These Towns in Nevada Come Alive in Spring
While the center of gravity in Nevada will always be Las Vegas, its small, charming towns have a discerning magnetic pull, particularly in the springtime Silver State. In March, the temperature begins to rise; from April through May, thermometer readings range from 70 °F to 95 °F, while heavy rain and thunderstorms may catch you in the late spring. Incline Village and Minden offer unbeatable Lake Tahoe access, while Mount Charleston boasts many surrounding natural springs.
The "Silver State," Nevada, has unrivaled nature when it comes to desert-scapes, canyons, and some of the nation's most renowned state parks. So leave the air-conditioned gambling rooms for your summer. Nevada, the perfect mix of cultural wonder and natural beauty, calls you to escape the gambling scene or your own city in spring to towns like Laughlin to find out why it is so popular!
Ely
Ely, a four-season mountain town at Nevada’s eastern edge, is along the paradoxically popular “Loneliest Road in America.” As a remote, historic mountain town where history thrives, the outdoors boasts off-the-beaten-path trails through pristine wilderness. Ely's art scene is prominent, with artists finding inspiration in nature as well as the deep history of its early founding, a mere stagecoach stop in the 1870s. Little did this modest trading post, Murray Station, know that the area was soon to become one of the country’s major copper mining operations! Today, the lively, welcoming community wakes up in the spring at the base of Great Basin National Park, with trails to wander for every level.
Ely reminisces of its rich roots at the Nevada Northern Railway from 1906, a preserved short-line railway with chugging queens of steam and historic diesel engines, an attraction known world-over. Don't miss a downtown stroll under the springtime skies, with art galleries and a sculpture garden perking up its historic appeal. Through the heart, an 11-block art walk features historical and cultural murals, but your eyes will wander up and around in all directions to the rugged mountain peaks. These giants beckon the adventurous in your group for year-round recreation opportunities like the nearby Great Basin National Park and Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park. Visitors can explore the depths of the beautiful Lehman Caves and conquer the snow-capped Wheeler Peak, which is the state's second-tallest mount.
Genoa
Under a 30-minute drive from Carson City, Genoa, Nevada’s oldest non-indigenous settlement, is a real springtime wonder to discover. Founded by the Mormon pioneers in 1851, its unique heritage and modest population of under 1,000 people lend an uncrowded feel for discoveries in the outdoors. While not as famous as the Italian namesake city, the small Nevada town is a sight to behold, along the most popular trail from North River Fork Ranch Trailhead, featuring a stunning cascade. The breathtaking Tahoe Rim Trail from Kingsbury North Trailhead overlooks cerulean water views that make you feel on the edge of a continent.
Take a stroll along the Genoa Historic District, which features Victorian-style architecture against a natural backdrop, and Genoa Courthouse, reflecting the springtime sun. Mormon Station State Historical Park offers replica trading posts and buildings to sense the Mormon settlers' first-hand experience. Their lasting legacy of agriculture is all throughout the farm-to-table restaurants and the salty saloon stories at The Genoa Bar. Start the day at the Pink House before taking the Eagle Ridge Trailhead with access from downtown or a game at one of the two world-class golf courses, Genoa Lakes Golf Club and The Ranch Course at Genoa Lakes.
Incline Village
Incline Village, as the name implies, is a beautiful town nestled along the picturesque eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. One of the foothill towns in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it is among the prettiest thanks to the natural embrace of incredible lake and mountain vistas. Incline Village boasts moderate temperatures year-round, making for a fantastic springtime getaway in the fresh-faced nature under the pleasant sunshine. Home of the University of Nevada, the youthful ring under the blue skies feels refreshing on an impromptu springtime adventure to discover this town, the leader of environmental stewardship and a haven for eco-tourism.
Incline Village welcomes tourists to the many nearby scenic hiking trails and recreational activities at Sand Harbor State Park. There is also a vibrant art scene through galleries, studios, and annual festivals, celebrating the local talent that seeks inspiration from the truly breathtaking natural surroundings. Not only that, but it is known for its dark skies, and locals enjoy staying outdoors from January through December, day and night, with unobstructed views of a whole other world, the Milky Way! Hidden far away, seven hours from Las Vegas with its 9,462 locals, don't miss the uncrowded Incline Village Beach with pristine scenery while paddleboarding, swimming, or lounging under the sun.
