9 Most Underrated Towns In the Great Basin
The Great Basin is a 200,000-square-mile "hydrographic area" that drains internally and is encompassed by the eastern Wasatch Mountains, the western Sierra Nevada, and the northern Snake River Plain. The region's creeks, streams, and rivers are forced to let their waters flow into lakes rather than the Gulf of Mexico or the Pacific Ocean, while all other precipitation evaporates or sinks underneath the ground. The "Great Basin" actually houses many small basins or "drains" such as the Great Salt Lake, Pyramid Lake, and the Humboldt Sink, among others.
The Great Basin covers most of Nevada, nearly half of Utah, and merely touches Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon, and California. Embrace the quintessential nature of this landscape on a trip to Nevada and the Great Basin National Park, the most underrated in the country, whose many powerful natural forces are out of sight. Choose a town to discover and explore, and be surprised, inspired, and fascinated by the rich history, off-the-grid feel, and cool natural landmarks all throughout the Great Basin in the scenic state of Nevada.
Baker
Baker is a quirky little town off the grid in Nevada, some three and a half hours southwest of Salt Lake City. It is an ultimate escape to the Great Basin National Park to explore untouched nature, such as the 2.7-mile Alpine Lakes Loop, boasting scenic water views and the must-see Lehman Cave. Enjoy camping under the star-laden skies at the Wheeler Peak Campground, or choose the cozy Stargazer Inn by the road that has a great coffee shop at its entrance!
Visitors can bask in a "middle-of-nowhere" feeling for real respite from the city lights and sounds in exchange for bird calls and chance trafficking animals. The nearby Crystal Ball Cave is a quintessential, free tour experience around a calcite crystal grotto. Note that reservations are required and there are no tours on Sundays. Visit the Delta Topaz Museum within a WWII internment camp memorial, a somber place yet home to a beautiful art collection—reminiscent of a famous art school run by prisoners inside the camp.
Battle Mountain
Battle Mountain is an underrated town in Nevada with one of the most fascinating histories, as the name suggests. In existence since January 1870, it was named after the southwest mountain range following an ambush on California emigrants by a Native American band some two decades prior. In 1868, the railroad laid tracks along the Reese River, creating the nearby main station of Argenta for the busy mining camps in the south, and soon moved into the town that became headquarters for the Central Nevada Railway from 1880 to 1938.
After the first copper boom in 1897, Battle Mountain outgrew the mining town of Austin and became the seat of Lander County in 1979. Visit this quintessential mining town for many sights around its gold history. It was named "the armpit of America" by the Washington Post Sunday Magazine in 2001. Take a step back in time along the scenic streets in the embrace of the mountains, also called the Galena range. Enjoy the mountain scenery on a nature venture of your choosing, like popular bicycling with an annual race. Come to celebrate with locals at the Bluegrass Festival, first sponsored by Old Spice as the "Festival of the Pit."
Caliente
Caliente is a quaint and peaceful Nevada oasis amid picturesque mountains and charming nature. Take a refreshing hike or create backpacking memories through the glorious Oak Springs Trilobite Area or Kershaw-Ryan State Park. As one of the state's most underrated parks with endless miles of scenic trails, visitors can enjoy incredible nature over picnics and camping areas in the incredible company of wild horses.
Take a cultural stroll around the little, pretty town of 982 locals, with Spanish architecture and a converted train station. The town's name rolls off the tongue like honey, caliente meaning "hot" in Spanish, but offers nothing but a respite from the sweltering city fumes, and crowds. Founded in 1901, it originates from the nearby hot springs, another bonus to visiting this underrated town!
Eureka
Eureka is a must-visit town for scenic respite amid Nevada's striking Diamond Mountains. The dominating Diamond Peak peeks out overhead and draws tourists in for the adventurous hike of a lifetime. Enjoy crowdless pursuits in pristine nature, like camping under some of the clearest night skies, around and sighting wild horses even near the peak. Stroll through the charming town with many sights, like the striking brick building of the Eureka County Courthouse from 1880, housing a 19th-century courtroom on the second floor.
The scenically historic town is home to around 340 residents and has a charming moniker as the "Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road" in America. With modest roots as a mining town in 1864 and a population boom to 10,000 in just over a decade, today it is the lonely seat of Eureka County, unfortunately overlooked by larger places around. Visit the Eureka Opera House, a marvelous architectural feat from 1880. Other "hotspots" for excellent enjoyment include Raine's Market, the historic Jackson House Hotel, a wildlife museum, and the Eureka Sentinel Museum.
Genoa
The town of natural beauty, historic charm, and local wildlife like mule deer is heavily overlooked by the surrounding Carson Valley. With 958 locals, Genoa beckons a visit, with a refreshing forest on the west side and vegetation fields along the Carson River Valley on the other side. Enjoy plentiful local businesses and charming amenities for shopping, staying, and quality eating. There are a number of great museums such as the scenic Genoa Cemetery, and the iconic Hanging Tree natural landmark. Visit this summer and be immersed in the whole natural world around you through hiking, biking, golfing, and fishing.
