What to do and see in Nevada, United States: The Best National Parks

April 30, 2022 Marianna Hollaway

Las Vegas is the place to go for the best nightlife, gambling, live shows and dining in the U.S.  But there's plenty to do in Nevada for all types of travelers. The state boasts more than 100 beautiful golf courses, and water lovers can relax on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Set your sights on the mountainous landscape, perfect for hiking, or tour the famous Hoover Dam. World class resorts with top of the line spas are located throughout the state's major cities and tourist locales.
Restaurants in Nevada

1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161 +1 702-515-5350 http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26,046 reviews

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Visitors can admire colorful rock formations on several hiking trails or on a 13-mile scenic drive.

Reviewed By JerriAL1 - Johnston, United States

Spent half a day in this park in January when we wanted to get out of Vegas and do some hiking and exploring. The park fee for a vehicle day pass is $15 and well worth the time spent here. It was just over 60 degrees so plenty comfortable for us northerners and we wore shorts with a long sleeve top, had on sunscreen and carried water on our hikes. There is a 13 mile one way scenic loop which you can drive through and see plenty just stopping at the overlooks. There are also many hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate to difficult with a variety of elevation rises and lengths that you can choose from to see petroglyphs, hidden falls, scenic views and nature’s beauty more close up. The guide which you can access online or pick up in paper form has a map and very good descriptions of all scenic views, overlooks and hiking trails. Be aware that if you plan to rely on your phone, service is not reliable throughout the park. I recommend arriving early to beat the crowds especially on weekends or when the weather is more inviting. There is a visitor and information building with bathrooms and some information on the park and animals and land but stop on your way in because with a one-way route you won’t have another opportunity. We spent about 4 hours in the park and hit a few of the highlights, stopped at the scenic overlooks and hiked 4 different trails. Check park hours as well because they vary with the seasons. We will be back to explore the area more but the time we spent gave us time to explore the park and hit the highlights.

2. Humboldt National Forest

2035 Last Chance Rd, Elko, NV 89801-4808 +1 702-738-5171 http://www.fs.usda.gov/htnf/
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Humboldt National Forest

Located in north-central Nevada, this national preserve spans more than two million acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, camping and backpacking.

Reviewed By Z6970GRjackieg - Bend, United States

Used to live in the area and returned to visit family. I can't stress enough that visitors need to take the trip through Elko and visit the Rubies and Lamoille Canyon. So many people pass this up and truly miss one of or possibly the most beautiful canyon in all of Nevada.

3. Calico 1

Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Calico 1

4. Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Ruby Valley, NV +1 702-779-2237 http://www.fws.gov/Refuge/Ruby_Lake
Excellent
42%
Good
58%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Located at an elevation of 6,000 feet along the rugged Ruby Mountains, this recreation area offers many outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, bird watching and migratory bird hunting.

5. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

610 E Spring Meadows Rd, Amargosa Valley, NV 89020-1524 +1 775-372-5435 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash_meadows
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 201 reviews

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

A favorite spot for landscape and wildlife photographers, this refuge provides recreational facilities such as boating, hiking, camping and viewing historical sites.

Reviewed By socal586 - Lakewood, United States

Came here in Dec. and was very nice area. Great for learning about endangered species in the area. Nice boardwalk around the visitor center. Visitor center was closed due to co-vid.

6. Toiyabe National Forest

Robbers Roost Trail, Las Vegas, NV 89109 http://www.fs.usda.gov/htnf
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Toiyabe National Forest

The largest National Forest within the National Forest System, outside of Alaska, having a net acreage of approximately 3,855,960 acres.

7. Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center

1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161-1202 +1 702-515-5350 http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/
Excellent
27%
Good
73%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center

Reviewed By I4353ZGjohnm

So close but so far from the bright lights of Las Vegas. We have ridden our bikes around the loop several times and really enjoyed the scenery of colors. Road is in great condition for road bikes. The "one way" direction makes for better safety. The visitor center is a good stop for info about the park

8. Petroglyph Wall

Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161 +1 702-515-5350 http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/petroglyph-wall-trail/
Excellent
0%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 4 reviews

Petroglyph Wall

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