Fall 2024

In the northern Nevada desert, just east of Reno, lie the azure waters of Pyramid Lake. With its stunning beauty and rich history, it beckons anglers from far and wide, offering an opportunity to reel in some of the most prized fish species in the region. A remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, Pyramid Lake is not just any ordinary fishing destination. It serves as the habitat for five distinct species of fish, each with its own tale to tell. At the center of this aquatic menagerie is the legendary Lahontan cutthroat trout, a species that once teetered on the brink of extinction. ... read more

Depending how you frame it, the creation of Ice Age Fossils State Park was either decades or millennia in the making. One could say the park began in 2017, when former governor Brian Sandoval designated it a state park, or in 1958, when the land was acquired by the Nevada State Parks. Perhaps the park really began tens of thousands of years ago during the Pleistocene Ice Age, when ancient animals roamed the lush Tule Springs area of southern Nevada.   Today, the 315-acre park preserves thousands of fossilized remains, including Columbian mammoths, bison, saber-toothed cats, American lions, dire wolves, and giant sloths.   ... read more

For foodies on the go, nothing beats the chance to eat like a local. One of the best districts in Reno to do this is MidTown. This hip area boasts an eclectic mixture of shops, artsy bars, and innovative restaurants known for delectable cuisine. Some of MidTown Reno’s most inspired restaurants draw on flavors and culinary traditions from around the world. In other words, get ready for 16 blocks chock-full of international, palate-pleasing adventures.  From Korean fusion and Brazilian barbecue to Japanese and Indian fare, MidTown's dining scene is your one-stop shop for tastebud bliss.    ... read more

Some things are just better in pairs: milk and cookies, rock ‘n’ roll, Batman and Robin. Our favorite combo? A picturesque hot spring soak and an awesome only-in-Nevada experience. The Silver State is home to hundreds of hot springs—most are set in nature, while others anchor resort-like getaways. No matter your preference, we have tried-and-true recommendations for what to pair with your next steamy dip. ... read more

As summer loosens its clutch on the Las Vegas Valley, autumn emerges in muted colors at Clark County Wetlands Park (CCWP).   You may have to look a little closer to see it, but the changing season unfolds with the yellowing of heart-shaped cottonwood leaves. Pale pygmy blue butterflies—one of the smallest butterflies in the world—emerge to mate and lay eggs, and shorebirds in salt and sandy hues stop along the Las Vegas Wash as they migrate to wintering grounds in Central and South America.  ... read more

Fish Lake Valley is a green stretch of high desert straddling the Nevada-California border. Even by Nevada standards, this is rural country. Beyond the tiny town of Dyer—home to one gas station and no stoplight—only farms and weathered homesteads dot the landscape. ... read more

Nevada offers endless inspiration for getting a little out there into a wonderland of outdoor recreation. But what if you want to get a little out there? The Silver State brims with alien adventures, haunted hot spots, and offbeat destinations, too. Let the Paranormal Passport lead you on a quest to discover otherworldly oddities throughout the state and earn spirited swag along the way. ... read more

For Kyle Horvath, moving to Ely to become White Pine County’s tourism director was a leap of faith. After more than five years, it’s one of the best moves he’s made. Ely has earned national recognition for its outdoor recreation opportunities and special events, such as the Ring of Fire Eclipse Festival. His trick for marketing rural Nevada? Support your communities first.  ... read more

The Golden Age of Las Vegas—roughly 1930-1960—was a time when the city sluffed off its Wild West origins and burgeoned into the glitz and glam era it’s still known for today. The transformation began amid the Great Depression, when the construction of the Hoover Dam brought a surge of workers. The population of Vegas was around 5,000 in 1931, but after the dam was announced, it grew to about 25,000 with people coming in droves for the promise of work.  Coincidentally, Nevada passed two laws in 1931 that would forever change the way the state would attract visitors: legalized gambling and six-week divorces. In 1932—the first full year of dam construction—more than 200,000 people visited Las Vegas. Two years later, that number was a quarter of a million people. It was a sign of things to come.  ... read more

Built and operated by the Bureau of Land Management, the California Trail Interpretive Center presents the history of the more than 200,000 pioneers who passed through Nevada on their way to California. Through immersive exhibits, visitors explore the triumphs and tragedies experienced by those who embarked on the 2,000-mile journey. The center also presents a unique perspective on the historic corridor by exploring how the great migration forever changed the West’s original inhabitants. ... read more

Are you a fan of small-town vacations? Are you interested in soaking in the sights and sounds of a quiet desert community? Perhaps you just want to outrun winter weather for a few more weeks. If so, Beatty might just be your perfect autumn destination.  ... read more

Nevadans take great pride in things that might seem a bit odd to non-dwellers. For example, we celebrate the anniversary of our statehood—Nevada Day—as an official public holiday, complete with an old-fashioned parade in Carson City. We will brag about the unsinkable battleship USS Nevada, the only vessel to get under way during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mark Twain’s first byline was in a Nevada newspaper, and we have more named mountain ranges than any other state. ... read more

There’s nothing quite like overnighting in a cabin. Simple, secure, and weatherproof, cabins provide comfortable shelter in even the most remote areas. And for those folks that aren’t fans of tent camping, cabins are an excellent way to experience the elements while keeping those creature comforts. Plenty of cabin getaways await across the Silver State, but here are some of our favorites to get you started.  ... read more

In July 1986, “Life” magazine used the term “The Loneliest Road in America” to describe the stretch of U.S. Route 50—more commonly known as Highway 50—from Fernley to Ely. AAA even advised against traveling the highway, claiming there was nothing to see. They noted that anyone crazy enough to make the journey should carry survival gear such as water and cold-weather clothes. ... read more