Are you planning on going to Nevada and need some more details before your trip? Then you are in the right spot!
Nevada is one of the most visited US states, it attracts over 52 million tourists annually. It’s where you get to explore stunning conservation areas, fun Las Vegas, and a dozen state parks.
In this comprehensive Nevada travel guide, we will explore the different aspects of this state, from quick facts and the best places to visit to the festivals and loads more.
So, without any further ado, let’s begin exploring!
Table of Contents
Nevada Quick Facts
1. Statehood: Became 36th state on October 31, 1864
2. Nickname: Silver State, Battle Born State, and Sagebrush State
3. Capital: Carson City
4. Language: English is predominant, with some of the population speaking Spanish, Mandarin, and Tagalog.
5. Cuisine: New Mexican and Utah influenced Mormon foodways
6. Geography: Deserts, mountains, valleys, and flat basins.
7. National Parks & Monuments: 1 national park and four monuments
8. Climate: Arid, hot summers with mild winters and very low humidity
9. Inhabitants: 3.178 million (2022)
10. Governor: Joe Lombardo (Republican Party)
Geographical Info
Nevada is one of the most mountainous and driest states in the US.
It is located in the Southwestern region, together with Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.
It borders Utah to the east, Arizona to the southeast, California to the west and southeast, and Oregon and Idaho to the north.
Cities and Counties
Some of Nevada’s most famous cities include Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Reno, and Enterprise.
In total, this state has 16 counties, with Clark County, Washoe County, Carson City, and Elko County being the most well-known ones.
Here is what you should know about them:
Clark County is home to Las Vegas, the state’s largest city and entertainment hub.
Washoe County includes Reno, known as “The Biggest Little City in the World.”
Elko County is famous for its vast landscapes and rich mining history.
Lyon County features the historic town of Virginia City and beautiful outdoor scenery.
National Parks and Monuments
As mentioned earlier, Nevada has 1 National Park and 4 National Monuments.
Nevada’s four national parks are home to exotic wildlife, and you can enjoy beautiful views and outdoor activities.
Their landscapes are super diverse, including towering mountains and lush valleys, unique rock formations, and expansive deserts.
Let’s explore some of these national parks and figure out what’s so special about them!
Death Valley
Size: 3.4 million acres
Highlights: The highlight of Death Valley is its dramatic, otherworldly landscapes, including Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, surrounded by colorful, rugged mountains and endless salt flats. Only part of the Death Valley is in Nevada, the majority of the park lies in California.
Great Basin National Park
Size: 77,000 acres
Highlights: Great Basin National Park is known for its stunning Lehman Caves, ancient bristlecone pine trees, and breathtaking views from Wheeler Peak.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Size: 1,495,806 acres
Highlights: Lake Mead National Recreation Area is known for its massive lake, stunning desert landscapes, and outdoor recreation. It is one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S., formed by the Hoover Dam.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Size: 22,650 acres
Highlights: The monument is known for its incredible Ice Age fossils, including remains of mammoths, camels, and other prehistoric animals.
Must-Visit Places in Nevada
Most people think of Nevada as a vast state with a desert landscape everywhere. But Nevada is so much more than that.
Let’s discover a couple of must-visit sites in Nevada.
Las Vegas
Kind of obvious, but Las Vegas is the coolest place in Nevada.
It counts among the most popular cities in the USA and is indeed worth the title. Over the last few decades, Las Vegas has become a hoard of entertainment with numerous events, shows, and concerts.
You can enjoy the vibrant nightlife, ginormous resorts on The Strip, and endless casinos and luxury hotels.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is perched on the Nevada-California border. It is a year-round paradise for nature lovers.
It is known for its deep-blue waters and surrounding pine forests. Tahoe’s charming small towns, lively beaches, and lakefront dining make it perfect for relaxation or active exploration.
In winter, you can enjoy cozy skiing and beautiful snow-covered lake views.
Insider Tip: Lake Tahoe is an amazing destination for a winter holiday.
Valley of Fire
Located just an hour from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s oldest state park. It definitely lives up to its name with striking red sandstone formations.
These surreal rock structures were carved over millions of years. If the time is right, they catch the sun and glow in fiery hues.
The park is also home to ancient petroglyphs and fascinating rock shapes like the Elephant Rock and the Fire Wave.
Red Rock Canyon
Also, only a short drive from Las Vegas you can find Red Rock Canyon
It has amazing, towering red cliffs, a scenic 13-mile drive, and an extensive trail network.
The park has vibrant geology, desert flora, and interesting wildlife, creating a peaceful contrast to Vegas’ glitter.
The Climate in Nevada
Nevada’s climate is pretty diverse since it is a pretty large state.
In general, the temperatures are extreme due to the dry air over the state. Summers are particularly hot in the southern parts, whereas winters are cold.
Here is a detailed overview of the different regions’ climate:
Great Basin (Central and Northern Nevada)
Summers: Hot, especially in lower valleys. Daytime highs can range between 80°F to 95°F, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly.
Winters: Cold, with average lows below freezing. Temperatures can dip to around 20°F or lower, particularly at higher elevations. Snow is common in mountainous areas.
Rainfall: The Great Basin is dry, receiving around 7 to 15 inches of rain annually. Higher elevations get more rain, while the low valleys remain much drier.
