Wide Open
» Wide Open trains keep a rollin’
March/April 2010
In the hierarchy of Nevada lore, railroads rank right up there with ghost towns and wild horses. And it was never more apparent than on a perfect summer evening last August, when the Virginia & Truckee Railroad woke up from a seven-decade slumber to again transport passengers from Virginia City to Carson City.
» Wide Open romancing the stones
January/February 2010
Nevada has more turquoise mines than any other state and some of the most important deposits in the world. Eureka County and neighboring Lander County are home to some legendary claims: Blue Gem, Carico Lake, Colorback, Fox, Lander Blue, Number 8, and Orvil Jack to name a few.
» Wide Open going green to protect big blue
November/December 2009
The Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences, located in Incline Village, is a collaboration between Sierra Nevada College and UC Davis in partnership with the Desert Research Institute and the University of Nevada, Reno. It’s one of the premier institutions in the world devoted to the studies of lakes.
» Wide Open desert mosaic
September/October 2009
Death Valley National Park is all about extremes: It’s the hottest and driest region in the United States and the largest national park outside of Alaska. Death Valley is also about the splendor of the starkly beautiful dunes and canyons. But the most pleasant and peaceful surprise is that it seems to be absent of sound.
» Wide Open king of the crests
July/August 2009
Maybe it’s the adventure of discovering what lies over the next ridge, or the solitude of a remote alpine lake at sunset, or the sense of self-reliance that comes with carrying all your earthly needs on your back. Whatever your reason, backpacking holds a special place in the hearts of adventurers worldwide—and Nevada can provide a lifetime of exploration for the intrepid backpacker.
» Wide Open resurrected riches
July/August 2009
The Techatticup Mine was once the richest gold producer in Southern Nevada. After World War II, the mine was abandoned and left to the harsh desert elements for more than 50 years. Today, the mine, located near Nelson in Eldorado Canyon, has new owners and new prospects. The Techatticup is destined to take a new place in Nevada history.
» Wide Open adventure: soar minden
May/June 2009
A sailplane, or glider, is a sleek aerodynamic fixed-wing plane without a motor. The sailplane is towed behind a single-engine airplane. When the pilot of the glider reaches the altitude and location desired, the towrope is released (opposite page). This process is part of an exhilarating ride, which I recently experienced thanks to Soar Minden.
» Wide Open challenge: boundary peak
March/April 2009
Climbing Boundary Peak is more about the journey than the thrill of victory. Sure, it’s nice to reach the summit, but there’s only so much you can do on a rocky space that’s roughly the size of a small living room—besides feel relief.
» Wide Open trail of tales
January/February 2009
Aletha Tom arrived at Stewart Indian School in 1959, making the long journey from her home at the Moapa Indian Reservation in Southern Nevada by bus at age 12. Tom tells of her six years at Stewart on the Stewart Indian School Talking Trail, a self-guided cell phone tour that debuted last fall. In its 90 years, the former boarding school near Carson City saw more than 20,000 American Indian students pass through its portals.
» Wide Open livin’ on the edge
November/December 2008
Nevada. There might not be universal agreement about how to pronounce it, but there is one common denominator concerning the Silver State—crossing its border practically guarantees a good time. Gaming, shows, bright lights, seemingly endless and undiscovered terrain…Nevada has whatever form of entertainment you’re looking for. Following, we cover a mixture of towns that border Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Utah.
» Wide Open the rachel files
September/October 2008
If I didn’t know the famous moniker of the highway I was turning onto it would be just another change of direction like any other turn on any other highway on any other road trip. But this is different. This isn’t just Highway 375, this is the Extraterrestrial Highway. A giddy excitement falls over me as I venture down the desolate byway, the obscure promise of “Low Flying Aircraft” on a road sign pulling my attention skyward…No UFOs…Yet.
» Wide Open happy (water) trails
July/August 2008
It’s as if you are floating in space. You glide slowly through the calm, crystal clear water with each paddle stroke. To the starboard, emerald green water rests above a sandy bottom; on the port, a deep dark blue that appears to go on into infinity. It’s 8 a.m., the quiet is surreal, and you have the lake to yourself. This is kayaking Lake Tahoe. “It gives me goose bumps to talk about the clarity of the lake,” says Don Sullivan, author of Kayaking Tahoe: The Unofficial Guide.
» Wide Open one wild ride
May/June 2008
The Great Automobile Race began on February 12, 1908, and ended more than five months later on July 30. Sponsored by The New York Times and Le Matin, a Paris newspaper, it was decided that there would be a race from New York to Paris, even before the first cross-country highway (Lincoln) was conceived in 1913. This is the story about the competitors’ trek across Nevada.
» Wide Open into the wild
March/April 2008
Wildlife viewing can truly be an adventure. Nevada, no doubt, is an adventure place, with many regions of the state still relatively unspoiled. What better reason to explore Nevada’s unique and rugged landscapes than to search out and see the wondrous wildlife species that grace our valleys, hills, lakes, and mountainsides?
» Wide Open cultural hub
March/April 2008
The reaction of visitors to the Oats Park art Center in Fallon is often one of pleasant surprise, especially when they set foot in the stunning Barkley Theatre. “I wait for it now—there’s a sharp intake of breath, and they say ‘I had no idea,’” says Valerie Serpa, Churchill Arts Council executive director. Tourists are taken aback when they discover the center, home to all Churchill Arts Council programs and activities.
» Wide Open lariats and lattes
January/February 2008
At 71 Ranch in Deeth you’re likely to see a cowboy teaching a youngster to sling a lasso or a couple riding side by side into a meadow. Any day, guests can see a ranch hand dismount, then push up his sweat-stained Stetson to mop his forehead with a bandanna. He’s probably been on the range since 6 a.m. The 71 blends Western work with ranch vacations on a century-old spread.
» Wide Open among the ruins
January/February 2008
The pounding hoofs and gallant riders of the 1860s Pony Express are long gone, but a handful of station ruins remain across northern Nevada, where you can wander through truly awe-inspiring patches of history.
» Wide Open treasures from down under
November/December 2007
Virtually anyone can prospect for gemstones, natural bling of off-road adventurers. Before you set out, here’s a brief geology lesson: Nevada does rocks like no other state. Nevada’s upper echelon includes opals, garnets, and smoky quartz. To get your hands on some, start by acquiring basic knowledge, then gather a few supplies and seek a little help from your rock-loving friends.
» Wide Open off-road bliss
September/October 2007
Las Vegas residents Gary Clinard and his wife, Sallie, have been avid all-terrain vehicle riders for 17 years. They have traversed much of the Western United States and seven foreign countries on four wheels, but they still consider Nevada the land of off-road bliss.
» Wide Open freedom of the road
September/October 2007
Motorcycle riders can find the freedom of the open road in Nevada. In Southern Nevada, a convenient distance from Las Vegas is three incredible rides: Red Rock, Valley of Fire, and Mount Charleston. If they want more of Nevada after that, there’s five state parks in Lincoln County, U.S. 50: the Loneliest Road in America, Lake Tahoe and Genoa, and Elko’s cowboy country.