Road Trips Done Right Through Unbelievably Weird, Wild Nevada

It’s time to bring back the epic family road trip! From great lakes to beautiful gems to the weird and wonderful, Nevada has something for everyone. Here are three surprisingly different road-trips to inspire your family to get out there when it’s safe to do so again .....

Road Trip Idea #1

Quirky Nevada The Weird & Wonderful From Bottom to Top

Nevada has never been ordinary and as a state frequented by modern freedom seekers, founded by cowboys and gold miners and built by casino heavyweights ... it’s no wonder that it contains a lot of quirky features. From a forest of junk cars to a haunted clown-themed motel to the Extraterrestrial Highway, exploring Nevada’s weird and wonderful side from bottom to top (or vice-versa) is sure to create some great family memories and insta worthy photos.

Seven Magic Mountains

South Nevada - Las Vegas

Visible across the desert landscape along Interstate 15 just south of Las Vegas, Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone has created Seven Magic Mountains, a fun, neon-coloured art installation. According to Rondinone, the location is both symbolically and physically mid-way between the natural and the artificial with the natural expressed by the landscape and the artificial expressed by the constant flow of traffic on the highway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas

Seven Magic Mountain

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

The Neon Museum

South Nevada - Las Vegas

Las Vegas and Neon signs go hand in hand right? But where does all that Neon go when it’s no longer needed? The Neon Museum, a non-profit dedicated to collecting, preserving and exhibiting the most iconic neon signs of Las Vegas. Although you can visit during the day, it’s best to visit at night with a guided tour to get the full effect of the neon.

The Neon Museum

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

The Clown Museum

Central Nevada - Tonopah

Dubbed ‘’America’s Scariest Motel’’ due to its clown theme and proximity to the cemetery where many miners were laid to rest after the Tonopah-Belmont Mine Fire of 1911, The Clown Motel is a unique experience. According to The Clown Motel website, ‘’We’ll do everything to make your stay comfortable, but what happens after dark is out of our hands ... ‘’

Clown Museum

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Alien Research Centre

Central Nevada - Hiko

The Alien Research Centre is the gateway to Area 51 and the Extraterrestrial Highway, a road trip in its own right! Enter the silver Quonset hut with the giant two-story silver alien at the door to get the inside scoop on where to spot a UFO, chat with locals and of course, get your mitts on some alien-themed souvenirs.

Alien Research Centre

Credit: TravelNevada

International Car Forest of The Last Church Central

Nevada - Goldfield

Found just outside Goldfield, the International Car Forest of the Last Church is a quirky sculpture garden of various cars, vans and trucks. If you have spray paint, bring it along as the vehicles invite new paint jobs from visiting ‘’churchgoers.’’ Families will marvel at how some cars have been forced into the ground while others are carefully balanced atop each other.

International Car Forest

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Goldfield Historic Cemetery

Central Nevada - Goldfield

Goldfield was one of the largest mining communities in the Western US and as a result, the Goldfield Cemetery is chock full of some of Nevada’s most interesting history. It even drew in famed westerners such as Virgil and Wyatt Earp! For families who aren’t directly connected to Goldfield’s history, there are plenty of noteworthy graves to check out in the historical section, which can be found all the way at the back on the left.

Marked by large white stones used as grave markers, expect to find some interesting causes of death inscribed on the grave markers such as ‘’Man Died Eating Library Paste.’’ The cemetery is still in use today so visitors should take care to be respectful.

Goldfield Cemetary

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Coffinwood

Central Nevada - Pahrump

Coffinwood is a genuin weird and wonderful experience in Nevada! After experiencing tragedy himself, owner Bryan decided to take up coffin making, starting the business ‘’Coffin It Up’’. An artist and a cabinetmaker professionally, he also has a passion for working with Obsidian and creates coffin furniture, jewellery, storage boxes as well as actual burial coffins. Being that Coffinwood is also a private home, tours of Coffinwood are strictly by appointment only.

Coffinwood

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

E.T. Fresh Jerky

Central Nevada - Hiko

Quirky character, clean restrooms and Alien jerky … only in Nevada! E.T. Jerky is not the only treasure to be found at this iconic rest stop though. Expect to find a range of quirky souvenirs, candy, dried fruit, nuts, gourmet olives and even Martian Poop flavoured soda. Don’t miss the great family photo opps with the life-size alien murals.

E.T. Fresh Jerky

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Thunder Mountain

Northern Nevada - Winnemucca

Created by the late Fran Van Zant, aka Chief Thunder, Thunder Mountain will leave you scratching your head. The oddly shaped, handmade structure was created over several decades using artifacts and other items found in the Nevada desert, including bottles and hubcaps all patched together with concrete.

Chief Thunder believed the Great Spirit was keeping him there and that building and running Thunder Mountain was his destiny. It’s unsafe to explore the interior but families can peruse the grounds and any donations help to maintain the quirky structures that have called Nevada home for decades.

