2024's 9 Most Scenic Nevada Towns
Are you all about the sweeping views? The inland-bounded Silver State is a real land of wonderment with a varied landscape ranging from mountain peaks to deserts, rivers, lakes, and green oases. While many come for the glitz of Las Vegas, nothing is off the table for the hungry to explore. Plus, there is no hangover or regret after vistas of Great Basin National Park with easy access from the town of Ely.
Home to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada, even the Pacific coast isn't so far away if you're on a road trip from inland or the northern states. Incline Village offers next-door access to the Golden State, while Genoa is Nevada's first settlement. With scenery and a town for each taste, Fallon is at the heart of Nevada agriculture, between wetlands swarming with birds and mountains bursting with wildlife.
Elko
Elko, a scenic paradise, provides easy access to numerous outdoor attractions, just a quick hike or a short drive away. At its heart, the five-acre Angel Park offers picnic shelters, tennis courts, a playground, and winter sledding, while Elko Bowl is a seasonal ski hill and mountain bike trail system six miles north past Fossil Hill. The California Trail Interpretive Center is just west along the highway and onward, the scenic Carlin Tunnel, a historic landmark. Overlooking the towering Elko Mountain straight ahead, enjoy year-round activities such as climbing, plus wintertime backcountry slopes for a heli-ski trip.
Right off Hwy 80, enjoy straightforward access from Reno, at the heart of the state, or from Salt Lake City in Utah, through the town of Coin and past Elko Peak. From fishing along the South Fork River to its South Fork State Recreation Area further south for fishing, swimming, and jet skiing, the alpine lake is just as perfect for a relaxing summer day in nature, overlooking the verdant scenery from high above. Offering plenty of green space along the Humboldt River hugging Elko to the south, you can explore nearby trails on foot or by bike, with an exciting blend of cowboy culture, history, and entertainment for after the outdoors.
Ely
Scenically remote, this small mountain town in Nevada’s White Pine County gathers beauty from a deep well of mining and railroad heritage. Sprinkling it through landmarks, art, and attractions, it's a real feast for the unaccustomed city eyes against the mountainous backdrop to the west, overlooking Saxton Peak. Home to the snow-capped Wheeler Peak, mountain biking trails and adventures await right outside. Take a scenic drive with sweeping views of the natural wonder and then a stroll through the 1900s along the authentic Ely Renaissance Village with Old West vibes. Perfect for rugged hikers and off-road drivers, Garnet Hill is under 10 miles west via Route 50.
From its early coach stage station days in the 1870s to the copper mining boom, this eastern edge of US Route 50 town of Ely is most known for its proximity to the Great Basin National Park. The Lehman Cave system flaunts depths to explore and is made of limestone and marble caverns with wild rock formations. Welcoming you for a trip down memory lane aboard a vintage locomotive, choose a scenic train ride via Nevada Northern Railway, including a geology train, a Wild West one, or a haunted train. Afterward, explore the streets and alleyways for magnificent murals and artworks by the Ely Historic Mural Project throughout.
Fallon
At the heart of Nevada agriculture, Fallon is a foodie's and outdoor lover's paradise between wetlands swarming with birds and wildlife-filled mountains. Attracting birders, anglers, boaters, off-roaders, explorers, and their families, Fallon's culinary scene comprises the season’s healthiest, freshest, and most delicious. From Laura Mills Park to Oats Park, home to the stunning Barkley Theatre, the small town's outdoorsy spirit is infectious to start enjoying scenic recreation. Churchill County Parks & Recreation hosts festivals, rodeos, and events like traditional native dances. Just 15 minutes away, Sawdust Alpacas offers cute animals on a farm tour.
Home to its own Soda Lake, minutes north, it offers a great hiking opportunity from the doorstep. Stop for a picnic by the Soda Lake Overlook and meander around the Little Soda Lake for a fulfilling afternoon venture. Past the canal and Rattlesnake Raceway to the west, the huge S Line Reservoir and Oles Pond offer quick access to more scenic outdoors. After your morning java, explain Fallon's intriguing saga of events dating to the ancient hunting grounds, then strategic posts during the rising of the American West. From Churchill County Library to the 14,000-square-foot Churchill County Museum, it doesn't cost a thing to get your hands on Fallon's cultural beauty.
