7 Most Scenic Small Towns In Nevada For Nature Lovers
Are you a city dweller or a nature lover? Do you plan around bustling hotspots or small towns and their natural splendor? Nevada is a state that truly delivers for nature lovers — in fact, its nickname, the Sagebrush State, comes from the wild sagebrush that blankets its vast deserts and high plains. Long before the arrival of Europeans, the American West was home to Indigenous tribes, including the Goshute, Southern Paiute, and other Native American peoples. Today, visitors who come to the Silver State can tour Hoover Dam, discover Red Rock Canyon, and visit Lake Tahoe, among many other great outdoor activities. Nature lovers, rejoice! Some of Nevada’s most scenic small towns are waiting to be explored.
Virginia City
Though the name might throw people off, Virginia City is a beautiful small town of only 700 residents, and it got its name from “Old Virginny,” a prospector from the mid-1800s who hailed from Virginia. Rich in mining history, this town's streets are lined with old Victorian buildings, a legacy of the bustling 19th-century mining boom. Visitors can learn all about it with a visit to a popular museum, The Way It Was Museum, or the Mackay Mansion Museum, just to the south—a Victorian mansion built by Hearst in 1859!
The real treat comes after a rewarding hike up Mount Davidson to the west of town, or Mount Bullion, just next door. The view from up there is a sight that might just bring a tear to your eye. From that vantage point, you can gaze out over the town and enjoy a stunning view of the horizon. Those with a bit of extra time can also head over to the Geiger Lookout Point nearby for more views.
Ely
A part of White Pine County, Ely was originally founded as a stagecoach station in around 1878, before the mining boom in 1906. Today, these stunning landscapes are home to incredible sights, such as Garnet Hill and Rib Hill's mountain peaks. Your first stop, though, should be the White Pine Landmark Letters—a must-see introduction to the region’s rich natural splendor.
Meanwhile, those interested in sports can head either east or west to the White Pine County Golf Course and the Ward Mountain Disc Golf Course, respectively. Both versions of the same game, visitors can take in the scenic mountains and forests in the vicinity as they tee off in beautiful Nevada.
Boulder City
Just south of the Colorado River, Boulder City takes its name from nearby Boulder Canyon, situated along the border between Arizona and Nevada. Aside from offering a perfect escape into nature with spots like the Nature Discovery Trail and Rock Garden—both favorites among hikers and bikers—this charming community also hides gems like Hemenway Park, the perfect place for picnicking and taking in the stunning views of Lake Mead.
If you are heading north to see all the excitement along the river, there is a natural order to the sights you will not want to miss. Start with Lake Mead's stunning Lakeview Overlook for panoramic views of the shimmering water, then continue on to the iconic Hoover Dam, standing proudly at the state border!
Caliente
Formerly Culverwell and Calientes, the charming town of Caliente is one of the state’s most peaceful escapes. With its sparse population, it is the perfect destination for those looking for a tranquil retreat into nature, away from the constant noises of city life.
It can get hot here, as the name Caliente suggests, so it is best to plan your trip accordingly. Once you get there, though, places like Dixon Park are a must-see for their community spirit! Meadow Valley Wash passes through the town, and a short drive south will land you at Kershaw-Ryan State Park, a perfect place for a hike, but more importantly, stargazing. At night, the desert sky comes alive, and you get front-row seats to a dazzling display of stars and, if you time it right, meteor showers. Even if you don’t plan to stay the night, the park’s 265 acres are full of canyons and hills that are sure to entice.
Genoa
This is where visitors come to embark on the Genoa Canyon Trail. The small town of Genoa, founded in 1851, was the first settlement in what later became the Nevada Territory. To the east, the Carson River winds through this golf-loving community, where scenic views alongside historic landmarks such as the controversial Hanging Tree can be seen. This iconic tree is the place where a man met his end after a bar fight, and it stands out with its ominous crooked posture.
As you explore the area, you will encounter remnants of the town's rich past, eventually leading to breathtaking natural wonders like the River Fork Ranch Preserve! You can combine both with a single visit to Mormon Station State Historic Park—a beautiful place with its own unique way of teaching you the history of Genoa.
Elko
Much adventure awaits in this small town by the Humboldt River. Elko is one of the best places to visit the Ruby Mountains—a grand, 80-mile mountain range named for the many garnets found after their discovery. If you are not keen on scaling mountains, perhaps a stroll down Main City Park is more your speed. There is a swimming lake, not far from there, known as Wallace Lake, which adds a refreshing escape for visitors.
Heading northwest just outside of town, you will spot Fossil Hill on your way to the Elko Snow Bowl. Here, one can head up a steep slope on the double chair lift for some cross-country skiing and snowboarding. While the Snow Bowl is usually a winter destination, a visit to this charming area offers much more year-round. The vertical rise of 700 feet right next to town ensures an amazing time with scenic views.
Tonopah
Once mountain climbers and hikers arrive in Tonopah, they will find it nearly impossible to leave. Brougher Mountain is to the southwest, with Mount Oddie to the north, followed by Ararat Mountain. There are so many paths to tread and heights to climb in this area alone, though a truly awe-inspiring activity lies to the southeast. Those who reach the top of Mount Oddie via the rugged path will be rewarded at the top with the communications tower, a rustic landmark.
Just beyond the Central Nevada Museum, the Clair Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park stands as a must-visit destination for anyone looking for some unforgettable views of the night sky. At times, visitors would even park nearby and spend the night sleeping in their cars, simply to spend more time under the stunning, star-filled sky.
Final Thoughts
An outdoor adventure is usually the best way to spend a vacation or any trip. The riches of Nevada are in Nevada itself. From the rugged peaks of the Ruby Mountains to the endless stretches of the Great Basin, every corner of the Silver State is a breathtaking reminder of nature’s beauty. Rather than a destination trip and visits to commercial landmarks, why not make the whole state a destination? No reservations, no fixed plans—just a direction, the open road, and the endless, alluring outdoors as your guide. Nevada excels at providing just that.