Thunder Mountain

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Republic of Molossia

North Central Nevada - Dayton

Just 30 minutes north-east of Carson City, a weird and wonderful sovereign nation can be found. The Republic of Molossia has been an official independent, sovereign nation for forty years! President Kevin Baugh and his wife declared a micronation back in 1977 and covering 6.3 acres of land, it’s the smallest of the Molossia Territories. The other territories are located in Pennsylvania, Southern California, the bottom of the Pacific Ocean and apparently, even on a small chunk of the planet Venus.

Although lacking a hospital or airport, the Republic of Molossia has currency and laws. Visitors must make an appointment to visit and go through customs just like anywhere else! Official holidays in Molossia include the Moonpie Festival in September and Kickassia Invasion Victory Day in April.

The Republic of Molossia

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Road Trip Idea #2

The Lake Tahoe Loop

Massive, crystal-clear and encircled by towering peaks, Lake Tahoe has deservedly earned its title as the ‘’Jewel of the Sierra Nevada’’. The Lake Tahoe Loop road trip begins and ends in Reno, checking in around scenic spots on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, Carson City and the wonderfully wild and western historic Virginia City.

Begin The Lake Tahoe Loopby Exploring Reno

Reno has come a long way from its casino town days and is now also known for its obsession with public art, bohemian shops and epic events.

Adventure … Adventurous families will love the world’s tallest artificial climbing wall and 7,000-square-foot indoor bouldering park at the Whitney Peak Hotel. You don’t need to stay at this smoke and gambling free hotel to make use of this fun attraction and the hotel is easily found right near the well known Reno Arch.

Art … Public art knows no end in Reno! A stroll along the Reno Riverwalk or the plaza outside of the Nevada Museum of Art will delight both young and old with public art ranging from murals to retired Burning Man sculptures. The Museum of Art also offers innovative kids, teens and families programs so make sure to check out their website beforehand.

Atmosphere ... Located alongside the picturesque Truckee River, the Reno Riverwalk is enjoyable for all that take the time to stroll. Families will find shopping, restaurants, entertainment and even a whitewater park.

The Reno Arch

Credit: Visit Reno Tahoe/TravelNevada

Drive from Reno to Lake Tahoe

37mi / 60km

Lake Tahoe straddles the Nevada-California borders and being the largest alpine lake in North America, is popular for SUP-boarding, kayaking, and beach-bumming. The water is considered brisk in the middle of summer but only the brave take the plunge in winter!

Head to Incline Village in the north as your introduction to the stunning Lake Tahoe. A rustic hamlet with luxurious lodging and old Tahoe charm, this is where you will find the Tahoe Science centre. The interactive exhibits allow families looking for fun and learning to dive into Lake Tahoe without getting wet! Learn about the lake’s ecosystem, why it’s changing and how you can keep Tahoe blue.

Heading south 5mi/8km, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is the place to be and there is no better place to experience Tahoe’s range of stunning scenery. Sandy Harbour is popular with families, sunbathers, SUP-boarders, boaters and even sleigh riders in the wintertime. Shakespeare lovers won’t want to miss the annual summertime Shakespeare Fest held each July through August.

Lake Tahoe

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Off-grid bliss is found by hikers, mountain bikers, anglers and lovers of the outdoors at Spooner Lake and the Marlette-Hobart Backcountry. Home to the cliff-hugging Flume Trail, the track is carved into a steep granite spire overlooking Lake Tahoe with Instagram worthy views. Although popular with mountain bike riders, the hiking trail is just as spectacular.

Along this Highway 28 Corridor, road tripping families can find secluded beaches accessible only by a hike in or over the water. Secret Cove and Chimney Beach are picturesque favourites!

Cave Rock, only 14mi/22km south of Sandy Beach, is of spiritual significance to American Indian tribes in the region and features three picnic areas with tables and BBQ pits. Fishing, swimming and hiking is popular here.

MS Dixie

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Heading further south 5mi/8km to Zephyr Cove, don’t miss your chance to cruise Lake Tahoe on the M.S. Dixie II. Dixie is a 500-passenger paddle wheeler and a local favourite, running daytime cruises, dinner cruises and private charters.

The 2.5 hour daytime cruise is a great photo opportunity for treasured family memories in the sunshine and fresh Lake Tahoe air. Cruise Emerald Bay and learn of its history and how it was formed. Beautiful scenery is guaranteed!

Say Goodbye to Lake Tahoe and Hello to Carson Valley and City

33mi/53km (via Genoa)

Scenic ranchlands and charming small towns with old fashioned hospitality are a welcomed feature of Carson Valley.

Make sure you visit Genoa Bar & Saloon in Genoa, only 20mi/32km from Zephyr Cove via Kingsbury Grade Rd and Foothill Rd. Dating back to 1853, it’s the oldest one in Nevada! Quirky relics in this saloon include Willie Nelson’s hat and Raquel Welch’s bra. It’s not hard to find delicious cafes in Genoa either!

