Nevada is an impressive state covering a wide and astonishing variety of sights. It would be difficult to fit it all in one excursion, so for most of this trip, plan on hugging Route 89 in the southern region of Nevada. From green forests to red rock formations, this is one scenic road trip that will take you on a journey through rare art displays and fascinating historical locations. So, gather up some snacks and good tunes and get ready to hit the road! This is a journey through some of the most amazing attractions (man-made and natural) the Silver State has to offer.
Here is the suggested route. Feel free to click on this link to customize your road trip.
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Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Flickr/ Forest Service, USDA You probably won’t have enough time to take in all 6.3 million acres of this breathtaking national forest, but it’s still worth making it the first stop on your Nevada road trip. Visit the largest National Forest in the lower 48 states and experience nearly 400 species of wild animals, from bighorn sheep to mountain lions! New visitors to Nevada will revel at peaks reaching upwards of 10,000 feet and vast green forests of white fir and ponderosa pine. There are thousands of prehistoric and archaeological sites and an ample number of trails to get to them. Due to COVID-19 regulations, visitors are encouraged to check the forest service website for up-to-date information.
Central Nevada Museum
Tripadvisor/Stacey w Want to get a better understanding of the silver state’s colorful history? Heading south on Route 89 in the direction of Tonopah, Nevada, you will find the Central Nevada Museum. Travel back in time to prehistoric times through engaging exhibits. The non-profit museum brings the past to life with a real Old West Town on its grounds, including miner’s cabins, saloon, blacksmith shop, and so much more! In addition to the incredible outdoor exhibits, inside you’ll find a wonderful research library, Native American artifacts, WWII heirlooms, and many other exhibits. Your time will be well spent as you stop in to experience Nevada’s rich history.
Goldwell Open Air Museum
Tripadvisor/Stacey w Continuing your journey, the town of Beatty, Nevada is the setting for one of the most stunning permanent art pieces you will ever see. The Goldwell Open Air Museum sits on almost eight acres in Amargosa Valley and houses a showstopper of a piece. Created by artist Charles Albert Szukalski in 1984, The Last Supper is a striking sculpture. Its unique placement is meant to utilize the Nevada desert’s resemblance to the landscape in the Middle East. Travel to this amazing open-air art museum for a view of The Last Supper and other art installations at this epic spot.
The International Car Forest
Flickr/James Marvin Phelps About an hour south of the town of Beatty and jutting from the sands next to highway 95 is the International Car Forest. Born from the minds of Chad Sorg and Mark Ripple was the idea to set the new world record for most upturned cars in an art installation. Find more than 40 vehicles seemingly frozen mid-flight or curiously balanced at this free and one-of-a-kind art gallery.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Continuing on your epic Nevada journey, find yourself stretching your legs and viewing stunning vistas at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Clark County. You can opt to stop at the visitor center to get your bearings before heading off to explore one of 26 trails or stay comfy in the comfort of your car as you settle in for the 13-mile-long scenic drive. Either way, you will be sure to marvel at the towering red sandstone peaks and panoramic views of this area’s breathtaking mountains and canyons.
Hoover Dam Bypass
Tripadvisor/Gwen Holly Less than an hour from Red Rock Canyon traveling east, the Hoover Dam in all its industrial world wonder magnificence welcomes you! Built in 1931, the impressive arch-gravity dam was designed to control and prevent flooding in the Black Canyon area and beyond. Today, one option visitors have is to travel the bypass. Please be aware that vehicles entering the site may be inspected for security purposes. There’s a 459-space parking garage making stopping and seeing the dam by foot very accessible. It’s a great idea to traverse the bridge portion of the bypass on foot as this offers the best views of the dam. Please visit their website for current travel information before you go. Seeing this architectural marvel is a must on your scenic road trip adventure!
Lost City Museum-Archaeology
Flickr/Ron Mader How about going even farther back in time? Get ready to indulge yourself in more Silver State history by swinging northeast towards the town of Overton, Nevada. At the Lost City Museum-Archaeology, see incredible historic artifacts and details of life of the ancient Puebloan people who once called the area home. Established in 1935, this museum is built on a prehistoric site and incorporates its excavated findings right into the museum! See the museum’s website for more information as it may be open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Valley of Fire State Park
Flickr/ Jasperdo End your scenic road trip with a bang as you embark upon the Valley of Fire State Park. Less than ten miles from the Lost City Museum, this 46,000-acre state park will wow you with its mesmerizing red sandstone formations and 2,000-year-old petroglyphs. It is the perfect place to experience sunsets reflecting off the vibrant landscape. If you are able to stay awhile, this location offers some of the most dazzling night sky views and is a popular place for photographers to capture one of nature’s most wondrous displays. Hike trails, camp, observe and appreciate the natural beauty of Nevada at this state park, open seven days a week.
