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Maps of Nevada

Physical Map of Nevada. It shows the physical features of Nevada including its mountain ranges, major rivers and lakes. las vegas nevada reno nevada

Nevada is a state located in the western region of the United States. It covers an area of approximately 110,567 square miles. It borders Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah to the east. The capital city of Nevada is Carson City

The Colorado and Humboldt are the most significant rivers of Nevada. Numerous smaller rivers flow from the mountains but are often seasonal and quickly fade in the hot summer sun. Lake Mead, now a major recreation area, was formed by the building of Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Lake Tahoe (shared with California) and the turquoise-colored Pyramid Lake are the largest bodies of water.

Nevada is divisible into three geographical regions: the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert

The Sierra Nevada

In Nevada, the Sierra Nevada is situated on the eastern side of the state, forming its western boundary with California. The highest point in Nevada, Boundary Peak, is within this section. The geography of this area possesses rugged peaks and deep canyons that have been carved out by glaciers and erosion over millions of years. 

The eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in Nevada is much steeper than its western counterpart in California. This steep slope results from a combination of factors such as tectonic uplift and faulting. As a result, many of the peaks in this area are more jagged and less rounded than those found on the western side. The region also boasts several alpine lakes that are fed by snowmelt from surrounding peaks. 

The Great Basin

The Great Basin in Nevada is a region of vast and diverse geography that spans over 200,000 square miles. Its high deserts, rugged mountains, and numerous basins and valleys characterize the range. 

The Great Basin is home to a number of notable mountain ranges, including the Ruby Mountains, the Snake Range, and the Toiyabe Range. These ranges are known for their steep peaks and deep canyons, which provide a habitat for various plant and animal species. 

One of the most distinctive features of the Great Basin is its numerous basins and valleys. These low-lying areas are often surrounded by mountains, creating an isolated and unique environment. Some of the most well-known basins in the range include Death Valley, Owens Valley, and Mono Lake. 

The Great Basin includes several large lakes, including Pyramid, Walker, and Mono. Rivers, originating in the surrounding mountains, feed these lakes, providing vital water resources to local communities. 

The Mojave Desert

The geography of the Mojave Desert in Nevada is characterized by its rocky cliffs, sandy dunes, and dry lake beds. The topography of the region varies significantly from one area to another. In some places, towering peaks reach over 7,000 feet in elevation. These mountains formed from tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions that occurred millions of years ago. 

In other areas of the Mojave Desert, vast expanses of sand dunes exist. These dunes are due to wind-blown sand particles that accumulate over time. Some of these dunes, such as Kelso, can reach heights of up to 650 feet and cover several square miles. 

One notable feature of the Mojave Desert in Nevada is its dry lake beds or playas. These flat areas were once filled with water but have since dried up due to evaporation and lack of rainfall. During heavy rain, these lake beds can become temporarily flooded with water.

Nevada's desert landscape covers most of its southern region, and hot and arid conditions are common. The Mojave Desert in south Nevada is known for its unique rock formations, such as those found in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Additionally, Death Valley National Park sits partially within Nevada's borders.

Counties Map

Nevada is divided into 17 counties. In alphabetical order, the counties are: Carson City, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, White Pine.

With an area of 286,382 sq. km, Nevada is the 7th largest and the 19th least populous state in the USA. Located in the western part of the state is the Consolidated Municipality of Carson City – the capital city of Nevada. The capital city acts as the regional and commercial retail hub for northwestern Nevada, which is known for its irrigated farms, mining (silver and other minerals), and livestock farming. Situated in the southeastern part of the state is Las Vegas – the largest and the most populous city in Nevada. Nicknamed as “The Entertainment Capital of the World”, Las Vegas is an internationally renowned resort city. It also serves as the state’s cultural and commercial hub being synonymous with gambling, nightlife, and shopping. It is the 28th most populous city of the United States and also one of the world’s most visited cities.

Where is Nevada?

Map showing location of Nevada in the world.

The State of Nevada is located in the western region of the United States. Nevada is bordered by California in the west; by Arizona in the southeast; by Utah in the east; by Oregon in the northwest and by Idaho in the northeast.  

Regional Maps: Map of North America

Outline Map of Nevada

The above blank map represents the State of Nevada, located in the western region of the United States. The above map can be downloaded, printed and used for geography education purposes like map-pointing and coloring activities. 

The above outline map represents the State of Nevada, located in the western region of the United States.

Key Facts

Legal Name State of Nevada
ISO 3166 Code US-NV
Capital City Carson City
Major Cities
  1. Las Vegas (2,899,387)
  2. Reno (530,840)

This page was last updated on February 22, 2023

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