Nevada’s open roads offer some of the most breathtaking drives in America. From rugged desert landscapes to alpine mountain passes, the Silver State hides incredible beauty beyond the glitz of Las Vegas. Pack some snacks, fill up your tank, and join me as we explore ten unforgettable scenic routes that showcase Nevada’s diverse natural splendor.
1. Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop
Just 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip lies my absolute favorite escape from the city’s chaos. The 13-mile one-way loop takes you through a geological wonderland of crimson sandstone formations that seem to glow at sunset.
I’ve driven this route dozens of times, yet those towering red cliffs against the blue desert sky never fail to amaze me. Look for bighorn sheep perched impossibly on rocky outcrops or desert tortoises slowly crossing the landscape.
Though tempting to rush, pull over at the many viewpoints – especially at Calico Hills where the rocks appear painted with swirls of red, orange and cream. Spring wildflowers or winter dusting of snow make this drive even more magical.
2. Valley of Fire Highway
Cruising along this 10.5-mile stretch of asphalt feels like driving on Mars! Unlike anything else in Nevada, Valley of Fire Highway cuts through ancient, flame-colored rock formations that date back 150 million years.
My first time here, I nearly drove off the road because I couldn’t stop staring at the incredible landscape. The highway connects Interstate 15 to Valley of Fire State Park, where even more spectacular views await.
If possible, time your drive for early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight makes the red sandstone appear to be literally on fire. Watch for the famous Elephant Rock formation near the east entrance – it really does look like a pachyderm frozen in stone!
3. Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive (Highway 28)
If heaven had a highway, it might look like this stunning stretch along Lake Tahoe’s eastern shore. Highway 28 hugs the coastline of North America’s largest alpine lake, offering non-stop postcard views of crystal-clear waters against a backdrop of snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains.
My strategy? Drive slowly with the windows down to catch the intoxicating scent of pine trees mixing with fresh mountain air. Pull over at Sand Harbor to witness the lake’s famous clarity – smooth granite boulders visible 30 feet below the turquoise surface.
Though gorgeous year-round, fall brings special magic when aspens turn golden against the deep blue water. Summer weekends get crowded, so I prefer weekday mornings when the light dances across the water and parking spots at scenic overlooks are plentiful.
4. Great Basin Highway (US-93)
Spanning nearly the entire north-south length of Nevada, US-93 showcases the true diversity of the Silver State’s landscapes. My journey along this epic route revealed everything from alien-like desert terrain to alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers.
Between Caliente and Pioche, the highway climbs through rainbow-colored rock formations that seem painted by some cosmic artist. Further north, the road skirts the boundaries of Great Basin National Park, where ancient bristlecone pines (some over 4,000 years old) cling to windswept ridges.
Stop at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, an unexpected oasis where I spotted more bird species in an hour than I’d seen all year. Though less famous than other scenic routes, the Great Basin Highway delivers solitude and surprises around every bend – including the occasional wild horse herd galloping alongside your vehicle.
5. Extraterrestrial Highway (State Route 375)
Cruising this 98-mile stretch of lonely asphalt near Area 51, I couldn’t help scanning the skies for flying saucers! Officially renamed the Extraterrestrial Highway in 1996, this quirky drive embraces its UFO connection with alien-themed attractions.
Though I didn’t spot any little green men, the otherworldly landscape of stark desert plains and distant mountain ranges certainly feels like another planet. The tiny town of Rachel (population: 54) makes a perfect pit stop at the famous Little A’Le’Inn where ceiling decorations include dollar bills with alien drawings.
Besides UFO lore, watch for wild horses and pronghorn antelope that frequently cross the road. Cell service is non-existent, so download your alien-hunting playlist beforehand. The surreal nighttime stargazing might just convince you we’re not alone in the universe – I’ve never seen the Milky Way so clearly!
6. Loneliest Road in America (Highway 50)
Stretching across central Nevada, Highway 50 earned its nickname from Life magazine in 1986. The publication warned readers to avoid this desolate 287-mile stretch unless they possessed “survival skills” – instantly making it a bucket-list drive for adventurers like me!
Honestly, I was nervous about the journey until I discovered the highway connects several small, charming towns including Eureka, Austin, and Ely. Between these outposts, you’ll experience vast expanses of sagebrush valleys flanked by mountain ranges that stretch to the horizon.
Where else can you drive for an hour without seeing another car? Pack extra water, check your spare tire, and embrace the solitude. The stargazing along this route is unmatched – I pulled over one night and counted seven shooting stars in thirty minutes!
7. Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway
Hidden in northeastern Nevada’s Ruby Mountains, this 12-mile drive might be the state’s best-kept secret. Often called “Nevada’s Yosemite,” Lamoille Canyon features glacier-carved cliffs towering thousands of feet above a lush valley floor.
Unlike the barren landscapes people associate with Nevada, here I found myself surrounded by waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and aspen groves. The road climbs steadily through the canyon, offering increasingly dramatic views until reaching the 8,800-foot terminus at Road’s End.
Fall transforms this drive into a spectacular show when aspens paint the canyon walls with golden hues. Though closed in winter due to snow, summer brings opportunities to spot mountain goats on distant slopes or cast a line in Lamoille Creek. After countless Nevada road trips, this intimate mountain journey remains my most unexpected discovery in the Silver State.
8. Death Valley Scenic Byway (Highway 374)
Though most of Death Valley lies in California, the Nevada approach via Highway 374 delivers an unforgettable entrance to America’s hottest, driest national park. Starting near Beatty, Nevada, this dramatic drive descends nearly 5,000 feet through Daylight Pass into the heart of Death Valley.
My first time driving this route, I literally gasped as the landscape transformed from desert scrubland to an alien world of multicolored badlands. The temperature climbed with each mile – my car’s display showing an incredible 118°F by the time I reached the valley floor in July!
Avoid summer unless you enjoy extreme heat. Instead, try winter or early spring when comfortable temperatures let you appreciate the stark beauty. Watch for coyotes darting across the road at dawn and dusk. The transition from Nevada’s mountains to Death Valley’s salt flats offers one of America’s most dramatic environmental changes in just 40 miles.
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