Recreate Responsibly

Nevada is a beautiful place, but one of its best qualities— and the reason folks make repeat visits—is that most of it belongs to everybody. More than 80 percent of Nevada is public, which means our lakes, deserts, valleys, marshes, and mountains are for everyone to enjoy. With that said, it’s up to you to protect the land and keep Nevada pristine for the next generation.

Wildfire Watchout

Battling natural wildfires is difficult enough, so let’s not add humancaused ones to the mix. Preventable blazes are started by campfire embers, vehicle undercarriages, hot bullet casings, and more. Practice situational awareness and always be aware of local fire restrictions.

WHERE YOU’RE GOING, THERE’S A ROAD

No matter your destination, you’re likely to find a two-tracks or trail that’ll get you where you need to be. Please don’t blaze your own: desert fauna is slow to grow and takes decades to recover from damage.

HERE’S YOUR SIGN

While most land is public, some isn’t. If you see any No Trespassing signs, please stay out. If you come across a gate with no signage, it’s there to keep cattle out. Pass on through but make sure to close the gate behind you.

TREAD LIGHTLY!

Whether you’re offroading, hunting, target shooting, fishing, or simply exploring, make sure you’re operating motorized vehicles legally, safely, and responsibly. Brush up on designated OHV routes before you head out into Nevada’s backcountry.

Animal Instinct

Nevada’s wildlife ranges from rabbits to rattlesnakes, burros to bighorns, antelope to coyotes, and more wild horses than anywhere else. While exploring the backcountry, be sure to drive at safe speeds. You’ll be more likely to spot the fauna, and they’ll have more time to get out of your way. Also, feeding or handling wildlife is against the law, and human interaction won’t do them any favors in the long run. Enjoy from a distance.

DIRT

ROAD CODE

Nevada’s night skies are some of the darkest in the Lower 48, and many visitors take to remote campgrounds for our unrivaled galactic view. Be mindful of the light pollution you bring with you: It doesn’t take much to blow out another camper’s night vision.

Study up on the Dirt Road Code if you plan on venturing outside metro areas for an adventure. You’ll find packing tips, vehicle suggestions, and advice on how to safely navigate Nevada’s backroads.

Travel Nevada Pro Tip

Don’t count on your cellphone to bail you out of a jam! Nevada’s wild places are some of the country’s most remote, which means they’re often out of cell service and far from help. Be prepared, let people know where you’re going, and always have a plan B.

NM&VG: How has Reno’s dining scene changed over the years?

ME: Back in 2010, when I opened Campo, there were a small handful of restaurants that were delivering on the level we were. Today, we have so many great types of cuisines and restaurants. Even things like Food Truck Friday brought great diversity and culture. Now it’s even stronger in the last 3-4 years. Reno Public Market, Gordon Ramsay has a restaurant at Lake Tahoe, Charlie Palmer is still going strong...Reno’s just getting better and better.

NM&VG: What is your favorite thing to cook at home?

ME: We make homemade pasta for the kids, just simple Tagliatelle. The kids each like different sauces so we have a pasta bar-type meal.