Discover Rhyolite Ghost Town and Goldwell Open Air Museum near Beatty

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

Nevada is known for many things, the most popular among them being ghost towns. With its rich history in mining, there are dozens of examples of these once booming mining towns spread throughout the state, many with structural remains.

One such example is Rhyolite, located just off Highway 95, just a few miles outside the Death Valley gateway town of Beatty. If you’re traveling along the highway, Rhyolite is easy to get to as all you’ll need to do is make a couple of turns to reach it.

There are many remains of the former structures to explore, but the ghost town isn’t the only attraction here. There is also the Tom Kelly Bottle House and the Instagram infamous Goldwell Open Air Museum, featuring several sculptures.

In this post, I’ll discuss several aspects of a visit here, including what to expect, the parking situation, how much it costs to visit and I’ll even throw in a bit of history. Let’s get into it.

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Quick Stats

• Location: Near the town of Beatty, NV

• Fee: None

• Open: All year, sunrise to sunset

• For: Everyone

• Cell Service: Spotty, at best

• Restroom: At the end of the road near the train depot

• Parking: Dirt lots at the museum and bottle house, “park where you can” in Rhyolite

• EV Stations: None

• Popularity: Medium to high

• Time: One to two hours

• Features: Desert art sculptures, a glass bottle house and historic building remains

• Pets: Allowed

• Drones: Allowed

• My Visit(s): August 2023

Directions to Rhyolite,Parking & Fees

As mentioned above, despite its remote location, Rhyolite is easy to get to as there are very few turns to make to reach it. It’s a mostly straight shot.

Coming from either Northern or Southern Nevada, you’ll find your way onto Highway 95 and continue until you reach the town of Beatty. If you’re traveling north, take a left onto Highway 374 for about four miles, then take a right on Rhyolite road.

If you’re traveling south, continue straight when you come to the stop sign in Beatty for about four miles and then turn right on Rhyolite road. From the Furnace Creek Visitor Center in Death Valley, follow CA-190 west for about 48 miles, crossing the Nevada border in the process, before turning left onto Rhyolite road.

Once on Rhyolite road, it’s a short drive to the attractions. The first of which you’ll drive up on will be the Goldwell Open Air Museum, followed by the bottle house and finally, Rhyolite Ghost Town.

Both Goldwell and the bottle house have designated parking lots, though they’re of the gravel variety and aren’t maintained well. The road leading up to Goldwell is paved, then turns to gravel around the bottle house. Past there, the road returns to asphalt before going through Rhyolite.

My Chevrolet Cruz managed the road and parking lots just fine, as did several other small vehicles that were there at the time, so no need to worry.

Goldwell Open Air Museum

The Goldwell Open Air Museum will be the first attraction you’ll come across during your visit to Rhyolite. You’ll find the parking lot on your left, with the visitor center and sculptures just feet away from the parking lot.

It is 100% free to park and explore the museum, but they do accept donations in the visitor center and online if you feel so inclined. The sculptures are in fairly close proximity to one another, so there isn’t a lot of walking involved here.

The sculptures were made by a group of artists led by Albert Szukalski, a Belgian-born artist who’s behind the museum’s most recognizable sculpture, The Last Supper (pictured below). The colorful designs make a beautiful contrast against the vast landscape of the Mojave desert.

The First sculpture, The Last Supper, was installed in 1984, followed up by Ghost Rider, which is located just steps from the parking lot.

As time went on, additional sculptures were added, leading to the creation of the open air museum. Sculptures continue to be added to this day. A few more examples include:

• Ghost Rider (1984)

• Lady Desert: The Venus of Nevada (1992)

• Icara (1992)

• Sit Here! 2000 (2023)

• Tribute to Shorty Harris (1994)

You can spend as much time as you want at the museum. While it is a popular place, it doesn’t seem to get too crowded, as I was here in August and there was only two other people here at the same time as me.

When you’re finished exploring the sculptures, take a left out of the parking lot and continue up the road for a few hundred feet before arriving at the Tom Kelly Bottle House parking lot.

Tom Kelly’s Bottle House

Just a bit further up the road on the right is the Tom Kelly Bottle House. It was built in 1906 by Australian-born Tom Kelly, who was a stonemason turned gold miner.

He built the house using over 50,000 beer, whiskey and medicine glass bottles, in which he obtained by paying local children ten cents per wheelbarrow full. In total, Kelly paid $2500 to construct the house.

While this one is the oldest and largest known glass bottle house in the United States, it isn’t the only one. Many don’t know that glass bottles were often used for home construction in the American West due to them often being cheaper than other material, such as stone or wood.