Sierra Nevada (Western Nevada)
Summers: Mild temperatures, with highs between 75°F and 85°F. The region remains cooler due to its higher elevation and proximity to Lake Tahoe.
Winters: Very cold, with significant snowfall. Temperatures often dip below freezing, especially in mountain areas, where snow accumulates heavily.
Rainfall: This region has the highest rainfall in Nevada, averaging 30 to 40 inches annually. Most of this rain comes during winter storms, with a significant portion of it being snow.
Mojave Desert (Southern Nevada)
Summers: Extremely hot, similar to southern Arizona. Temperatures frequently soar above 100°F, with Death Valley (just nearby in California) known for hitting some of the highest temperatures on Earth.
Winters: Mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F, but nights can be cooler, sometimes into the 40°F range or lower.
Rainfall: The driest region, with 3 to 6 inches of rain per year. Rainfall mainly comes during the brief summer monsoon season.
History & Culture in Nevada
Though Las Vegas, the City of Sins, defines the state in many ways, only few people realize that Nevada has so much more to it than gambling.
Small towns like Elko and Ely, embrace gambling in a more Western style. Artists, cowboys, and showgirls are also pretty common here.
Las Vegas mainly is home to a large population of retirees. Meanwhile, the rest of the state is a mishmash of different citizen types.
Nevada is a fun state, for sure. Though you might not find too many friendly locals in Las Vegas, since they might be pretty sick of tourists by now.
But, keep in mind, “What Happens in Las Vegas, Stays in Las Vegas.”
History
Silver Discovery: In 1859, silver was discovered in Virginia City. It motivated the rich to change this barren land into something more beautiful. The state was quickly granted statehood in 1864.
Tourism: Later, when mining was reduced, towns like Virginia City started luring in tourists instead. The legalization of gambling in 1931 further supported tourism.
Las Vegas: Las Vegas emerged after the completion of Hoover Dam in 1935. Since then, it has remained a major tourist attraction.
Nuclear Testing and Gambling Rise: The Nevada Test Site conducted numerous bomb tests until 1962. After this, it faced shutdown, and states’ focus shifted entirely to boosting gambling revenue. Affordable housing and entertainment were the key strategies to attract retirees for the purpose.
Safety
Nevada’s safety varies by region. The state has a higher crime rate than the national average, with 73.97 incidents per 1,000 residents annually.
However, crime rates differ a lot across areas. For instance, the western part of Nevada is considered safer, with a 1 in 32 chance of being a crime victim, compared to a 1 in 7 chance in some northwest neighborhoods.
Cities like Mesquite and Henderson are among the safest, while others require a lot more caution when traveling.
Human Trafficking
Reno, Nevada, is considered a huge hub for human trafficking. Las Vegas is also a major spot for trafficking.
Remain cautious during your travels. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or all alone, know the local emergency number and keep at least one of your friends or family members aware of where you are going and when.
Also, beware of trafficking tactics; traffickers may lure victims with promises of money or a better life. Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, especially if they involve traveling or vague details.
Festivals & Celebrations
Exodus Festival
When: May-August
Where: Various venues across Las Vegas
Why: Enjoy dancing overnight at this popular EDM music festival.
Epicurean Affair
When: May
Where: The Venetian Resort
Why: Dip your hands into delish food at this gourmet event.
iHeartRadio Music Festival
When: September
Where: T-Mobile Arena
Why: Enjoy concerts of the biggest stars at all-night parties.
Life is Beautiful Festival
When: September
Where: Downtown Las Vegas
Why: Enjoy life music, delish food, talented artists, and loads more.
The Great Vegas Festival of Beer
When: April
Where: Downtown Las Vegas
Why: Honor Nevada’s culinary scenes and craft beer hosted by Motley Brews.
Is Nevada Worth Visiting?
To me, Nevada is definitely worth visiting. Not only is Las Vegas so much fun – and something you must have seen at least once in your life.
But the rest of the state is pretty amazing as well. From the beautiful nature in the Lake Mead area to the stunning red rocks in the Valley of Fire. And of course, the Hoover Dam is pretty impressive as well.
While cities like Las Vegas can be super expensive to visit, it is also unlike anything you have ever seen. We definitely enjoyed our vacation in Nevada and recommend anyone to visit at least once to get a feel for the beautiful state.
Criminality and gambling might seem like a big turn-off, but you can definitely avoid it by diving into the beautiful nature of the state!
Psst: Nevada is also an awesome place for a road trip!
Keep on reading: 10 Most Scenic Highways in the Southwest USA (Besides Route 66)
Conclusion
What are the first few things one looks for when planning to visit a destination? The climate, the views, the activities, the attractions, the culture, and the cuisine. And Nevada offers the best of everything.
In this post, we dove deep into all of these topics – to make sure you are prepared for your visit to the beautiful state.
We had a look at the magnificent Sin City, as well as the stunning National Park and Recreation Areas. Nevada is so much more than Las Vegas – and you should definitely have it on your bucket list!
About The Author
Sabrina is a 30 year old Air Force Wife and passionate travel blogger, currently based in New Mexico. She loves exploring the Southwest USA with her drone.
Sabrina’s mission is help travellers have an authentic, relaxed and instagrammable trip through the American Southwest.
