Charleston blue butterfly.
6. Valley of Fire State Park
Wander through stunning red sandstone formations that glow at dawn and dusk.
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking.
The park has been a filming location for numerous movies thanks to its Mars-like landscape.
7. Death Valley National Park
Experience the stark beauty of one of the hottest places on Earth.
It’s essential to carry plenty of water and stay on designated trails.
It’s home to the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin.
8. Black Rock Desert
Famous for the eclectic Burning Man festival, this desert landscape offers vast, open spaces.
Visiting outside of Burning Man provides a serene, otherworldly experience.
The desert floor is one of the flattest places on earth.
9. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Enjoy water sports, hiking, and stunning landscapes in this vast area surrounding the largest reservoir in the U.S.
The creation of Hoover Dam resulted in Lake Mead, providing recreational opportunities and vital water resources.
10. Reno
Known as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno boasts a vibrant arts scene and buzzing casinos.
The Riverwalk District is a highlight of the city.
Reno predates Las Vegas as Nevada’s gambling capital.
11. Boulder City
Visit this charming town with a rich history, situated close to the Hoover Dam.
Boulder City is known for its strict gambling ban, making it a peaceful retreat.
It played a crucial role during the construction of the Hoover Dam.
12. Boundary Peak
Conquer Nevada’s highest point, standing at 13,140 feet.
Boundary Peak offers challenging hikes and rewarding views. It’s named for its location near the California-Nevada border.
Despite its height, it’s one of the lesser-known state high points.
13. Campie’s Lavender Patch
Immerse yourself in the calming scent and beauty of lavender at Campie’s Lavender Patch.
This family-run farm showcases the versatility of lavender, from culinary uses to therapeutic benefits.
It’s a tranquil escape into nature’s bounty.
14. Carson City
Discover the rich history and heritage of Nevada’s state capital.
From its historical landmarks to its vibrant cultural scene, Carson City offers a glimpse into the past and present.
Did you know it’s one of the smallest state capitals in the U.S.?
15. Cathedral Gorge State Park
Wander through unique geological formations and hiking trails.
The park’s cathedral-like spires were formed through millions of years of erosion, offering a stunning landscape for visitors to explore.
It’s also a great spot for photography.
16. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Next up on the Nevada bucket list is Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park.
Home to fossils of ancient marine reptiles and a ghost town, this park offers a fascinating glimpse into Nevada’s prehistoric and mining past.
The park is named after the Ichthyosaurs, a marine reptile that lived during the time of the dinosaurs.
17. Devil’s Hole
Dive into the mystery of this unique geothermal aquifer within the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
Devil’s Hole is home to the endangered Devil’s Hole pupfish, existing nowhere else on Earth.
The water temperature remains a constant 93°F (34°C).
18. Elko
Next on the Nevada bucket list is to discover the rich cowboy and gold mining culture of northeastern Nevada in Elko.
This city is the heart of Nevada’s cowboy country, hosting the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
It’s also a gateway to the Ruby Mountains, known as the “Alps of Nevada.”
19. Fly Geyser
Witness a colorful, man-made geyser created accidentally during well drilling.
Fly Geyser is not only a beautiful sight but also a reminder of the unexpected wonders of nature.
It’s located on private land but can be visited through guided tours.
20. Fort Churchill State Historic Park
Visit the ruins of an 1860s fort along the Pony Express trail, providing insights into Nevada’s military history.
The fort was established to protect early settlers and maintain peace.
It’s now a serene spot for history buffs and nature lovers.
21. Lake Tahoe
Bask in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by majestic mountains.
Renting a kayak to explore Emerald Bay is highly recommended.
Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S., reaching depths of about 1,645 feet.
22. Lamoille Canyon
Experience the “Grand Canyon of Nevada” with its stunning scenery and abundant outdoor activities.
From hiking to wildlife observation, Lamoille Canyon is a gem within the Ruby Mountains.
It was sculpted by glaciers, adding to its unique landscape.
23. Laughlin
A resort town on the Colorado River known for its casinos and water activities, Laughlin offers a more relaxed alternative to Las Vegas.
It was named after Don Laughlin, who founded the first hotel and casino in the area.