Another infamous example of glass bottles being used as construction material is Thunder Mountain Monument in Northern Nevada near Lovelock, though not nearly used as extensively as Tom Kelly’s.

Price wasn’t the only driver for using glass bottles. They do a great job at staying cool in the summer and retaining heat in the winter, a perfect recipe for Nevada desert living.

During filming for the 1926 film The Air Mail, Tom Kelly’s Bottle House, along with the rest of the structures in Rhyolite, were partially restored and featured in the film.

Unfortunately, due to past vandalism and theft, the bottle house has a locked fence surrounding the entire perimeter, making access to the house off-limits to the public.

You’re free to walk the perimeter, as there are numerous informational signs scattered about. At the rear of the home is where you’ll see the largest wall, almost entirely made with glass bottles and adobe mud.

As with the Goldwell Open Air Museum, there are no fees associated with Tom Kelly’s Bottle House. When you’re ready to proceed to the rest of Rhyolite, take a right out of the lot and continue forward.

Rhyolite Ghost Town Remains

The structural remains of a variety of Rhyolite businesses and public buildings can be found just up the road from the museum and bottle house. Until you reach the Train Depot at the end (which is also where a bathroom is located), there is no parking lot. Even then, parking is mostly just grabbing a spot that looks good.

The remains are dotted on both sides all along the road. If you see one you’d like to explore, just park on the side of the road and jump out. Most of the structures are fenced off for safety, though, so you can only explore so much.

Some of the historic buildings include:

• Porter Brothers General Store (pictured below)

• Caboose House

• Local School

• Cook Bank (pictured above)

• Train Depot

Rhyolite was founded in 1905 in the heart of the Bullfrog Mining District. What began as a humble two-tent operation exploded into a town of 5,000 people in just six months.

Despite being one of many mining towns in Nevada, Rhyolite stood out for its high quality ore, producing a total of one million ($27 million by today’s standards) in its first three years.

As is the case with all boom towns, it didn’t last forever. Issues such as deteriorating ore quality and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake literally derailing operations by destroying the railroad, lead the town’s decline by 1914.

The entire town would lose its electricity supply, causing the banks, newspapers, post office and train depot to shutter. By 1920, all that would remain in the town were 14 residents.

At the end of the road is where you’ll find the train depot, the most intact structure left. The windows have been boarding up, but the stone structure is nearly 100% intact.

The building is fenced off, with warnings of cameras being present, but there’s an intentional opening near the depot’s original entrance where you can enter and explore.

It appeared as if they were doing some kind of restoration project, as I’ve seen fairly recent photos of the depot without the fence. I wasn’t able to determine that one way or another, though.

I hope you get a chance to visit Rhyolite as it’s uniquely Nevada in every possible way and an important reminder of the state’s history.

Planning a trip to Southern Nevada? Be sure to read How to Spend a Few Hours at Valley of Fire in the Summer. Also read Explore the International Car Forest of the Last Church in Goldfield.

PROVERBS 3:23

Hike the Calico Tanks Trail at Red Rock Canyon

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

If you live in the Las Vegas area or you’re planning to visit soon and you’re in search of local hiking trails, you can’t go wrong with one of the most popular in the area - the Calico Tanks Trail.

Located in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, right off the Scenic Drive, this trail takes hikers on a thrilling experience through red and white sandstone formations across rolling hills and inside the walls of a canyon, before ending at the famed Calico Tank and a jaw dropping view of the valley below.

While the trail length is moderate, coming in at only 2.4-miles, out and back, it’s far from your normal, everyday trail as there’s some mild scrambling required, increasing the time it’ll take to complete the hike.

Curious to see what the trail looks like? Want to know where the parking lot is and what, if any, fees are associated with this hike? I discuss all of that and more in the post below.

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Trail Stats

• Location: Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area, Las Vegas, NV

• Fee: Up to $20 per vehicle

• Open: All year

• For: Hikers

• Cell Service: Spotty, at best

• Restroom: At the trailhead

• Parking: Large paved lot at the trailhead

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Popularity: High

• Mileage: 2.4 miles, out and back

• Elevation Gain: 440 feet

• Condition: Trail is dotted with trail markers, but there isn’t much of a designated path for most of it. Bringing a map would be wise

• Features: Beautiful sandstone formations, the Calico Tank and a great view of Las Vegas at the end

• Accessible: Any time of year, but with the limited shade and the extreme heat, summer isn’t ideal

• Pets: Not allowed

• Drones: Not allowed

• Hazards: Little to no shade, sandy boulders and rattlesnakes

• My Visit(s): August 2023

Take a look at these products that I recommend for this hike…

• Salomon OUTPULSE Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

• Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack w/ 2L Water Bladder

• 50 UPF ANKOR Water and Sweat Resistant Hat

• La Roche-Posay SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen for Face

