7 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Nevada
When people think of this unique state, they often only picture Las Vegas, gambling, and nightlife, but there's so much more! Nevada is the 7th largest state and is also known for its rocky mountains, mining history, and iconic desserts. It gets its name from “Sierra Nevada,” which translates to “snow-covered mountains” due to there being 314 named mountain ranges. This state was founded in 1864 during The Civil War and is nicknamed “Silver State” as it is considered the second-largest producer of silver. Come spend one of your long weekends in one of these picturesque towns!
Elko
With a population of 20,500, this vacation spot gives visitors a chance to experience city living while still having stunning nature views. Whitecap mountains surround the town and give it picturesque scenery. Start your first day off by walking around the elaborate city and visiting the Northeastern Nevada Museum to learn about the local history and wildlife and to see some art exhibits. Spend the next day immersing yourself in nature and hiking part of The Ruby Crest Trail or part of the Ruby Mountains, which is a remote wilderness hiking experience located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This is one of the most popular trails located around Elko and features rocky mountains overlooking lakes. On your way to this trail, stop by the South Fork State Recreation Area to see views that will ingrained in your memory forever.
On the last day, head over to the Western Folklife Center to learn about cowboys, their history, and the American West. Afterward, stop by the Riparian Hot Spring to soothe the muscles and experience naturally warm waters and a peaceful atmosphere. This spot is great for individuals looking to experience ultimate relaxation with being enveloped in the sounds of nature. Stay at the Rodeway Inn Elko Downtown Area for only $50 a night or the Hampton Inn Elko for $103 a night.
Boulder City
Only 26 miles from the most popular city in Nevada, known as Las Vegas, this spot is perfect for individuals still wanting to be around the bustling scene but wanting to experience a small-town feel. With only a population of 14,000, this city features rows of historic homes, a historic district, and constant scenery of red rocky mountains. Upon arrival, head over to the north end of the city to visit the overlook points known as the Mountain View and Lake Mead View Point. This shows a breathtaking view of forests, rocky mountains, deserts, lakes, and unique formations.
During your visit, stop by two excellent museums that are offered in the area. The Nevada State Railroad Museum has donated trains from the famous Virginia and Truckee Railroad. You can even take a 45-minute train ride! The Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum is free to enter and tells the story of the men and women who braved the desert to build Hoover Dam and settle Boulder City. Both of these museums are essential when visiting. For hiking and to see the incredible sandy landscapes, check out the Bootleg Canyon Park Trailhead, River Mountain, or the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail. To relax, Boulder Beach and Goldstrike Hot Spring are essentials! After packed-filled days, head back to the Boulder Dam Hotel for around 100 dollars a night!
Winnemucca
This town was named after Chief Winnemucca, who was a part of the Northern Paiute Tribe and a war chief and translates to “one moccasin” (since he always had one shoe on) or “The Giver” due to his daughter's participation in advocating for fair treatment. Most tourists travel to this town to hike Winnemucca Mountain, which has an elevation of 6,760 feet and an out-of-this-world view. Travel only 10 mins outside of the city to visit the Winnemucca Sand dunes or 20 mins to the Water Canyon Recreation Area for hiking. Stop by the free modern brick building known as The Humboldt Museum to see remains from the ice age 13,000 years ago, art, vintage automobiles, and to learn about the history of American Indians and mining. End the day at the Econo Lodge Inn and Suites for only 52 dollars a night!
Baker
This very small town is close to the Utah border and is the last stop before the “Loneliest Road in America,” which is a 408-mile-long highway of complete isolation. Baker is ideal for individuals looking to go on a nature retreat! Only 5 miles from the entrance of the well-known Great Basin National Park, this town attracts a lot of people looking to explore all parts of this unique park. Hike one of the four mountain peaks with 360 views (or all if you're up for the challenge) that includes Wheeler Peak (elevation of 13,000), Pyramid Peak (elevation of 12,000 feet), Lincoln Peak (elevation of 11,600) or Granite Peak (elevation of 11,218). Stop at the Lehman Caves and take a guided tour to see more than 300 rare and unique shield formations. While there, check out the Mather Overlook to view white cap mountains from the ground.
Take a drive through the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to view the world's oldest trees, which are nearly 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines. Lastly, take a walk to view the Lexington Arch, which is made of limestone and created by strong weather forces that have been working for centuries. Stay at the Stargazer Inn or End Of The Trail in between the busy days!
Virginia City
Southwest of Reno, Virginia CIty is home to Victorian buildings that were built in the 19th century during a mining boom. There are three museums in the area to focus on keeping the history alive. To learn more about mining and what it was like to live during the heyday, stop by The Way It Was Museum. The Historic Fourth Ward School And Museum is the last four-story school building of its time and has interactive exhibits. This has a preserved classroom from 1876 that allows visitors to sit and experience what it would be like to go to school back then. Lastly, The Comstock Firemen’s Museum teaches about The Great Fire Of 1875 and gives a glimpse of the men who fought it.
The Chollar Mine Tour takes you deep underground to see how the miners of the Gold Rush extracted 17 million in gold and silver, which made this city famous. For hiking, take the trek up Mt. Bullion or Mt Davidson for beautiful scenery. Stay at the Silverland Inn for 81 dollars a night or The Virginia City Bed and Breakfast.
Tonopah
Tonopah was nick-named “Queen Of The Silver Camps” due to its success in the mining industry in the 1900’s. It is known for world-class stargazing and vast desert landscapes. To learn about mining, take a step into the Tonopah Historic Mining Park to explore more than 100 acres of history, tunnels, caves, and artifacts. Stop by the Old Tonopah Cemetery to view a well-preserved desert cemetery from 1901. From pioneers, old miners, and politicians, learn about the 300 people who are buried there and the thrilling stories behind each of their lives. For a challenge, spend a day hiking Brougher Mountain for an overlook of the town, rocky formations, and desert. Stay at the infamous Clown Motel or at the Mizpah Hotel for direct access to downtown.
Ely
Ely is a four-season mountain town where art and outdoor adventures thrive. Brace yourself to be surrounded by white-capped mountains in this town of nearly 4,000! Named in 1878, it was originally a stagecoach station along The Pony Express and became one of the top 10 producers of U.S. copper for 15 years. To learn more about the impact of mining and its general history, visit White Pine Public Museum. After, walk over to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum to take a train ride through the nearby landscape that you will be sure to remember forever. Drive 25 minutes to Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park to see six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens that used to process silver. This 700-acre park also has astonishing hikes and remarkable views. After each eventful day, come back to either the Magnuson Hotel Ely for only $54 a night or at the Ramada By Wyndham Ely for $78 a night!
Spend Your Next Long Weekend In Nevada
Nevada is the driest state in the nation, with an average of 10 inches of precipitation a year! This will guarantee beautiful weather throughout your stay while you hike one of the challenging or easy mountains, lay out on a beach, take a walk through the forest, or explore the scenic towns. Whether it's a smaller town like Baker to visit Great Basin National Park, a city like Elko, or a historic town like Virginia City, this state has it all. Plan your next long weekend in one of these beautiful towns!
