7 Best Small Towns in Nevada for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Between the intense desert heat and the infamous gambling and entertainment industry, Nevada has, understandably, developed an indoor reputation. But the Silver State is so much more than the bright lights and excess of Sin City. It has 24 state parks (another is just about to open), two national parks (including one that is criminally under-visited), two massive lakes that top the charts in their respective categories, 300 hot springs (i.e., the highest concentration in the United States), and 319 mountain ranges (also one of the highest concentrations in the country). What's more, given the wide range of its elevation profile, many parts of Nevada are pretty comfortable in the summer months, while others offer world-class skiing in the winter. The bottom line is that Nevada is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts. So, if you're ready to unpack this misrepresented state, use these seven small Nevada towns as base camps.

Incline Village

It is practically mandatory for Nevada-bound outdoor lovers to visit Lake Tahoe. Perched in the Sierra Nevada range, this 22-mile-long by 12-mile-wide freshwater beauty is the largest alpine lake on the continent, the second-deepest in the country, and, at an altitude of 6,225 feet, also one of the highest. There are plenty of lake towns to settle into around the 72 miles of shoreline (shared between Nevada and California), but Incline Village makes a great case – especially for active folks. Situated on the Northeast corner of the lake, cradling Crystal Bay, there are, first and foremost, limitless water sports to try, and several sandy beaches to sprawl out on. Other summer pastimes include golfing, tennis, and hiking the scenic shoreline trails. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders can choose from two mountain resorts (Diamond Peak and Mount Rose) or work up a sweat on the cross-country trails. 

Stateline

If Incline Village's opulence isn't to your liking, try heading to Stateline on Lake Tahoe's Southern shore. As the name suggests, this Douglas County community will bring you right to the edge of California. Here, the views of the massive lake and equally imposing Sierra Nevada peaks are as striking as anywhere – pulling visitors to the lake's edge like a powerful magnet. Two pine-tree-lined beaches sandwich Stateline: Nevada Beach (to the North) and Lakeside Beach (to the South). Right behind, the aptly named Heavenly Mountain Resort will happily whisk winter sports enthusiasts up the slopes of East Peak and Monument Peak. And just around the bend, California's Emerald Bay State Park offers excellent camping and hiking opportunities. Be sure to pull over at Inspiration Point (another well-named feature) on your way in, to snap a few pictures of the enchanting inlet. 

Genoa 

Just East of Lake Tahoe, on the other side of the Carson Range (a subrange of the Sierra Nevada), within the attractive Carson Valley, Nevada's oldest non-native settlement is a breath of fresh air. This quaint and historic town entices visitors to explore on foot. For instance, the Mormon Station State Historic Park sits right in the heart of town. Stroll throughout the lovely and authentic grounds that are filled with restored and replica buildings, early pioneer artifacts, and informative monuments. Next, grab a day-pack or jump in the saddle (bike or horse), and go explore some of the 17+ miles of trails right in Genoa's backyard, and scores more in the rest of the valley (thanks to the efforts of the Carson Valley Trail Association). Endurance freaks can even link the Sierra/Genoa Canyon Trail with the Tahoe Rim Trail (10 miles, one-way). Genoa also has a golf course that sits beautifully amongst the mountains, and speaking of mountains, Stateline's ski resort is less than a half-hour's drive to the Southwest. 

Ely

If you're looking to get away from it all, then take Highway 50, aka "Loneliest Road in America," through the Nevada backcountry to the mountain town of Ely. This small, East-Central city was once a thriving copper mining community, but has since transformed into an artsy tourist spot and outdoor recreation hub. The Egan Range (to the West) has recently sparked a robust mountain biking scene – though the nearby trails and manageable peaks are just as fun to tackle on foot. Gemstone collectors will also want to look West to the adjacent Garnet Hill, where the decorative rocks can be found all over the dormant volcano. And only about an hour's drive East of Ely, Great Basin National Park – one of the least-visited national parks in the country – is worthy of much more recognition. Those in search of a challenge should tackle the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak (i.e., the second-highest in the state), and those preferring a more relaxed (but equally stimulating) experience can sign up for a guided tour of Lehman Caves. 

Caliente

While it's always nice to be active in nature, spending time outdoors can also be a regenerative experience. Lincoln County's Caliente offers both extremes. In terms of the energetic bunch, Caliente is close to three state parks: Cathedral Gorge (a photographer's dream), Beaver Dam (a remote and primitive site that will appeal to the adventurous and solitude-seekers), and Kershaw-Ryan (where climbers and mountain bikers can get their fix). But if you fall into the latter camp and want to relax in a tranquil setting, then enjoy a soak in one of the nearby natural hot springs. This geothermic phenomenon is, after all, how the town derived its name. 

Moapa Valley

Sixty miles Northeast of Las Vegas, Moapa Valley sings a completely different tune. Situated on the Muddy River (a tributary of the Colorado River), this Clark County gem is actually composed of four distinct small communities. Wherever you choose to rest your head, you will be mere miles from Nevada's first (and still favorite) state park: Valley of the Fire. Here, there are hikes amongst the red (and white) striated Aztec sandstone cliffs, a few of which pass by ancient Puebloan petroglyphs. A little further South, the 1.5-million-acre Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers plenty of hiking and camping outlets, as well as opportunities to boat and paddle on the Western Hemisphere's largest artificial reservoir. Perhaps most exciting is that by the time you read this article, the brand new Ice Age Fossils State Park will be ready to rock (the official opening date is January 20th, 2024). 

Tonopah

Another quirky, off-the-beaten-path mountain town is that of Tonopah in Nye County. Far removed from the lights of Nevada's few (but notorious) big cities, Tonopah has been widely recognized as one of the best places to see the stars in the lower 48 states. Lay back at the local stargazing park, where over 7,000 stars from our Milky Way galaxy can be seen with the naked eye. Exploring the mountains and desert trails (there are many right in Tonopah) is excellent, but marveling at the unadulterated night sky really puts things into perspective. When the sun comes up, add a little historical perspective by touring the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, and cap off the eccentric detour with a dip in some more natural hot springs just South of town, near Goldfield. Actually, while you're heading that way, why not continue all the way to Death Valley National Park?

Discover Nevada's Natural Wonders

Night or day, summer or winter, rain or shine (here, it's mostly shine), Nevada is an outdoor lover's jackpot. Don't let The Strip fool you on your flight; the vast majority of the Silver State is minimally inhabited, surrounded by mountains, and within range of countless parks, lakes, springs, and trails. These small towns, in particular, all emphasize the natural world in their own unique ways. Pack your sneakers, your telescope, your paddle, and your skis (and lots of water!), and go see what Nevada's other side is all about.