7 Hidden Gems of Nevada No One Is Talking About
While many people think that the only reason to visit Nevada is to see the shining lights of Las Vegas, there are many natural wonders across the state. In fact, Nevada holds a host of fascinating places to visit, and this list of 7 hidden gems in Nevada will help spread the word about these amazing locations.
Be warned, #2 may scare you!
7 -Pyramid Lake, Reno
The first on this list is Pyramid Lake! Pyramid Lake is located mid-way between Reno and the Black Rock Desert, where the Burning Man concert is usually held. It’s renowned as North America’s most beautiful desert lake. And it is a great camping location that many people visit on their way to Burning Man, but it is open all year for tourists to stay on the Paiute Reservation.
This is one of the largest natural lakes in all of Nevada and is the last remaining water reserve of the great inland sea that once laid over all of the state called Lake Lahontan. This lake is known for its unique fishing opportunities, the amazing myths that center around it, and the breathtaking stone formations that litter the area.
This land is protected by the Paiute Reservation, and if you plan on camping or hosting an event on these grounds you will need to seek a permit through the tribal council for approval.
6 – Mount Charleston
While Mount Charleston hosts the 8th tallest mountain in Nevada, Charleston peak actually appears to be the highest mountain in the state because it is surrounded by low basin lands that make the mountain stand out from the surrounding topography. This makes the landscape of Mount Charleston absolutely stunning.
You can visit this awe-inspiring mountain all year round, though different amenities are available depending on the time of year. Visit the Mt. Charleston Lodge for a comfortable stay during the winter months, or you can stay at the open campgrounds all year round if you like to be fully immersed in the outdoors. If you love exploring the outdoors, Mount Charleston offers the facilities to do all your favorite activities, from hiking to horseback riding.
5 – Atomic Scooters
If you’re planning on heading to Las Vegas anyway, you may not have heard of this awesome new way to see the city. Atomic Scooters is a company that offers fully guided or self-guided tours around Vegas and the strip, all while riding convenient and fun motorized scooters.
Atomic Scooters is also a great way to have fun for the whole family. You’re not allowed to consume alcohol while on a tour, and the guided tours allow everyone over the age of 14 to enjoy the city on the back of a motorized scooter. You can get a group tour to see some of the best street art in Las Vegas that you might not have ever heard of before, or even get a bite of some of the best-hidden taco joints you’ve been missing out on.
4 – Wet’n’Wild and Cowabunga Bay
If you want to have a water-filled adventure while in Las Vegas, then consider going to a water park like Wet’n’Wild or Cowabunga Bay.
You may not think about water parks when you’re planning your summer vacation in Las Vegas, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Both of these parks offer amazing experiences that the whole family can enjoy.
Each even has a wide selection of food and games you can play while exploring the water parks. So, whether you just want to float in a lazy river, sunbathe poolside, or enjoy the thrill of one of the many water slides available, there is something here for everyone. Consider the offerings of both parks and see which one fits better into your vacation needs.
3 – Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum
If your visiting Las Vegas, or are near Hover Dam, then you may want to catch a fright at Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum. Located between these two major Nevada pit-stops in Boulder City, NV, this museum is dedicated to the preservation of the amazing art that has been produced by the special effects of Hollywood while celebrating amazing horror movie memorabilia.
Tom Devlin offers this space to celebrate cinema history and his own additions to the pantheon of horror, as he’s worked as a special effects artist since 2001. The public gained familiarity with Tom when he appeared on Syfy’s reality show “Face Off” and he now shows off his continuing passion for horror by maintaining this monstrous museum and gallery.
2 – Clown Motel, Tonopah and the Old Tonopah Cemetery, Tonopah
Continuing with the spooks is America’s scariest hotel—the Clown Motel found only in Tonopah, Nevada. The Clown Motel may scare some people to the cores, especially if they suffer from coulrophobia—the intense fear of clowns.
While the hotel isn’t necessarily supposed to terrify you with clown-themed spooks, some creepy murals may frighten the unprepared. However, the clown collection—now over 2,000—hosts many happy clowns as well as spooky ones.
While you’re in Tonopah, you should also consider visiting the historical graveyard that’s just next door to the Clown Motel. This graveyard clings to the edge of Tonopah and was only open for 10 years, from 1901 to 1911. Many believe that the cemetery is haunted, and when it’s right next to the Clown Motel, you can’t really blame them.
1- Tecopa – Delights Hot Springs and China Ranch
The number one most amazing hidden gem in Nevada is Tecopa, home to beautiful hot springs and a family-owned date farm called China Ranch. Just outside the bounds of Death Valley, this family-run farm has managed to create a thriving business where they grow plenty of California dates and turn them into many delicious confections. Now they also open their land to lovers of the desert landscape.
China Ranch is also near the historic Old Spanish Trials, where you can get a guided tour of the old lands and learn about the rich history of this area while enjoying the sprawling desert landscape. If you really love it, you can even take some time out and enjoy this area for several nights by renting out the campgrounds or booking a cabin so these restorative hot springs are just steps away.
Make the most of your Nevada trip when you add one of these amazing hidden gems to your list of must-see locations in Nevada.
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