Nevada travel is not just for people who enjoy casinos and an exciting nightlife. The state is full of amazing natural wonders from mountains and alpine lakes, to scarlet sandstone formations in the low lying deserts. Much of this breathtaking nature can be accessed by casual hikers on well maintained trails, or it can be experienced by backpackers seeking a more challenging path. Whatever your interest or skill level, Nevada is a state for hikers and outdoor lovers.

One of the most spectacular Nevada hikes is the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165 mile loop through the Tahoe Basin, which wraps around Lake Tahoe. There are nine separate trailheads and the elevation varies from 6,300 to 10,300 feet. Hikers of all skill levels can enjoy portions of the trail. Another hiking area in the vicinity that offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, the Carson Valley, and various creeks, canyons, and meadows, is the Mount Rose Wilderness Area. There are four primary trails here, perhaps the most popular being the Mount Rose Summit Trail. If you are visiting northwestern Nevada in the Reno, Carson City, Tahoe area, these are hikes not to be missed.

If you find yourself in the Las Vegas area, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that there are dozens of stunning trails within a short drive of the city. Many of these hikes take you through spectacular sandstone formations of the Nevada desert. Red Rock Canyon is one such place, just 30 minutes west of town. This 197,000 acre wilderness preserve has over 30 miles of trails from short and easy to all day strenuous hikes. Another area of grand sandstone beauty is about 1 hours’ drive northeast of Las Vegas, at the Valley of Fire State Park. Here you will find mild hikes that pass by arches and 3,000 year old petroglyphs. In each of these sandstone areas, visitors can scramble over rocks, and advanced rock climbers can navigate routes.

These are just a few examples of Nevada travel for hikers and outdoor lovers. Excellent hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing and other activities can be found all throughout the state in several different mountain ranges and deserts. Discover these hidden Nevada gems before the rest of the world does.