Nature in Nevada

Discover 19 places to experience unusual nature in Nevada.

Wilson Canyon

Smith Valley, Nevada

Wilson Canyon

An improbable water gap where the West Walker River, paralleled by a state highway, crosses the Singatse Range between Smith and Mason Valleys.

Millett, Nevada

Ophir

A difficult trail leads to interesting ruins in a remote canyon in the Toiyabe Range.

Sheep Range (skylined) east from Alamo Road.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Desert National Wildlife Refuge

Improbably, the largest wildlife refuge in the conterminous 48 states sits just northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Seven Keyholes Slot Canyon

Seven Keyholes Slot Canyon

An unusual slot canyon in the Aztec/Navajo Sandstone has a cross-section like an inverted old-fashioned keyhole.

Devil's Throat, looking more or less easterly.

Bunkerville, Nevada

Devil's Throat

An unexpected sinkhole in a desert flat within Gold Butte National Monument.

Hemenway Park

Boulder City, Nevada

Hemenway Park

A lovely park home with a few interesting guests.

Looking out a slot canyon.

Cathedral Gorge

Narrow slot canyons in a badland eroded into soft sedimentary rock provide an otherworldly landscape in this remote Nevada state park.

Hunter Creek Falls

Hunter Creek Falls

This wilderness hike to a waterfall has an unlikely beginning in suburban Reno.

Near the beginning of the trail, heading out.

Boulder City, Nevada

Historic Railroad Hiking Trail

An old railroad grade built for the construction of Hoover Dam is now a recreational trail featuring several tunnels and sweeping views of Lake Mead.

Diana's Punch Bowl. Note vehicle for scale.

Round Mountain, Nevada

Diana's Punch Bowl

Located in the remote Monitor Valley, this travertine bowl contains a scalding pool of water.

The Flume Trail

Incline Village, Nevada

The Flume Trail

A breathtaking 19th-century trail overlooks Lake Tahoe.

Aerial view of High Rock Canyon.

Gerlach, Nevada

High Rock Canyon Wilderness

Many generations of travelers have passed through the steep, smooth walls of this canyon.

Aerial view of Thunderbird Lodge

Incline Village, Nevada

Thunderbird Lodge

This historic estate on the east shore of Lake Tahoe was home to an eccentric millionaire (and his pet elephant, Mingo).

Walker River State Recreation Area.

Yerington, Nevada

Wovoka Wilderness

Thousands of acres of beautiful wild landscape in the Great Basin.

Rolling hills of Jarbidge Wilderness

Jarbidge, Nevada

Jarbidge Wilderness

One of the most remote spots in America and the first protected wilderness area in Nevada, named after an old legend.

Prometheus Tree Stump

Prometheus Tree Stump

This crumbling stump is all that remains of what was once thought to be the oldest living organism.