• Blenders Eclipse Sunglasses w/ 100% UV Protection (non-binary)

Red Rock Canyon Fees and Parking

While there aren’t any fees associated with the trail itself, the trail is located inside Red Rock Canyon, which does charge a fee to enter. Fees for 2024 are as follows:

• $20 per vehicle

• $10 per motorcycle

• $8 per bicyclist

• $5 per pedestrian

Furthermore, if you’re visiting between the months of November and May, a timed reservation will be required to access the park between the hours of 8am and 5pm. An additional $2 fee will be charged by Recreation.gov for these.

If you have any variation of the America the Beautiful pass, you can use it for entry here. You will still need a reservation during the months mentioned above, though. Conversely, you can purchase a Red Rock Canyon annual pass for $50.

The parking lot for the Calico Tanks Trail is easy to find, as it’s located just off Scenic Drive on the right. It’s fairly large, capable of holding several dozen vehicles or so, and is paved.

It’s the second parking lot you’ll encounter along Scenic Drive. The first one is for the Calico Hills and Basin, so don’t confuse the two (though this area is also worthy of exploring if you have the time).

Unfortunately, Red Rock Canyon experiences vehicle break ins and thefts at the most popular parking lots, Calico Tanks being amongst them. So don’t leave valuables in plain view.

Near the entrance, I pulled over to take a photo of the welcome sign and while doing so, I witnessed a black SUV pull over. A young man jumped out, looked into my car and the car parked in front of me, looked up and saw me, jumped back in his car and took off. So definitely heed the warnings.

The Trail

The trailhead is located at the northern end of the parking lot, next to the restrooms. There’s trail signage here advising visitors of potential hazards and/or trail conditions, so be sure to give them a quick read.

The trail begins in the shade of the large canyon wall and runs straight for about 30 yards, before pivoting right towards an area of gravel wash.

This area can be easy to lose at times as the trail appears to have been washed away by reoccurring flooding events. You’ll know you’ve went the right direction when you see two giant boulders on your left (pictured below).

Past these boulders, you’ll travel along a clear pathway for a short spell before coming across an even larger gravel wash field. Throughout this stretch, it would be advisable to have a map on hand as the trail is non-existent.

If you don’t have one, just keep an eye out for the trail markers and make your way to the next one the best you can, simply repeating the process until you’re back on the path.

After a short while, the trail will become obvious again and will narrow as it aligns with the canyon walls. It is here where your adventure truly begins.

If there’s been rainfall recently, you’ll likely encounter several large puddles of water and work your way through the canyon. None of them are deep or treacherous, though.

You can easily bypass many of them by utilizing the spur trails, but there is one in particular that forces you to either scramble over the sandstone or just accept the fact that your feet are going to get wet.

You’ll soon come upon the first of many large boulders you’ll need to negotiate in order to complete the trail. None of which are difficult.

There are no ropes or chains to hoist yourself up on, nor will you need any special equipment. Be sure to bring shoes or boots with good tread, though, as the sandstone is slick and sandy in some spots.

Much like at the beginning of the trail, there are several trail markers placed along this stretch indicating the best possible path, as there is no proper trail from this point forward.

You’re never out of eye-shot of one of these markers, so as soon as you make your way to one, simply look around to find the next and make your way there, watching your steps.

Depending on the time of day, you’ll have some shade on this section of the trail, but it’s mostly in the morning. As the sun gets higher, the amount of shade dissipates, leaving you more exposed to the Las Vegas heat.

It goes without saying, but you should bring as much water your shoulders can handle on this hike. It’s always better to bring too much than not enough.

You’ll know you’re nearing the end of the trail when you reach a series of sandstone steps, coupled with a dirt path leading you upward.

At the top of those sandstone steps, you’ll notice a notch in the distance. Just beyond that notch is where the Calico Tank lies.

The water level in the tank varies throughout the year. It can be anywhere from bone dry in the summer to full and frozen over in the winter.

Either way, it makes for a great spot to sit and enjoy a snack. There are numerous rocks to sit on along the trail on the south side of the tank. Additionally, if the water level is low enough, there’s a small area on the shore where you can sit.

Just beyond the tank is an outstanding view of Las Vegas and the valley. I did not go any further as I was feeling the effects of the day’s 108 degree heat and had to turn back.

From what I was told by others on the trail that day, you’ll need to do a little more boulder hopping past the tank to reach the overlook, but it’s only a few more minutes beyond the tank.