Gardnerville
Separated by the stunning Sierra Nevada range from California, Gardnerville is perfect for those who want to enjoy nature and a social scene without the hustle. From street fairs to farmers markets, explore on a breezy bike ride against the stunning mountains in the backdrop. With plenty of parks, like Stodick Park at the heart and Carson Valley Golf Course just south, stay pleasantly crowdless under the sun. The riverfront Lampe Park is next to Jacobs Berry Farm, so bring your family and pick a basket. Heritage Park, a great hangout any day, becomes a lively host of Carson Valley Christmas Kickoff, Oktoberfest, and Movies in the Park.
East Fork Carson River teems with fish, and Sheridan Creek Equestrian Center offers riding lessons in the foothills. Right beneath the mountains, Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park is an entire afternoon worth relaxing on a picnic, wistfully looking onto which peak to conquer. Take a scenic trail of the looming Sierra Nevada mountain range, like a summertime hike to Jobs Sister Peak, with local culture, basque food, and Sharkey's Casino. The snow bunnies hop off to Heavenly Mountain Resort for skiing or scenic gondola rides under East Peak and back into the warm aura emanating from the buildings in a Victorian-era downtown.
Genoa
First settled between the river and the mountains way back in 1851, this small town with an international name was the state's first settlement. Enjoy easy Highway 206 access right into downtown for a stroll along vintage-style shops and houses beneath the Genoa Peak—like an Old West movie set in the eastern Sierra Nevada foothills. From Nevada's oldest National Historic District, there's no shortage of beautiful hikes through the Carson River Valley. Take the Eagle Ridge Trail or North River Fork Ranch Trailhead through a nature preserve, while Genoa Canyon Trailhead features a sparkling waterfall.
Opportunities for beautiful hikes abound, like the most popular Tahoe Rim Trail: Kingsbury North Trailhead. Attracting hikers, cyclists, and campers, head on an adventure through ancient fir trees to soak in the sweeping lake views. The Mormon Station State Historic Park is a blast of Nevada's past among freely moving mule deer and the statue of Snowshoe Thompson, the father of California skiing. More than a golf course, you'll want to play a round at Genoa Lakes Golf Club—Lakes Course and Ranch Course—and stick around for scenery on horseback. Unwind after in a saloon, serving drinks over history in digs older than the state itself.
Incline Village
Incline Village is an upscale Lake Tahoe community next to the California Stateline. With its gorgeous mountain views and stunning beaches, you will forget all the gambling sins on a swim at Lake Tahoe’s Sand Harbor Beach. After morning java on a patio, rent a bike from Flume Trail Bikes, next to Monkey Rock Trailhead, for premier mountain trails. Incline Flume Trailhead rewards the conquerers with top views of the Tahoe coastline, while onwards, Tahoe Meadows Ophir Creek Trailhead features a wooden boardwalk and sweeping views to the horizon. Wintertime visitors enjoy Diamond Peak Ski Resort, minutes away to skiing, snowboarding, sledding, a kids' zone, and even dog runs in a manageable space with lake views.
Incline Village boasts Lake Tahoe—Nevada State Park just south of downtown. From Monkey Rock to Burnt Cedar Beach, Tahoe East Shore Trail offers viewpoints along its wooden lakefront stretch. Home to a thriving golf culture, the town inspires a huge country club where you can freely enjoy some tee time and bond over scenery at championship golf courses. Heading north, the Tahoe Rim Trail loops through meadows and woods; break for a picnic amid a wide array of wildlife and picturesque views. Handmade at the Lake showcases nature's bounty and local craft with housewares and soaps, which will remind you of the scenery back home. Just a 40-minute drive, and you can meet some friendly animals at Olde LYFE Alpacas in Carson City.
Lamoille
This small town with two creeks coursing through the heart is a hiking and outdoor paradise. Surrounded by forests and mountains, plus endless streams to the north, referred to as a big backyard, Lamoille is replete with unique experiences, like a yurt stay in the middle of an aspen forest or atop the Ruby Mountains. Attracting the outdoorsy, sightseers, and photographers, the iconic Lamoille Canyon inspires to replicate the scenery over an easel, and no visit is complete without driving the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway. Just south, Lamoille-Talbot Trailhead takes you into the Ruby Mountains via many switchbacks, views, and campgrounds.
