6 Most Scenic Drives in Nevada

Many things make a drive memorable, but one of the strongest and most potent is the scenic beauty your eyes will see along the way. Nevada is a state that encapsulates the wild west and the barren, harsh, and unique landscapes as well as any in the western United States. Thanks to its geographical uniqueness of red rocks in the southeast, lush mountains and pines introducing itself on the border of the west, or the unforgiving desert, this state's diverse geographical climate leaves no shortage of memorable drives for anyone passing through.

Loneliest Highway in America (Highway 50)

Looking for a great road trip fit for a loner? For those that appreciate their alone time while hitting the open road, there isn't a better option than the "Loneliest Highway in America". Cutting across central Nevada, you'll experience amazing views of the vast Nevada desert. Start in Ely and take a picture of the famous sign of Highway 50 with the aptly named highway title included, as well. Highway 50 then heads west, where you'll encounter the historical landmark, Nevada Historical Market 9: Copper Country.

About halfway through the trip, stop just north of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Austin, a tiny unincorporated town of a couple of hundred people, where you can visit the Stokes Castle or the Pony Express Metal Statue, a historical landmark. Before you finish your road trip to Fallon, you can split up the drive with some off-roading. The Sand Mountain Recreation Area has a sand dune system available for ATVs, dune buggies, and side-by-sides to satisfy your thrill seeker. The road trip across the Nevada high desert should take just under four hours.

Extraterrestrial Highway

One of the most appealing things about an incredible drive is getting lost, familiarizing yourself with areas you've never seen, and exploring the unknown. What embodies exploring the unknown better than driving on the Extraterrestrial Highway?

The official designation of the E.T. Highways is Nevada State Route 375, and there are plenty of unique stops and scenic sites along the route from Alamo, Nevada, to Tonopah during the 2.5-hour drive. Right off Highway 93, you'll find 375, and the first unique stop is the Alien Research Center, where you'll discover UFO sighting exhibits, beef jerky, and a fun, creative gift shop. Start heading west and stop at the quiet Hancock Summit to view the endless desert and mountains. Next, you can climb the Coyote Summit, about a 20-minute climb from which you can take in the views and the "air traffic" above. At the end of the drive, stop by the Tonopah Historic Mining Park to see where miners used to work.

Incline Village to Zephyr Cove

Regarding scenic drives in Nevada, they aren't as perfect as the Lake Tahoe drive on the Nevada side of the lake. Start north in Incline Village and head south on Highway 28, which merges into Highway 50 about 21 miles in. The first stop should be Memorial Point Scenic Overlook, which has crystal clear water of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains' snowy peaks (most of the year) in the background. A little farther south is Bonsai Rock, where you'll be tested with some tough hiking portions down toward the rock, but the swimming and views are worth it.

Switching to the Highway 50 portion of the drive, Logan Shoals Vista Point may be the can't miss stop of the entire drive. Jaw-dropping views everywhere you turn make Logan Shoals the perfect place to admire this famous lake. Cave Rock gives you a memorable hike, as long as you can manage the height of the Craggy remains from a prehistoric volcano.

Great Basin Highway

The northern section of the scenic Great Basin Highway winds around Great Basin National Park and other mountain ranges. Baker to Panaca is an approximately 128-mile drive on Highway 93 in western Nevada.

The first stop should be a hike on Windy Peak, a less crowded hiking trail with a great view of the valley and old mining grounds. Further south along Highway 93 is Dutch John Mountain, which has a scenic hiking range and a more challenging mountain to get even more advantageous views. Right off the peaceful drive is the Nevada Historical Marker 204: Jackrabbit and a story about a local legend. After you head into Panaca, stop at Treasure Hill, a steep mountain with structures from an old silver mine to learn about.

Highway 376

Situated between the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to the west and the Mt Jefferson summits and Shoshone Mountain to the east, the entire drive down Highway 376 has amazing views surrounding you. Start in Austin and travel south 117 miles to Tonopah.

Take advantage of the unique terrain by stopping and hiking to the Toquima Caves just east of the highway. Halfway through the drive, take a quick detour east to stop at the small, charming town of Round Mountain, a gold mine town with stunning views. Toward the southern tip of the drive is the Ralston Valley, just north of Tonopah. While Tonopah is the last town on the drive, you can visit the unique quirky town and check out the World Famous Clown Motel for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Valley of Fire Hwy

One of the most visually captivating drives in the state has a very memorable name: Valley of Fire Highway. This drive starts outside the Valley of Fire Highway in the Moapa Valley, but then heads south on Highway 169 until you turn west on Valley of Fire.

While driving through Overton, stop at the Lost City Museum, where you'll see preserved artifacts from Anasazi Indian sites. Upon turning west on Valley of Fire Highway, it isn't long before you know what makes this drive so memorable.

The highway is known for the natural wonders of wind-sculpted red sandstone rock formations, arches, and canyons along the path that few other locations can match. Elephant Rock is not far ahead, where you'll see enormous and unique rock features, including the one that looks like an elephant. Atlatl Rock, Arch Rock, and Beehives are three unforgettable features you'll see while traveling along the final leg until you reach Fire Cave and Windstone Arch.

As you can see, Nevada's memorable and inspiring nature shines bright from each corner of the state. The red rocks just northwest of Las Vegas, the impossibly brilliant views of Lake Tahoe resting at the feet of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the high desert through central Nevada have something for every type of traveler on their roads.