READ NEXT: “How to Spend a Few Hours at Valley of Fire in the Summer”

My Experience at Jade Asian Kitchen & Noodles in Las Vegas

Disclaimer: I am not a professional restaurant critic, nor has this restaurant offered me any incentive to write this post. My opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience only.

In Las Vegas, there is no shortage of amazing places to eat. People from all over the world and all walks of life come to Vegas so thus, there are many restaurants serving a wide variety of delicacies.

While many websites focus on places to eat on or near the Las Vegas strip, I feel there isn’t enough representation of great places to our outside of the stip.

During my recent visit of Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon, I stayed at the JW Marriott in the community of Summerlin. If you’ve ever stayed at a JW, you’ll know they’re known for being large properties with many restaurants and other offerings.

One such restaurant at the JW Las Vegas is Jade Asian Kitchen & Noodles, located behind the hotel’s palms tower, down a beautiful marble floored hallway, right across from Starbucks.

I was famished after spending half the day exploring Valley of Fire and was looking to replenish those lost calories. After a quick Yelp review search, I decided to book a table at Jade.

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Disclaimer: I am not a professional restaurant critic, nor has this restaurant offered me any incentive to write this post. My opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience only.

Restaurant Info

• Location: JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa

• Address: 221 North Rampart Blvd.

• Cost: $$$$

• Food: Fresh sushi, Teppanyaki and other Asian dishes

• Open: 5pm - 10pm (Wed, Thurs, Fri) & 4pm - 11pm (Sat & Sun). Closed Mon & Tues

• Seating: Mostly indoor. Some outdoor seating on the patio

• Alcohol: Full bar - extensive beer and cocktail menu

• My Visit: August 2023

• Rating (out of three): 👍🏼👍🏼

As stated above, Jade Asian Kitchen is located inside the JW Marriott in the Las Vegas community of Summerlin, behind the hotel’s Palms Tower.

If you’re not staying at the hotel, your best bet is to park in the self parking area of the hotel, just outside Rampart Casino. You’ll find the restaurant outside of the berm of the casino area, adjacent to Starbucks.

You can make a reservation for the regular menu at Jade through the OpenTable app, or by calling them directly. Though it isn’t required.

If you’re wanting to enjoy Teppanyaki, though (like I did), then reservations are required. When arriving, be sure to specify to the host/hostess about your Teppanyaki reservation.

The dining room is beautifully lit in a contemporary setting. There are touches of Asian culture decor mixed in as well. Jade does a great job of honoring Asian culture without coming across as cliche.

The Teppanyaki counters are located in the rear of the dining room, near the entry doors to the outdoor patio. If I remember correctly, there were four grills set up.

For those who’re unaware of what Teppanyaki is, it’s a post-World War II style of Japanese cuisine in which an iron griddle is used to cook food. The word is derived from teppan (the metal plate) and yaki, which means pan-fried, grilled or broiled.

Once everyone at your table has been seated, your chef will come out to make their introduction and explain the process to you. It’s around this time when your waiter or waitress will take your food and drink orders.

The protein options on the Teppanyaki menu include the usual that you’d find at most restaurants. These include; chicken, shrimp, salmon, filet mignon, ribeye, sea scallops, lobster, wagyu and vegetarian.

Prices range from $29 (chicken) to $136 (wagyu ribeye) and includes a soup starter and a side of fried rice. They also offer combo options where you can get two proteins if you’re having a difficult time deciding.

Your chef will leave again to obtain the necessary ingredients. When they return, they will begin cooking your food right in front of you, all while telling jokes, making quips and lighting up an enormous flame of fire (or two).

As you can see in the photo above, I went with the New York strip/chicken combo ($59), as I wanted to try both. While both were good and had great flavor, I personally enjoyed the chicken more so than the steak.

I also received a side of grilled vegetables and three difference dipping sauces. I don’t recall what the sauces were, but I do remember the only one I liked was the dark brown one in the middle.

Additionally, I ordered one of their specialty cocktails with my meal. I’m a whiskey guy, so I went with their “Jade Old Fashioned” ($25). It’s made with barrel aged Toki whiskey and angostura bitters. While it was a fine old fashioned, I felt it wasn’t special enough to warrant a $25 price tag.

All in, including tax and tip, my final bill was $108. It officially became the most expensive meal I’ve ever paid for, for just myself. Was it worth it? That all depends on perspective.

I came here because I’ve always enjoyed Teppanyaki, I was starving, it was conveniently located in my hotel and I was gathering content for this website. Would I, under normal circumstances, spend that much money for dinner on just myself? Probably not.

Looking at the regular menu, they have many entree options that I feel are reasonably priced. So if you can live without doing the Teppanyaki option, a family can dine at Jade and not spend much more than they would at most Las Vegas restaurants.