Carson Valley

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

If you have time to linger in Carson Valley, the town of Gardnerville was designed for strolling. Set against the backdrop of the Eastern Sierra in the heart of Carson Valley, Gardnerville is a wonderful place to amble among century old buildings filled with local art, crafts and antiques.

When you arrive in Carson City, head to the Carson City Visitors Centre to pick up your Kit Carson Trail map. Families can follow along a 2.5mi/4km self-guided walking tour through the historical district.

Carson City is also a haven for museum lovers with the Nevada State Museum, the Nevada State Railroad Museum, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad and the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum.

Genoa Bar

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Head to Virginia and Back to Reno to Complete the Loop

41mi/66km

The 1850’s-era mining town of Virginia City is just 15mi/24km along the Lincoln Highway from Carson City. Virginia was built above the Comstock Lode silver mines where one of the world’s largest silver booms occurred, attracting 25,000 hopeful fortune-seekers in its heyday.

Today, only around 1,000 residents call Virginia home and the entire town has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places with beautifully preserved churches, homes, cemeteries and saloons.

Families will love visiting the Chollar Mine on a tour and some may even love touring the haunted buildings around town, of which some experts claim are the most paranormally active places in the USA, particularly the Mackay Mansion, Washoe Club and the Silver Queen.

Virginia & Truckee Railroad

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

All ages will love visiting the Virginia & Truckee Railroad for the opportunity to ride 100 year-old steam engines and heritage diesel locomotives. Ride the lines through famous bonanza Comstock mines and you may even spot bands of wild horses, raptors and other native animals!

Reno is a further 26mi/42km to complete your epic Lake Tahoe Loop family road trip!

Shakespeare Fest.

Credit: Strotz Photography/TravelNevada

Road Trip Idea #3

All That Glitters - Rockhounding in Nevada

Rockhounding, fossicking, prospecting ... whatever you choose to call it, Nevada is an absolute paradise for finding pretty rocks and minerals!

Mine For Turquoise

Central Nevada - Tonopah

If you only have time for one rockhounding adventure in Central Nevada, make it this one! Visit the Otteson Brothers in Tonopah and head out on their Turquoise Mine Tour through the Royston Turquoise Mine, famous for the specific shade of raw turquoise it produces.

Spend a half or full-day mining alongside third-generation Otteson family, who at the end of the day will cut and polish your most valuable piece. Reservations are required and tours are held April through to November.

Otteson Brothers torquiose

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Search For Fossils

Central Nevada - Caliente

Located just outside of Caliente in the southeast corner of Nevada, the Oak Springs Trilobite area features six types of trilobites in the shale deposits. In case you’re wondering, a trilobite is a group of extinct fossil arthropods that existed as marine animals over 500 million years ago. The fossils have been exposed at the south end of the property in a trench and this is the area you should start searching.

Oak Springs Trilobite area

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Rockhound For Gems

Central Nevada - Goldfield

Some of the best rockhounding lies just outside Goldfield in a lesser-known place called Gemfield. A variety of rocks and minerals can be found in the one area here such as chalcedony, agate, jasper and quartz.

Pick Up Some Garnets

North Central Nevada - Ely

Garnet Hill in the Ely district is the only designated rockhounding area for garnet collectors. Ruby red semi-precious gems are found buried within the hillside in the rocky volcanic outcrops through either rock breaking or searching the surface. While it’s recommended to bring gloves, a rock hammer and a shovel, many are visible on the surface!

Garnet Hill

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Fall In Love With Opals

Northern Nevada - Denio

Denio is where a multitude of opal action is when it comes to rockhounding in Northern Nevada! The Royal Peacock Opal Mine opened for business in 1981 and has been a family affair ever since, producing extremely rare and stunningly beautiful specimens.

The Black Fire Opals found in this region are so unique that Nevada has claimed them as the state gemstone. Formerly operating as a commercial mine, the Royal Peacock is open to hobbyist rockhounders these days and has its own RV Park onsite. The mine is open from around May to October weather permitting.

Other Opal Mines in the area include Bonanza Opal Mines and Rainbow Ridge Opal Mines.

Royal Peacock Opal Mine

Credit: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada

Try Your Hand at Gold Prospecting

Northern Nevada - Rye Patch State Recreation Area

Heading away from Denio and it’s beautiful opals, Rye Patch State Recreation Area is a popular base camp for gold prospecting. Open year-round, Rye Patch is situated on a 22-mile long reservoir with 72mi/116km of shoreline and 11,000 acres of water surface when full. Families can camp here and also enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking and ghost town exploration.

Rye Patch State Recreation Area

Credit: Nevada State Parks/TravelNevada

NEVADA ROAD TRIPS NEED TO KNOW

Confirm before departing as some accommodation providers and activities are seasonal and/or temporarily closed or operating reduced hours due to Covid-10

Important information on Covid-19 Health & Safety Travel, a list of RV Parks in Nevada and RV Hire links are included in the desktop article on ISSUU.