From September to November Nevada’s wide-open spaces turn into a collage of autumnal colors.
This is also the best time to travel as temperatures sit at around 20 degrees, ideal for many outdoor activities, including stargazing, cycling and exploring outdoor desert art.
With over 3,400 miles of scenic byways and highways to navigate, the best way to experience Nevada is to hit the open roads.
Set off North from Las Vegas stopping at Valley of Fire and Cathedral Gorge State Parks where travellers will enjoy some of the very best of Nevada’s natural scenery. In Great Basin National Park, visitors will discover the magnificent 13,064-feet Wheeler Peak, groves of 5,000-year-old Bristlecone Pine trees (the oldest living things on Earth), and some of the darkest night skies in America for some epic stargazing. This route offers spectacular scenery any time of year, but it really puts on a show in September and October.
Stretching from Reno to West Wendover across the state’s most Northern region is the Cowboy Corridor. Discover small towns full of history, with museums, art galleries, poetry and music festivals, highlighting the confluence of buckaroo, Basque, and American Indian traditions that have shaped the Silver State. Take a detour to the glacier-carved Ruby Mountains along the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway. This paved road is just 12 miles long, but it’s likely to take a while because drivers will want to stop every few hundred feet for incredible photo opportunities. On the southern end of the Rubies is Harrison Pass with access to the picturesque Ruby Valley.
Despite its name, this historic Nevada road trip is a gateway to ghost towns, historic mining communities, state parks and relaxing natural hot springs. in the autumn the natural hot springs become the perfect evening activities after a long day exploring. Spencer Hot Springs near Austin is the perfect stop for relaxing water temperatures and panoramic views – often referred to as star-bathing when the sun goes down. Spencer in particular is a cluster of natural springs on public land, managed by the Nevada Bureau of Land Management, with 3-4 bathing spots available.
Hot Springs Safety: Visitors should be aware that not all natural hot springs are safe for soaking, always double check the conditions with the Nevada Bureau of Land Management and look out for any warning signs.
