Weird and wonderful Nevada

From bizarre accommodations and eerie ghost towns to spectacular national parks, look no further than quirky Nevada.

Born out of natural landscapes, and founded by miners and cowboys, it is no surprise that the state of Nevada is home to some of the most unusual attractions, making it the perfect destination for those wanting an off-the-wall experience.

Celebrate the home of Burning Man

Taking place 29 August – 5 September 2022, and after two years of cancellations due to the pandemic, this month will see the triumphant return of the infamous Burning Man Festival, bringing 70,000 festival-goers from all over the globe to Black Rock City. Located in Black Rock Desert, the five-day festival is devoted to inclusion, self-reliance, self-expression and community art. This year’s “waking dreams” theme will be interpreted in visionary and surrealist ways, with many different mind-blowing art forms.

Travellers to Nevada can experience Burning Man all year round by tracing the art-lined pilgrimage that “Burners” embark on each August as they travel “home” to Burning Man. Beginning in Reno, the two to four day road trip takes travellers on on an epic journey through breath-taking landscapes, from camping on the sandy beaches of Pyramid Lake a to stargazing in solitude at Massacre Rim.

travelnevada.com/road-trips/burner-byway/ 

Stargaze in Nevada’s dark skies

Home to some of the last remaining true dark skies on earth, Nevada is unrivalled when it comes to observing the twinkling constellations, fascinating planets and galaxies . With zero light pollution, Nevada’s Massacre Rim is one of only seven designated Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world, and where the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies are clearly visible to the naked eye. Another spot for the best stargazing in Nevada is Great Basin National Park which celebrates its 100 year anniversary this year.

travelnevada.com/stargazing 

Discover hundreds of ghost towns in the Silver State 

Following the boom in silver and gold discoveries in the mid-1860s, Nevada quickly became known as the “Silver State”, attracting workers from across the globe and prompting a rapid growth in infrastructure. Once resources dried up, miners quickly moved onto the next town, abandoning one by one what would become hundreds of ghost towns, made up of historic mining camps and bygone boomtowns. Just under two hours drive from Las Vegas is Rhyolite, a once lucrative mining town. Located in the north, travellers will find the ghost town of Virginia City, with haunted hotels and saloons.

travelnevada.com/ghost-town 

Stay in some of the quirkiest places on earth

From haunted hotels and abandoned yurts to clown-themed motels, off-grid lodges and alien inspired ranches, Nevada’s accommodation is far from the norm. Travellers can discover ancient stories of the Wild West at the haunted Overland Hotel & Saloon in Pioche, Nevada’s “liveliest ghost town” and where ghosts outnumber guests, or stay in a remote off-the-grid cabin, hidden in the depths of Black Rock Desert where the only neighbours are the resident wild horses. Extraterrestrial enthusiasts can head to Little A’Le’ Inn in Rachel, situated on the world’s only extraterrestrial highway and the closest you can legally get to Area 51. Beatty’s Atomic Inn, located on the edge of Death Valley National Park, is known for its unique technicolor rocks, flowing sand dunes, canyons and rare wildlife.

travelnevada.com/hotels/unique-stays 

Home to the most natural hot springs in the United States

While hot springs are nothing new, Nevada has the most natural hot springs in the United States. Head to Black Rock Desert to soak up Nevada’s remote landscape and idyllic scenery while relaxing in one of Soldier Meadow‘s many rock-damned pools. For those wanting a less wild experience, Nevada’s David Walley’s Resort is the perfect place. Situated in the heart of Carson Valley and offering breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada, guests can relax in one of five hot springs with a scenic mountain view.

travelnevada.com/hot-springs/natural-hot-springs/