Nevada, with its vast landscapes, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cities, is a road trip paradise. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, there’s a Nevada road trip perfect for you. From the vast and natural wonder of Lake Tahoe, the much-talked-about Extraterrestrial Highway, and the extremes of Death Valley Rally, here are the best Nevada road trips to inspire your next adventure.
Planning Your Trip: Choose your route and secure a car rental
Whether you're looking for day trips from Las Vegas or a full-on adventure, the first step is to make sure you secure your car rental. You could easily book it on your Klook app, just select the pick-up destination, drop-off, and dates then you get to see all the available options.
🚘 Nevada road trips to check out!
✨ Neon to Nature: Day trips from Las Vegas
✨ Free-Range Art Highway: 1 to 3 days
✨ Extraterrestrial Highway: 2 days
✨ Lake Tahoe Loop: 2 to 5 days
✨ Loneliest Road in America: 2 to 4 days
✨ Cowboy Corridor: 2 to 4 days
✨ Burner Byway: 2 to 4 days
✨ Death Valley Rally: 3 or 4 days
✨ Great Basin Highway: 3 to 5 days
Starting from Las Vegas: The Gateway to Adventure
Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant nightlife, entertainment options, and casinos, is also the perfect starting point for an adventure-filled road trip to Lake Tahoe. Located in the state of Nevada, Las Vegas is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with its proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Mojave Desert.
Before embarking on your journey, take some time to explore the city’s many attractions! You're spoilt for choice in Vegas with activities like High Roller Observation Wheel, Stratosphere’s SkyJump, O by Cirque Du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and so much more!
Once you’ve had your fill of the city’s excitement, it’s time to hit the road and experience the natural beauty that Nevada has to offer.
Neon to Nature: City lights to desert skies
Red Rock Canyon | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
The Neon to Nature Road Trip is a thrilling adventure that showcases the incredible diversity of Nevada’s landscape. You’ll start with the bright lights of Las Vegas, where casinos, shows, and luxurious hotels reign supreme. Then for a change of scenery, venture into the rugged beauty of the American Southwest – exploring iconic landmarks like Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire State Park, and the Hoover Dam.
White Domes Trail | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
These destinations are all within a day’s drive from Las Vegas, making it extra convenient to get out and have a change of pace from the bustling city to the peace nature brings.
📌 Distance: 60 to 210 miles | Ideal Duration: 1 Day per route from Las Vegas
Free-Range Art Highway: Nevada's Artistic Soul
Goldwell Open Air Museum | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
For all lovers of art and all things out-of-the-ordinary, the Free-Range Art Highway is a one-of-a-kind road trip stretching between 440 to 515 miles. As you journey through the American West, expect to be dazzled by the bizarre and incredible art installations. Imagine encountering kaleidoscopic boulder towers, a color-changing forest, and even sculptures reminiscent of Burning Man. But that's not all!
Keep your eyes open as you pass through several towns along the way because they have stunning murals, art galleries, and quirky places to stay, making this trip a definite feast for the eyes. The Las Vegas Arts District (18b), the Goldwell Open Air Museum, and the International Car Forest are just a few highlights you can look forward to.
📌 Distance: 440 to 515 miles | Ideal Duration: 1 to 3 Days
Extraterrestrial Highway: A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
Alien Research Center | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
Hit the road and embark on a cosmic adventure along the Extraterrestrial Highway! This Nevada stretch, notorious for its proximity to the enigmatic Area 51, is a must-visit for any enthusiast with a taste for the extraordinary. With its desolate landscapes and mysterious atmosphere, it's the perfect place to channel your inner alien hunter and experience the thrill of the unknown.
Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
Along the way, you'll encounter iconic landmarks that have captured the imagination of many for decades. From the alien-themed Little A'Le'Inn in Rachel, Nevada, to the mysterious alien sculptures scattered throughout the area, these landmarks offer a glimpse into the unique culture and lore of the Extraterrestrial Highway. Who knows, maybe you'll have yourself an Alien Encounter. 👀
📌 Distance: over 100 miles | Ideal Duration: 2 Days, loop from Las Vegas
Lake Tahoe Loop: Witness the Jewel of the Sierra Nevada
Lake Tahoe | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
The Lake Tahoe Loop offers a scenic and diverse driving experience that’s sure to leave you speechless. As you wind your way around the lake, you’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain vistas, crystal-clear waters, and charming lakeside towns. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, following Crater Lake.