Laughlin also features a scenic riverwalk.
24. Pyramid Lake
Engage in fishing and admire the natural beauty of this ancient lake remnant.
Pyramid Lake’s significance to the Paiute tribe and its unique limestone formations make it a fascinating destination.
It’s also one of the largest natural lakes in Nevada.
25. Rhyolite Ghost Town
Explore the remains of this early 1900s gold mining town, offering a peek into the Nevada gold rush era.
Rhyolite’s quick success and decline show how mining towns went through boom-and-bust cycles.
Today, it’s a photogenic site with standing ruins and art sculptures.
26. Seven Magic Mountains
Marvel at this vibrant desert art installation near Las Vegas.
Created by artist Ugo Rondinone, the colorful boulders stack high into the sky, offering a striking contrast against the desert backdrop.
It’s also a popular spot for photography.
Also see: How to Get to Seven Magic Mountains from Las Vegas!
27. Tonopah
Stargaze under one of the darkest night skies and explore the historic mining park.
Tonopah’s clear skies are due to its remote location, making it an ideal spot for astronomy enthusiasts.
The town has a haunted hotel, adding a touch of mystery.
28. The Extraterrestrial Highway
Take a scenic drive known for its association with Area 51 and alien folklore.
This stretch of Route 375 offers quirky stops and potential UFO sightings.
The highway was officially named in 1996 due to its alien lore.
29. Virginia City
Step back into the Wild West in this historic mining town.
The Fourth Ward School Museum is a standout attraction.
Mark Twain began his career here at the Territorial Enterprise.
30. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
Lastly. on this Nevada bucket list is to explore beehive-shaped ovens used in the late 1800s, set against a scenic backdrop.
These ovens played a key role in smelting silver ore, highlighting the cleverness of the early settlers.
The park also offers hiking and wildlife viewing.
Map of Nevada Bucket List
FAQs
Is there anything worth seeing in Nevada?
Yes, there are several amazing places worth seeing in Nevada. The natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon and the stunning views from Mount Charleston, Nevada offers a diverse range of attractions.
Visitors can also explore the engineering marvel of the Hoover Dam, the unique landscapes of the Great Basin National Park, and the striking red rock formations of the Valley of Fire. Whether you’re into urban excitement or outdoor adventures, Nevada has something for everyone.
What is Nevada best known for?
Nevada is best known for its vibrant entertainment capital, Las Vegas, renowned for its world-class casinos, luxurious hotels, and extravagant shows.
The state is also famous for its stunning desert landscapes, including the iconic Hoover Dam and the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert.
Additionally, Nevada is home to Area 51, a top-secret military base that has sparked curiosity and conspiracy theories for decades.
Are there any beautiful places in Nevada?
Yes, Nevada is home to some stunningly beautiful places. From the otherworldly landscapes of Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park to the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe and the rugged wilderness of Great Basin National Park.
There’s no shortage of natural wonders to explore in the Silver State. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, photography, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Nevada has something for everyone seeking beauty in nature.
Final Thoughts-
Exploring Nevada’s beauty is a must! From the glitz of Las Vegas to the stunning landscapes of Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire, each spot offers a unique experience. I can guarantee that places like Mount Charleston, Hoover Dam, and Great Basin National Park shouldn’t be missed on your Nevada bucket list. Share in the comments how many out of the 30 places in Nevada you’ve explored!
Happy exploring!
Read More on Nevada!
Ultimate Las Vegas Bucket List: Best 45 Things To Do!
The Best Magic Show In Vegas + Top 10 Ranked!
How to Get to Seven Magic Mountains from Las Vegas!
Your Affordable 4 Days In Las Vegas Itinerary
Is Las Vegas Expensive? My Affordable Budget Breakdown
20 Las Vegas Tricks And Tips You Need To Know!
The Ultimate Las Vegas For First Timers Guide!
Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting? The Truth About Vegas
What To Pack For Las Vegas With Limited Space!
Las Vegas Strip VS Downtown: Which One Is Better?
The Best 11 Things To Do At Hoover Dam!
Is The Stratosphere Worth It? Rides, Hotel & SkyPod
Find Your Next Vacation Destination Here!
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