10 Day Scenic Routes of Nevada

Las Vegas captivates visitors with its glitz, glamour, world‑class entertainment, and iconic casinos. While the Strip itself offers endless attractions, some of Nevada’s most spectacular scenery and historic landmarks lie just one to two hours away, making the city an ideal base for exploration. Visitors may choose to venture beyond the city to experience Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, Valley of Fire State Park, the Lake Mead Scenic Route, Colorado River recreation areas, or Boulder City and the Hoover Dam. Other nearby highlights include Eldorado Canyon and the historic Techatticup Mine, the Lost Museum, and the Mesquite Fine Arts Center and Gallery. These easy day trips allow for a perfect balance between outdoor adventure and evenings enjoying Las Vegas’ famous dining, shows, and nightlife.
 

Depart Las Vegas and drive north on US‑93 toward Ely. Along the way, stop at Kershaw‑Ryan State Park, located in a colorful canyon at the northern edge of Rainbow Canyon. The park’s easy 1.5‑mile Overlook Trail leads through lush gardens, koi ponds, and a spring‑fed pool, creating a striking contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. Continue north to Cathedral Gorge State Park, a photographer’s dream filled with narrow slot canyons, eroding fins, and dramatic siltstone formations that were once submerged underwater. After exploring the park and visitor center, stop in the historic mining town of Pioche for lunch. Later, continue north to the Ward Charcoal Ovens, six massive beehive‑shaped structures built in the late 1800s to supply charcoal for nearby mining operations and later used as hideouts by frontier outlaws. Travel onward via Cave Valley Road and US‑50, famously known as the “Loneliest Road in America,” before arriving in Ely, a remote mountain town decorated with murals, sculpture gardens, art galleries, and a charming historic downtown.
 

Travel east to Great Basin National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the United States and a true hidden gem. The park offers uncrowded hiking trails, alpine scenery, and a sense of solitude rarely found elsewhere. A highlight of the visit is Lehman Caves, where guided tours reveal impressive stalactites, stalagmites, rare helictites, and unusual shield formations that appear to defy gravity. After exploring the park, consider stopping at the Stargazer Inn and Kerouac’s Restaurant and Bar near the Nevada–Utah border before returning to Ely for a relaxing evening.
 

Continue west along US‑50, embracing the vast landscapes of the Loneliest Road in America. Arrive in Eureka, proudly known as “The Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road” and one of the best‑preserved mining towns in the American West. A visit to the restored Eureka Opera House offers insight into the town’s rich history as a social and cultural hub. Continue to Austin, a former silver‑rush town where time appears to stand still. Browse Main Street’s antique shops and locally made turquoise jewelry, and visit St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, the oldest Catholic church in Nevada, currently undergoing restoration as a future cultural center. Between Eureka and Austin, an optional detour leads to Spencer Hot Springs. Continue west to Middlegate Station, a historic Pony Express stop known for its legendary Monster Burgers, nearby Shoe Tree, and the only fuel stop for 50 miles in either direction. The journey continues to Fallon, the “Oasis of Nevada,” where highlights include Sand Mountain State Recreation Area with its massive singing sand dune, Lattin Farms with seasonal local produce, and weekend tastings at Churchill Vineyards or Frey Ranch Distillery. Finish the day with a drive to Carson City, Nevada’s capital, where history, culture, dining, and outdoor recreation blend seamlessly.
 

Begin with a scenic drive to Genoa, Nevada’s oldest settlement, where boutique shopping and a picnic at Mormon Station State Historic Park offer a charming start to the day. Continue through the beautiful Carson Valley before crossing Kingsbury Grade to Lake Tahoe. Stop at Zephyr Cove to enjoy sweeping views of the lake’s crystal‑clear waters and alpine surroundings, with the option to take a scenic cruise. From here, continue to Reno, a city that has evolved well beyond its casino‑centric reputation. Today’s Reno is known for its vibrant arts scene, public murals, craft breweries, walkable neighborhoods, and lively Midtown District, as well as the scenic Truckee Riverwalk lined with restaurants, coffee shops, and performance spaces.
 

Depart Reno and drive to San Francisco, checking in for a two‑night stay at the Holiday Inn Express Fisherman’s Wharf. The remainder of the day is free to explore the waterfront, Pier 39, and the lively atmosphere of Fisherman’s Wharf at your own pace.
 

Enjoy a full day discovering San Francisco with a two‑day hop‑on hop‑off sightseeing tour, covering iconic highlights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Union Square, Lombard Street, and Golden Gate Park. The day also includes a visit to Alcatraz Island, offering fascinating insight into one of America’s most famous former prisons and its notable past inmates.
 

Return the rental car and fly home, bringing your memorable Nevada and California journey to a close.