Fancy trying something a little out there, in trailblazing Nevada style? Drive America’s “Silver State” for a road trip like no other, with more than 85% of the state public land, and dozens of sometimes-surprising, always-exciting towns and cities. Along the way, book in a hot springs and adventure pairing, encounter ghost towns or out-of-this-world encounters on the Extraterrestrial Highway. Quench the thirst at a sagebrush saloon, or dive into a rich tapestry of Basque art, music, cuisine, and culture.
Here’s just a taste of what Nevada has waiting…
Hot Springs and trailblazing adventure pairings
Nevada is famous for its desert landscapes, dark skies, and plentiful public lands. Though the state holds another record, with more natural hot springs than any other state and one of Nevada’s most fragile natural wonders. Enjoy the geothermal gems, pairing a picturesque hot spring soak with a Nevada adventure experience. From homemade ravioli and saloon sips, to ghost town B&Bs and sunset train trips, there’s a variety of adventure pairings to accompany a steamy hot springs dip.
Hike Nevada on a new trail
Experience the great outdoors on a new hiking trail, Capital to Tahoe Trail. Eight years in the making, the new trail starts from the Nevada State Capitol Building in Carson City, winding 26 kms to Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Rim Trail. From there, it connects with the Pacific Crest Trail, famous as the setting for Hollywood movie ‘Wild’ starring Reese Witherspoon who portrayed author and adventurer, Cheryl Strayed.
Photo Credit Tahoe Rim Trail Association
Sidle up to Nevada’s sagebrush saloons
Las Vegas is renowned as the Entertainment Capital of the World, though some of the best watering holes in the state – “sagebrush saloons” as they’re called – can be found on its backroads. As the Road Trip Capital of the USA with 10 themed road trips across the state, sidle into a sagebrush saloon for a window into Nevada’s mining and boomtown history. These saloons are still slinging frosty beers and beverages, but also serve hearty meals (don’t miss the “monster burger” at Middlegate Station on the Loneliest Road in America). Try Nevada’s oldest thirst parlour, Genoa Bar & Saloon on the Lake Tahoe Loop, which has welcomed presidents, and famous actors and musicians since 1853. Or the Pioneer Saloon just 45-minutes outside of Vegas where visitors can take the self-guided walking tour around the surrounding ghost town.
Photo Credit Pioneer Saloon – Travel Nevada
Going galactic on Nevada’s E.T. Highway
World UFO Day lands on July 2, 2024, so what better way for paranormal enthusiasts and die-hard UFOlogists to celebrate than exploring the Extraterrestrial Highway across central Nevada. The route runs past the Nevada National Security Site, including Area 51 – the top-secret portion of the base which the U.S. government only admitted to in 2013, where countless “UFO” sightings have been reported. Although travellers can’t visit the base itself, kitsch-inclined road trippers can see a lunar crater, the Black Mailbox, pick up road trip snacks at E.T. Fresh Jerky and souvenirs at the Alien Research Center gift shop, pose for photos with alien murals, and hear local tales over alien beers and saucer burgers at the Little A’Le’Inn.
Photo Credit ET Highway – Travel Nevada
Topa! Nevada’s Basque culture celebrates 60 years
Nevada is the centre of Basque culture in the U.S. and hosts the National Basque Festival every Fourth of July weekend in Elko, this year marking its 60th anniversary. The Basque heritage stems from immigrants from the region along the border of Spain and France, migrating to Nevada in the 19th century in their quest for gold, later putting their sheep-herding skills to use in northern Nevada’s rugged mountain terrain. Road trippers travelling Nevada’s Cowboy Corridor between Reno and Elko, can experience Basque Nevada firsthand, not only during the festival, though in the hundred-year-old boarding houses turned hotels and restaurants serving the famed Picon Punch and family-style feasts of grilled meats.
Photo Credit J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room – Travel Nevada
