Nevada State Parks You Can’t Miss
If you live in Nevada, you’re lucky. This beautiful state is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous state and national parks right in your own backyard. The difference between the two park types is that a state government runs and maintains a state park, while the federal government takes on this responsibility with a national park. In some cases, state parks may offer more amenities and facilities while national parks are typically larger expanses of natural land. You can’t go wrong with either type of park, though, and that’s never more true than in Nevada.
Both our state and national parks are stunning and worth a visit. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, you might love some of these local spots. Read on to learn more about a few of the best state and national parks in Nevada from De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers.
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is like nothing else in the world. This Nevada park holds 40,000 acres of red Aztec sandstone outcrops that create an other-worldly look as far as the eye can see. The effect is especially beautiful as the sun sets, giving these rock formations a fire-like glow that inspired the park’s name.
Other geological wonders include gray and tan limestone, petrified trees, and petroglyphs that go back at least 2,000 years. Amenities include camping facilities, walking and biking trails, and picnic areas. The entry cost is $10 for Nevada vehicles, and it is well worth it to check out this popular Nevada spot.
Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is a perfect introduction to the diversity and wonder of the Great Basin region. You’ll be able to see everything here, from a 13,063-feet summit to rolling foothills and stunning natural limestone caves. Situated far from the nearest city, this park offers camping, hiking, and exploring among ancient bristle cone pines with nothing but blue skies above.
You can even explore cave tour options to help you see what this great park offers. The best part may be that there’s no entrance fee to worry about, although some tours and activities may cost extra. Come spend the day exploring carefree at this peaceful spot.
Cave Lake State Park
As its name suggests, Cave Lake State Park is a great place to stop if you want to enjoy some waterfront relaxation or recreation. Situated around a 32-acre reservoir, the park offers fishing, boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and seasonal swimming. In the wintertime, this turns into skating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Besides the water’s abundant fish, there is also plenty of wildlife roaming free under the beautiful Nevada skies. The entrance fee for this park is $5 per vehicle, and the area is always open. Spend a late summer night dreaming by this enchanted lake and park.
Death Valley National Park
Dubbed the “hottest, driest, and lowest national park,” Death Valley National Park rewards its brave visitors with breathtaking scenery. It’s a below-sea-level basin with a steady drought and record-setting summer heat. But, it’s also filled with stunning peaks, wildflowers nurtured by the rare rainstorm, and lush oases for visitors and wildlife. Explore hiking, climbing, and camping options, but know that you should always pack more water than you think you’ll need. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle or $15 per individual, which is more than worth it to spend the day in such a vibrant and interesting landscape.
Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park truly has something for everyone. Right near Carson City, this park has a variety of areas to keep you coming back again and again. Sand Harbor, the most popular destination, includes sandy beaches, a boat launch, picnicking, and facilities for your next gathering or event. The Spooner Lake area is popular for hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, and catch-and-release fisherfolk. You can also rent cabins as a home base for your next adventure.
If you’re looking for something wilder, the backcountry area between Lake Tahoe and Carson City offers stunning hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. You can even opt for two campsites in this area, but don’t expect anything fancy. If that’s not enough to convince you to visit this park, you can also look into seasonal events like the park’s summer Shakespeare Festival. The entrance fee is $10 for a day of excitement, relaxation, or whatever works for you.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Just outside of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a must-see for anyone nearby. Living up to its name, the park offers gorgeous, red-tinted rock formations throughout its canyons and valleys. The park features a 13-mile scenic drive, a great way to take in all the beauty possible. If you’d rather walk on and around the namesake rocks, there are plenty of hiking and horseback trails and climbing options.
If you’d like to learn more about your surroundings, you can check out an informative visitor center and book a gift shop on-site. An entrance fee will set you back $15 per vehicle or $5 per individual. Certain parts of the park, like the popular scenic drive, require timed entry, so be sure to book today to avoid missing this spot.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Located conveniently next to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park offers a different type of experience, but one that’s just as beautiful as its neighbor’s. In the past, this area has been a working ranch and celebrity retreat. Today, the park holds some of the oldest buildings in Nevada, including an 1860s blacksmith shop, ranch house, and sandstone cabin. This chill location also features shaded picnic sites for the whole family to enjoy. At $10 per vehicle, this is a great spot to stop for relaxation after a long day of red-rock climbing.
So, there you have it. De Castroverde Criminal and Immigration Lawyers just listed some of our favorite state and national parks in our home state. How’d you find our list? Any parks we forgot? Contact us today to let us know. We can’t wait to hear about where you plan to explore next.
Photo Credit: Valley of Fire by William Marnoch is licensed with CC BY 2.0