Winter 2024-2025

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As 2024 cruises toward its end, it seems impossible another year is in the books. Our annual gift guide is here to help spur on some Nevada-centric holiday shopping. Speaking of annual things, our 2024 Great Nevada Picture Hunt is inside, and all I can say to this year’s winners is WOW. I took a trip recently to Kingston to stay in some new-to-me digs and came away so impressed I’m working on another trip. I also checked out Walker River State Recreation Area, and this vast state park is a wonder to wander. You’ll find both of those stories inside, along with a photographic journey by our creative staff to Nevada’s super remote northwest corner. These experiences are just one way this magazine is unique to other publications out there: We travel this state, experiencing the land and the people so we can share it with you. We don’t phone it in…we live it.

What’s Inside

Through the Lens: Nevada's Wild Northwest

During my senior year of high school, I took a trip to the Black Rock Desert. I remember sitting in the back seat as we drove through Wadsworth and Nixon, past mysterious Pyramid Lake, and into the unknown toward the tiny town of Gerlach. The landscape was alien to me; at that point in my life, I hadn’t explored outside the Gardnerville-Carson City-Reno area, and I had no idea what secrets hid in the Nevada desert. ... read more

2024 Great Nevada Picture Hunt Results

The Great Nevada Picture Hunt is our annual contest dedicated to finding photos that best represent the Silver State’s people, places, and landscapes. This year, we received hundreds of photographs across six categories. Nevada Magazine & Visitor Guide staff faced the daunting task of selecting a winner for each category—trust us when we say it wasn’t easy. But the results are finally in, and we are proud to announce this year’s winners! ... read more

Walker River State Recreation Area

In 1862, a wagon bounced over a stretch of dusty road from the booming mining town of Aurora to Nine Mile Ranch, just outside soon-to-be Yerington. On board was Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) racing to the aid of his seriously ill friend, Captain John Nye who owned the ranch. Nye recovered, but the trip cost Clemens a sizeable fortune. He lost his claim due to his absence. Clemens’ trek to Nine Mile Ranch was a costly one, but today, the benefits of visiting the area far outweigh any cost. The ranch is just one small part of the Walker River State Recreation Area (Walker River SRA) which opened in 2018. ... read more

On The Trail of History

Nevada is a state made up of stories. For hundreds—and even thousands—of years, American Indians, emigrants, miners, and dreamers traversed Nevada’s ranges and deserts playing to the horizon and chasing dreams. In the process, they have left history that stands the test of time in the form of historical markers. The best way to discover these fascinating historical sites—around 270 total—is by incorporating them into your next road trip. ... read more

Finding Wild Friends

I’ll never forget the first time I spotted a roadrunner in southern Nevada during a trip to Laughlin. Born and raised in the northern part of the state, I’d never seen these awesome birds before, and it was a great reminder that the critters we see every day might be brand new to someone else. To that end, we’ve gathered some of the best places you might glimpse a view of some new-to-you or favorite creatures. We make no guarantees you’ll see anything—for some reason Nevada’s wildlife won't adhere to our wishes. Good luck! ... read more

Uncommon Overnighters: Kingston Cabin

Many moons ago, I wrote about my best-ever stay in Nevada, at a little place in Kingston. Times change and businesses close, so my search began anew for my favorite spot. I’m thrilled to say I’ve got a new leader on the clubhouse wall, and I’m not surprised it happens to be in the same locale. Kingston Cabin—in the small hamlet of Kingston (population less than 150)—offers that exceptional combination of a perfectly furnished stay in a sublime location. The two are inextricably linked to me, so let’s tackle them one at a time. ... read more

Cowboy Corridor

Few road trips brim with as much Western heritage as Nevada’s Cowboy Corridor. And here’s the thing: Interstate 80’s speed limits hit 80 mph but when you come to a town, slow down. Beyond those off-ramps, you’ll find lively communities full of history and engaging attractions, with museums, restaurants, and festivals blend buckaroo, Basque, and American Indian traditions. So, pack your boots, hit the Cowboy Corridor, and become part of the story. ... read more

Ghost Town Primer

Nevada is known for many things: Las Vegas, mining, and wide-open spaces, for example. While some people may be aware, it’s perhaps less known that the state is home to more ghost towns than currently populated ones. Many states have ghost towns, but here, there are more than 600 spread across the desert landscape. That figure outnumbers populated towns almost five-to-one, based on the approximately 175 zip-coded locales in the state. So just how did Nevada end up with so many places no one wanted to call home any longer? And what is a ghost town, exactly? Are there really “living” ghost towns? Read on for the answers to these questions and more. ... read more

Shop Local this Holiday Season

Need a little gift-giving inspiration? Consider shopping at these amazing small businesses. Not only will you be supporting local makers, but you’ll also be giving a little piece of the Silver State to the Nevada fan in your life. ... read more

Biggest Little Museums

For a mid-size city, Reno enjoys an outsized amount of fame. Sure, there’s that song, but the city is also known for its lavish resorts, mild climate, and adjacency to one of the world’s most famous alpine lakes. Beyond gaming and the great outdoors, Reno has emerged as something of a cultural destination as well. Across MidTown and downtown, some of the state’s best galleries and museums await an afternoon of exploration. ... read more

Rural Wranglers: Ely

One of Nevada’s oldest communities, Ely was founded in 1870 as a humble service hub for nearby mining towns. But thanks to a bit of luck and some good timing, Ely soon found itself standing on a figurative gold mine, which just happened to be copper. Ely blossomed into eastern Nevada’s largest and busiest town—a title it still holds. Visit Ely today and you’ll find plenty of its history on display. You’ll also be surrounded by some of the prettiest and most diverse country in the Silver State. ... read more

Coffee Culture

These days, coffee shops aren’t just for mornings: Most offer iced or blended drinks, teas, smoothies, and everything from breakfast treats to lunchtime meals. In addition, many host events and provide opportunities to support artists and other community causes. Every town has a memorable spot to sip gourmet brew amid local color, but here are a few of my favorites to consider on your travels around the Silver State. ... read more

Stewart Indian School

The quiet campus of the Stewart Indian School stands as a memorial to a traumatic—and lingering—chapter in American history. But while the school’s early years were marked by cruelty and abuse, it ultimately transformed into a place of pride, community, and healing. Today, the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum archives the seldom-taught history behind Indian boarding schools. However, the center also lives in the present as a place of gathering that allows visitors to discover northern Nevada’s rich Native culture. ... read more

The Final Word: Melissa Clary

For this issue, we spoke to community activist Melissa Clary. A resident of both urban Las Vegas and rural Pioche, Clary has overseen and promoted a variety of southern Nevada conservancy projects.  ... read more