With so much to see and do in Nevada, it can feel overwhelming without a plan. Explore a mix of natural wonders and creative human endeavors Nevadans are proud to call their own. Experience so much of what the great state of Nevada has to offer, and you won’t be disappointed!
Google Maps
Flickr/ Forest Service, USDA
You probably won’t have enough time to take in all 6.3 million acres of this breathtaking national forest, but it’s still worth making it the first stop on your Nevada road trip. Visit the largest National Forest in the lower 48 states and experience nearly 400 species of wild animals, from bighorn sheep to mountain lions! New visitors to Nevada will revel at peaks reaching upwards of 10,000 feet and vast green forests of white fir and ponderosa pine. There are thousands of prehistoric and archaeological sites and an ample number of trails to get to them. Due to COVID-19 regulations, visitors are encouraged to check the forest service website for up-to-date information.
Tripadvisor/Stacey w
Want to get a better understanding of the silver state’s colorful history? Heading south on Route 89 in the direction of Tonopah, Nevada, you will find the Central Nevada Museum. Travel back in time to prehistoric times through engaging exhibits. The non-profit museum brings the past to life with a real Old West Town on its grounds, including miner’s cabins, saloon, blacksmith shop, and so much more! In addition to the incredible outdoor exhibits, inside you’ll find a wonderful research library, Native American artifacts, WWII heirlooms, and many other exhibits. Your time will be well spent as you stop in to experience Nevada’s rich history.
Continuing your journey, the town of Beatty, Nevada is the setting for one of the most stunning permanent art pieces you will ever see. The Goldwell Open Air Museum sits on almost eight acres in Amargosa Valley and houses a showstopper of a piece. Created by artist Charles Albert Szukalski in 1984, The Last Supper is a striking sculpture. Its unique placement is meant to utilize the Nevada desert’s resemblance to the landscape in the Middle East. Travel to this amazing open-air art museum for a view of The Last Supper and other art installations at this epic spot.
Flickr/James Marvin Phelps
About an hour south of the town of Beatty and jutting from the sands next to highway 95 is the International Car Forest. Born from the minds of Chad Sorg and Mark Ripple was the idea to set the new world record for most upturned cars in an art installation. Find more than 40 vehicles seemingly frozen mid-flight or curiously balanced at this free and one-of-a-kind art gallery.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
Continuing on your epic Nevada journey, find yourself stretching your legs and viewing stunning vistas at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Clark County. You can opt to stop at the visitor center to get your bearings before heading off to explore one of 26 trails or stay comfy in the comfort of your car as you settle in for the 13-mile-long scenic drive. Either way, you will be sure to marvel at the towering red sandstone peaks and panoramic views of this area’s breathtaking mountains and canyons.
Tripadvisor/Gwen Holly
Less than an hour from Red Rock Canyon traveling east, the Hoover Dam in all its industrial world wonder magnificence welcomes you! Built in 1931, the impressive arch-gravity dam was designed to control and prevent flooding in the Black Canyon area and beyond. Today, one option visitors have is to travel the bypass. Please be aware that vehicles entering the site may be inspected for security purposes. There’s a 459-space parking garage making stopping and seeing the dam by foot very accessible. It’s a great idea to traverse the bridge portion of the bypass on foot as this offers the best views of the dam. Please visit their website for current travel information before you go. Seeing this architectural marvel is a must on your scenic road trip adventure!
Flickr/Ron Mader
How about going even farther back in time? Get ready to indulge yourself in more Silver State history by swinging northeast towards the town of Overton, Nevada. At the Lost City Museum-Archaeology, see incredible historic artifacts and details of life of the ancient Puebloan people who once called the area home. Established in 1935, this museum is built on a prehistoric site and incorporates its excavated findings right into the museum! See the museum’s website for more information as it may be open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Flickr/ Jasperdo
End your scenic road trip with a bang as you embark upon the Valley of Fire State Park. Less than ten miles from the Lost City Museum, this 46,000-acre state park will wow you with its mesmerizing red sandstone formations and 2,000-year-old petroglyphs. It is the perfect place to experience sunsets reflecting off the vibrant landscape. If you are able to stay awhile, this location offers some of the most dazzling night sky views and is a popular place for photographers to capture one of nature’s most wondrous displays. Hike trails, camp, observe and appreciate the natural beauty of Nevada at this state park, open seven days a week.
Want more road trip options? There’s plenty more to see! Click here for 8 Unforgettable Road Trips in Nevada.
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Address: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Sparks, NV 89431, USAAddress: Central Nevada Museum, 1900 Logan Field Rd, Tonopah, NV 89049, USAAddress: Goldwell Open Air Museum, 1 Golden St, Beatty, NV 89003, USAAddress: The International Car Forest, 1111 East, Crystal Ave, Goldfield, NV 89013, USAAddress: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, USAAddress: Hoover Dam Bypass, United StatesAddress: Lost City Museum-Archaeology, 721 S Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV 89040, USAAddress: Valley of Fire State Park, 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, USA
