Calling all trailblazers! Nevada has joined forces with sportswear brand, HOKA Australia and New Zealand to encourage Aussie travellers to swap the “fly and flop” and discover the unknown and uncover the curious in Nevada.
Australian professional triathlete and HOKA Ambassador, Ellie Salthouse, took on the task of road-tripping across the Silver State earlier this month, cushioned by HOKA’s new release trail shoe, the Speedgoat 6. Ellie traversed Nevada’s diverse terrain to put the Speedgoat 6 to the ultimate test, and to capture the natural diversity of America’s road-tripping capital as she went.
Travel Nevada Australia and New Zealand Director, Corey Marshall said it was a “kindred partnership” working with the popular sportswear brand renowned for their versatile shoes made for modern adventures.
“HOKA Australia and New Zealand is the perfect love match for Nevada. Both have the desire to go off-the-beaten track, to go beyond the bright lights and discover that view from the highest point. From Tonopah to Tahoe and all the quirky characters and adventures in between, Nevada has it and HOKA can take you there,” Marshall said. 
HOKA Australia and New Zealand Marketing Manager, Molly Rugg said the collaboration with Travel Nevada really brought to life the brand’s adventurous spirit and the variety of terrain that the Speedgoat 6 was specifically designed for.
“Combining HOKA’s tried and true cushioning with aggressive traction and ultralight materials, no terrain can stop the goat. From the gravel of the rocky mountains, to the trails of Tahoe, Nevada captures the ultimate terrain. Travel Nevada and HOKA Ambassador, Ellie Salthouse, were the perfect alignment to showcase the rugged versatility of the Speedgoat 6,” Rugg said.
Australian professional triathlete Ellie Salthouse spent a week discovering Nevada’s natural gems with highlights including clear bottom kayaking on Lake Tahoe, cycling past the Reno street art and hiking the barren landscape of Death Valley National Park.
“From mountain tops, to underground caves, lakeside hikes to road cycling ranges and routes, I discovered it all and more in Nevada. I can wholeheartedly attest that Nevada is the ultimate playground for those looking for adrenaline and excitement from their travel adventures, and the Speedgoat 6 enabled me to conquer Nevada’s diversity of terrain with comfort and support,” Salthouse said.
Ellie’s top tips to ‘Get a Little Out There’ in Nevada include:
Make sure to venture beyond the bright lights: Take that classic American road trip adventure and discover what lies beyond. Stop in historic towns that look and feel like vintage Western movie sets. Discover places to hike amongst incredible mountains and deliver jaw dropping views. Take advantage of Nevada’s many natural playgrounds, including their state parks.
Playing favourites in Nevada: North Lake Tahoe is visually beautiful with incredible hiking and cycling routes. There is a real sense of camaraderie and community spirit amongst locals and travellers, you immediately feel welcomed by the friendly vibe. I loved the great food, the energy, the people, and getting out on the water in a clear bottom kayak was a highlight.
Lehman Caves in Great Basin National Park was mind blowing. As Nevada’s longest cave system, it was unlike anything I’d experienced before. I had a guided tour and explored deep into the heart of the cave system with its network of underground chambers. Aftwards, I hiked 
a trail that was directly above the cave network that we’d just explored. A thrilling experience to explore the same destination above and underneath. Make sure you book the caves tour in advance as it is popular.
I drove the Free-Range Art Highway and stopped for a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV )tour of the Tonopah Historic Mining Park that dates back more than 100 years. It’s a fascinating stop and a fun way to scoot across the historic 100 acres. It’s like visiting a town that time forgot.
Hiking and cycling: Lake Tahoe was pure magic for hiking with its forested trails, while Death Valley National Park just outside of Las Vegas was the polar opposite with a beautiful yet barren landscape. For cycling, I loved the bicycle access and dedicated trails across Reno. There’s a great variety between trails, whether you bring your own or hire bikes. The Reno to Lake Tahoe route was a highlight – from the bright lights of Reno, to the natural surrounds by the lake.
Unexpected highlights: I loved the village atmosphere of many of the smaller towns including Fallon. It’s referred to as “The Oasis of Nevada” with wetlands filled with wildlife, waterways for kayaking and paddle boarding, and home to Sand Mountain for sandboarding and other adventures. I love that there is always a new adventure to be found around every corner.
Aussies have the chance to win their own Ellie inspired ‘Get a Little Out There’ trip for two people, valued at AUD$10,000. For the chance to win, buy a pair of HOKA trail shoes online or at an Australian HOKA brand store (Bondi Junction, Melbourne CBD, Chadstone, Brisbane DFO), and submit your entry online including a 25 words or less on why you want to win a trip to Nevada. Most creative answer wins! Entry is open until 24 September 2024. For full terms and conditions and the entry form visit: www.hoka.com/en/au/travel-
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