It's hard to even put your finger on downtown Lamoille, making it perfect for those keen on experiencing the wilderness. Strolling the tiny town, don't miss the picture-perfect historic Little Church of the Crossroads and Lamoille Grove, a little park next to Lamoille Farmer's Market. Pack a picnic for a creekside stroll just up the road to 7th Canyon Ranch or an adventurous hike in the dry months. From short quests to multi-day hikes, the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail takes about 20 hours to complete. The top-rated Ruby 360 Lodge will host you on a winter escape into a ski wonderland.
Mesquite
Snug against the Arizona border, Mesquite offers the vibrancy of Vegas, 80 miles northeast of the city, in a more intimate feel surrounded by mountains. Quaint and alluring, it is an absolute golfing oasis, popular to retire in Nevada, with scenic views for 360 degrees. From Mormon Peak to the north and Virgin Peak to the south, the nearest Moapa Peak is accessible via a hike. Next to the Virgin River, Hafen Lane Park inspires a family outing with scenic greens, ponds, and trails. Merging the picturesque landscapes of Nevada’s mesas with resort-like amenities and activities along Interstate 15, Double Negative is a scenic drive west to large esoteric land art by artist Michael Heizer.
Cross the Stateline to the historic Sand Hollow Wash Bridge or stick around for scenic tee time at Wolf Creek Golf Club and Conestoga Golf Club. Home to plentiful RV camping sites, Mesquite Trails RV Resort, at the heart next to the gaming center, offers quick access to Little Mount Rushmore. Enjoy a stroll and a picnic with a funny conglomeration of sculptures in sandstone, including the Statue of Liberty, the Great Sphinx, and Easter Island Heads. Stay at Mojave Edge for the best views of the city or the ScenicVistaRV, which is tucked south away from downtown action. The Aviation Navigation Arrow is a scenic 1920s landmark for the "new" airmail service via a 1.7-mile westward hike from parking.
Stateline
Bordering California, Stateline is a popular town along Lake Tahoe, with golf courses plus half of the iconic Heavenly Mountain Resort. Just north along the shore, Cave Rock is the craggy remains of a prehistoric volcano above Lake Tahoe. Sightseeing around sacred caves to native Washoe people, plus mountain views of Genoa Peak and Duane Bliss Peak. Edgewood Tahoe Resort, an upscale lodge with picturesque lake views, is a hotspot with access to the pristine beach waters and kayak rentals from Tahoe Paddle Sports. From Round Mound to Elks Point Marina, the 80-acre Zephyr Cove Park features a lakefront day-use area in the north, with unspoiled trails for hiking and horseback rides.
The most popular Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena attracts visitors from near and far for waterfront recreation. Staying crowd-free off-season, this site of rock and other concerts offers an open-air arena with a mountain backdrop, plus views of the pine tree forest and Lake Tahoe in the distance. North of downtown, Lam Watah Nature Trail to Nevada Beach is a scenic hiking area, while Nevada Beach Campground offers great access to it all. After a round at the lakefront Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, grab a drink next door at Brooks' Bar & Deck or cross to South Lake Tahoe on a drive or easily by foot to the absolutely clean Lakeside Beach, worth the fee if you are not a family or friend.
Experience Nevada’s Unparalleled Natural Beauty
Ely offers easy access to Great Basin National Park and the Lehman Caves system to explore, while Lamoille boasts an eponymous canyon, yurt stays, an aspen forest, and the Ruby Mountains. There's no wrong season to visit Stateline, home to both the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena, a summertime paradise, and the iconic Heavenly Mountain Resort for your wintery pleasures.
So find a quaint small town that speaks to you through tranquil lake scenery and historic landmarks, or one that screams of epic outdoor adventures, like Gardnerville. Separated by the stunning Sierra Nevada from California, this town just three minutes south of Minden features the East Fork Carson River teeming with fish, plus "Movies in the Park," and access to the ski resort.