Flume Trail | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
Whether you or your friends are a mix of adrenaline junkies seeking outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, or skiing, or simply looking to relax and soak up the natural beauty, this route has something for all. Explore Emerald Bay, a hidden gem with its iconic Fannette Island, or Sand Harbor, a popular beach destination with stunning views of the lake. Emerald Bay State Park is a must-visit destination for its stunning hiking opportunities and breathtaking vistas.
Heavenly Mountain Resort is a key destination for outdoor activities throughout the year, including skiing in winter and summer adventures. South Lake Tahoe is a major tourist destination featuring various recreational activities and amenities.
📌 Distance: 145 miles | Ideal Duration: 2 to 5 Days
Loneliest Road in America: Ghost Towns, Stargazing, and the Great Basin National Park
Wheeler Peak | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
The Loneliest Road, also known as U.S. Route 50, stretches across Nevada and offers a truly unforgettable road trip experience. As you traverse this remote highway, you'll be immersed in the vast and untouched beauty of the American West. With its expansive landscapes, insane views, and abundant wildlife, the Loneliest Road is the perfect escape if you're seeking solitude, out-of-your-usual experiences, and a taste of authentic Americana.
Spencer Hot Springs | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
You can expect extremely clear skies, perfect for stargazing since the area is so remote that light pollution is minimal.
📌 Distance: 375 to 500 miles | Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 Days
Cowboy Corridor: A Glimpse into the Past
Cottonwood Ranch | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
The Cowboy Corridor is a 400-mile designated route along Interstate 80 that stretches across Nevada. It's a great road trip option for those who want to immerse themselves in the state's rich cowboy culture and history.
California Trail Interpretive Center | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
As you travel along the route, you'll pass through several charming towns, each having its own distinct character. These towns boast a variety of museums, art galleries, and even festivals that celebrate the confluence of buckaroo, Basque, and American Indian traditions that have shaped Nevada's heritage. Some towns to consider visiting are Reno (Nevada's biggest city with a great mix of casinos, historical sites, and museums), Elko (known for its Basque culture and various captivating murals), and West Wendover (see the 63-ft neon cowboy and the Bonneville Salt Flats), to name a few!
📌 Distance: 400 miles | Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 Days
Burner Byway: Burning Man and Beyond
Gerlach | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
The Burner Byway is more than just a route to Burning Man, it offers a unique and unforgettable journey into the heart of Nevada's artistic counterculture. The scenic highway, starting in Reno, winds its way through surreal desert landscapes dotted with quirky towns and vibrant art installations. As you cruise along the Burner Byway, you'll get a taste of the creative energy that culminates in the annual Burning Man festival.
Stop by spots like the Black Rock Desert to experience earth's vastness and "otherworldly" beauty" and Gerlach, one of Nevada's tiniest towns but big on natural wonders – it's said that the town is on one of the flattest stretches of earth.
📌 Distance: 110 to 250 miles | Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 Days
Death Valley Rally: Push your limits
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
The Death Valley Rally isn't your average road trip. It's a grueling and exhilarating off-road adventure that pushes drivers and vehicles to their limits. Here you can also find the lowest point in the North American continent, the Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, and the famous Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes where some scenes in Star Wars: A New Hope and Return of the Jedi were filmed.
📌 Distance: 370 miles | Ideal Duration: 3 or 4 Days
Great Basin Highway: Starry skies, Sandstone canyons, and Nevada State Parks
Basin and Range National Monument | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
The Great Basin Highway, winding its way through Nevada and Utah, offers a scenic and diverse driving experience that's perfect for those who crave adventure and want to escape the crowds. This route isn't just a highway; it's a gateway to a world of natural wonders and historical treasures.
Great Basin Highway | Photo Credit: Travel Nevada
As you cruise along the Great Basin Highway, prepare to be awestruck by stunning mountain landscapes. Towering peaks like Wheeler Peak, the highest point in Nevada, will dominate your view. Explore ancient rock formations like the Lehman Caves, a vast network of underground chambers adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. if you're a history buff, there are a whole lot of fascinating historical sites like ghost towns and remnants of early mining settlements.
📌 Distance: 350 to 585 miles | Ideal Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Ready for your Nevada road trip?
Photo of Lake Tahoe taken by Phillippe Gauthier on Unsplash
From the stunning Lake Tahoe to the fascinating ghost towns of Nevada, we hope this guide helps you have an epic road trip to remember. ✨
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