The family-friendly town in the heart of the Carson River Valley is a lovely change in pace and scenery, with a wide range of parks and the Clear Creek Trail to stretch the legs. Enjoy relaxing strolls and picnicking at Genoa Town Park or Zephyr Cove Park, and visit the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster with the kiddos. Come during the last weekend in September for the infamous, annual Genoa Candy Dance Arts and Crafts Fair, going strong since 1919. Mingle with locals and stock up on wonderful homemade candy here, the greatest craft fair in Northern Nevada, with a dinner dance on Saturday.
Pahrump
Pahrump is a viciously underrated town for local natural hotspots like Death Valley National Park, just one hour east, and Mojave National Preserve, another quick drive away. Enjoy all of the adventures and recreation, including over 35 local hiking trails to explore in the great climate of this part of the state. Be surrounded by its quaint, small town feel, just an hour west of Las Vegas along the Nevada-California border, for an ultimate respite from both states.
The vibrant heart of town is worth perusing, with many hotspots to satisfy shopping and dining needs. Visit this hideaway town if you are a hiker, mountain biker, rock climber, or off-roader, or come to learn all those skills and enjoy the refreshing nature for lounging and relaxing recreation. Enjoy the best of the southern Nevada desert through their wonderful restaurants, accommodations, and nearby casinos. Pahrump's small-town atmosphere is really worth a visit!
Rachel
With just around 70 residents, Rachel is a close pit-stop on an adventure to the infamous Area 51, with notable things to linger over. This tiny town along State Route 375 from the heart of Vegas, is a hidden gem worth every traveler’s time as a break from the city scene. It makes for a fun day trip with friends for some memorabilia and conspiracy theories, or even a weekend getaway with an affordable hotel in town. This youngest town in the state with a serene atmosphere, is surrounded by sand and characterized by alfalfa growth, grazing cattle, and nearby mountains. Most locals today live in mobile homes on scrubby desert patches along the southern end of the Sand Springs Valley, a twenty-five-mile-wide, empty, bowl-shaped valley.
The town along the extraterrestrial highway receives vibes all the way from The Area. Stay at the Little A'Le'Inn Bar and Motel and mingle over drinks with the other fans of the otherworldly, along with reminders all around. Enjoy an alien burger for dinner and visit the memorabilia shop on site, along with guide maps to the Groom Lake Air Force facility in Area 51. This truly mind-boggling day trip into the greater unknown is optimal for the curious, conspiracy theorists, and military enthusiasts. Check out the town's "black mailbox," which is white, and hike or drive up Tikaboo Peak for panoramic views.
Stateline
This census-designated area of only 916 locals boasts a very underrated location along the scenic southeastern shore banks of the immense Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side. Stateline, the lakeside town, offers the change in atmosphere and desirable scenery, right along the California border as well as a liquid oasis—hard to come by in Nevada. Find pursuits for every taste, from lounging to strolls and water sports along the glistening lake's surface. With casinos forbidden in the Golden State, Stateline is the firsthand destination for all wanting to make a bet!
Come for decades worth of some of the best entertainment acts along the lake in this town. In the 1950s and 1960s, The Brat Pack held the scene, now graced by the Beach Boys and Sublime. Take a "cultural" stroll around Horizon, Harvey's, Harrah's, and Montbleu casinos, which really are some of the state's best inside resorts with restaurants and spas. VIsitors may tour them during a stay with, complete with views of the lake and mountains. Stop by to enjoy all of this and more in winter when heading to the nearest ski resort just over the border in California.
Winnemucca
Set amid the Winnemucca Sand Dunes, the only incorporated town in Humboldt County, Winnemucca offers plentiful sights and adventures for all outdoor lovers. Hike up or around the up-to-100-foot-tall mounds for 40 miles. Or perhaps enjoy the scenery via dirtbikes, ATVs, and even a rental UTV from Reno. This "Friendliest Town in Nevada" has it all, including the mighty Humboldt River, teeming with white crappie, walleye, channel catfish, yellow perch, smallmouth, and largemouth bass.
Enjoy primitive camping with serene views along the banks, or head to the nearby Water Canyon Recreation Area on a hike or bike ride for wildlife sightseeing, picnics, and more camping. The strollworthy town in the magical embrace of the great outdoors invites you in to explore its rich buckaroo history and for Basque dinners (surf and turf) quintessentially grilled over hot coals. Stop by the Humboldt County Courthouse, visit fascinating museums, and the Sundance Casino. There is also the iconic Pete’s Gambling Hall, as well as Vesco Park and the Lazy P Adventure Farm for the kids.
Conclusion
While the park and basin really are "great," many of Nevada's towns remain underrated, with many things to explore and experience, like natural wonders and historic centers. The park is open year-round, and this hand-picked list of Nevada towns will pique the interests of all tastes.
There is still Nevada's last glacier, Lehman Caves, and Crystal Ball Cave, and in 2016, the park was designated an International Dark Sky Park, which means that there are dreamy views of galaxies at night from the park's campgrounds.