Laughlin
Laughlin is a popular little town at the southernmost tip of the Silver State, thanks to its proximity to some of Nevada's best outdoor adventures and recreation opportunities. As a year-round getaway, just 90 minutes from Las Vegas, Laughlin welcomes springtime visitors with a picturesque waterfront that gets bustling with each warmer day along the mighty Colorado River. Beat the crowds at the beaches or the unobscured sights of the tremendous Hoover Dam and Davis Dam after a sightseeing hike. There is also picnicking at Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area, soon to be swarming with swimmers and jet skiers, but for now, you can be among the first kayakers in the serene natural embrace.
The Grapevine Canyon and Spirit Mountain, aka Avi Kwa Ame, reward hikers with captivating rock formations and historic American Indian petroglyphs. To unwind over plain rest and relaxation, the stunning waterfront is just a stroll from your lodge or B&B, or you can take a boat tour or a dinner cruise. Opt for a riverside resort at off-shoulder season prices, jam-packed, but only with fine dining, spa specials, and world-class gaming, as well as some nearby championship golf clubs. Don't forget the riverwalk at sunset and the simple dining pleasures overlooking the great waters—so refreshing in the desert-scape of the state.
Minden
Minden, the heart of the stunning Carson Valley, is a quintessential little town along the East Fork Carson River to visit in the spring. With desert wildflowers throughout the valley, it is the most-worthy almost seven-hour drive from Las Vegas. Tangled in the convergence of numerous cultural influences, the diverse blend is evident in Minden's architecture, cuisine, and customs. The town, with a laid-back feel, offers rich agricultural traditions at the farm-to-table restaurants and a ranching lifestyle for families in the Carson Valley.
Nearby explore the scenic Lake Tahoe shores and Emerald Bay State Park. Back in town, take a stroll through the past at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park or relax over a picnic spread at the natural Minden Park. Visitors can taste Basque, German, and Chinese cuisines, as well as learn about their predecessors in the area—the rich heritage of the Indigenous Washoe Tribe Settlement. Other family-friendly experiences include artifacts and historic displays at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, while Overland Restaurant & Pub is not to be missed for a sit-down meal or to unwind over a nightcap.
Mount Charleston
Mount Charleston is a small mountain town under the towering namesake mountain, with domineering wildlife all around. With stunning valley views, this idyllic hideout is a jet-set for outdoor adventures, feeling a world away despite being only 40 miles from Las Vegas. Quite coincidentally, the Spring Mountains could not be a lovelier destination in the fresh breath of spring, when the valleys are wildflower carpets under the peaks peeking down at the scenery. While a popular day trip for Las Vegas and the gambling scene, or a relief from the Mojave Desert heat of southern Nevada, the quaint springtime town welcomes thin crowds for hiking and cycling against some of the state's best natural vistas. The refreshingly cool mountain air compared to the city and just under 500 permanent residents lend a feel of freedom, synonymous with this season.
The enticing Spring Mountains, named after natural springs in the area, offer both adventures and blissful relaxation to follow. Visitors can explore more high country landscapes, like a nearby forested oasis, and soak in the springs afterward. The Mount Charleston Wilderness covers the high elevations, including Charleston Peak, at 11,916 feet in elevation, while the entire range features short, steep-walled canyon incisions. The unique geology characterized by some 18,000 acres of bristlecone pine, the largest in the Intermountain West, supports several endemic communities of plants that are not found anywhere else in the world. Choose from some 40 miles of trails, like along the spine of the Spring Mountains, rough switches, and the absence of flat terrain, for strenuous but beautiful hikes.
In Nevada, featuring 300 days a year of sunshine, you can catch some sun but also the Lake Tahoe breeze or the mountain air from the Sierra Nevada Mountains through the town of Incline Village. Home to attractive cultures, traditions, and many historic towns, these come alive in the spring—the best time to visit Nevada, hands down, without the scorching summer heat that ranges from hot to deadly.
In the spring, when the soul starts calling for nature, claw your way out of the dusty, dreary city into the open embrace of the Nevada wilderness. From mountains to high deserts and deep canyons, the Silver State feels like another planet from the perspective of these small towns.