How to Spend a Few Hours at Valley of Fire in the Summer

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

Established in 1935 as Nevada’s first state park, Valley of Fire attracts thousands of hikers, photographers and overall nature enthusiasts annually.

It’s located in southern Nevada, just an hour so from the bright lights of the strip and is one of the most popular things to do near Las Vegas.

Valley of Fire offers a variety of hiking trails, a visitor center with informative exhibits and many historical sites. There’s literally something for everybody in this geological wonderland.

While I always recommend spending at least a full day at the park, the reality is, the extreme heat that Valley of Fire sees in the summer is simply too much for many people. It’s quite common to see high triple digits consistently.

Thankfully, Valley of Fire offers many attractions that are easy to see, with most only requiring a small commitment of thirty minutes or less, allowing you to see many of the highlights in a short amount of time.

So if you’re thinking about visiting Valley of Fire in the summer, but you can’t stand the heat and only have a few hours to spend, you’ve come to the right blog. Let’s get into it!

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Valley of Fire Entrances, Fees & Reservations

Before we get into the fun stuff, there are a few things you need to know before traveling to Valley of Fire. For starters, no, day-use reservations are NOT required at Valley of Fire at this time. However, with the recent launch of the Reserve Nevada website, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it happen eventually as it’s the most popular state park in the state.

On the flip side, yes, you will have to pay an entrance fee. Thankfully, the fees aren’t all that high and if you’re driving a car with a Nevada license plate, you’ll get a discount! As of 2024, day-use entry fees are as follows:

• $15 - Non-Nevada vehicles

• $10 - Nevada vehicles

You can pay with a credit/debit card or cash. If the ranger booths aren’t staffed when you arrive, simply pull into the parking lots to the right to pay. If paying with cash, insert cash into the provided envelope and slip that into the iron ranger.

Conversely, you can still pay with a credit or debit card at the digital self-pay stations. Keep in mind that there’s always a chance that those pay stations will be offline, so it’s best to bring cash with you just in case (it happens more than you think).

There are two entrances at Valley of Fire; the east entrance and the west entrance. If you’re coming from Las Vegas, you’ll likely drive through the west entrance. Conversely, if you’re driving from Lake Mead/Hoover Dam, Arizona or Utah, you’ll likely go through the east entrance.

Additionally, there are only two main roads in the park; the Valley of Fire Highway (or, Valley of Fire Scenic Byway) which runs east to west, and Mouse’s Tank Road (or, White Domes Road) which takes you to the northern section of the park.

Navigating the park is easy, so you don’t need to rely on GPS too much. Keep in mind that cell service in the park is spotty to non-existent in most areas of the park. There are roadside signs all along the road announcing which attractions you’re approaching, though.

Lastly, be sure to heed the ominous signs at the park’s trailheads. They may seem dramatic, but many heat-related deaths have occurred in the park over the years. There isn’t much shade on any of the trails. I had my own scary experience while hiking in Red Rock Canyon, making me a believer.

For pleasant, somewhat cooler weather, early October to April are the best times to visit Valley of Fire. Though fall and spring sees the biggest crowds for that very reason.

If your aim is to visit with the least amount of people around as possible, then the summer months are your best bet. You will be contending with peak temperatures, though, so an early arrival is paramount to an enjoyable experience in the summer.

Here are some products that I recommend bringing to the park with you to help combat the heat:

• 22L Oasis Hydration Backpack w/ Bladder

• Stanley GO Quick Flip Water Bottle

• Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen

• Women’s Sun Hat w/ Ponytail Hole

• Valley of Fire Map

Things to See at Valley of Fire in a Few Hours

While it would be easy to spend two or three days at this beautiful park, you can just as easily spend a few hours due to the park’s many easily accessible attractions.

Below, I’m going to provide a list of things to see and do in Valley of Fire that will allow you to see many of the highlights in a relatively short amount of time.

This itinerary will list the attractions in the order that they appear in the park and will assume you’ll be driving in from Las Vegas, through the west entrance (if you’ll be driving in through the east entrance, just complete this itinerary in reverse order).

Remember, the goal is to arrive at the park as close to sunrise as possible. This will allow you to see everything listed below and be out of the park by 11am or so, when the heat and crowds are at their worst.

Keep in mind that certain trails are closed in the summer months due to extreme heat, so in respect to responsible travel, I will be omitting those from the list. For informational purposes only, the following trails are closed from May to September:

• White Domes Loop

• Fire Wave/Seven Wonders Loop/Pastel Canyon/Pink Canyon

• Pinnacles Loop

• Prospect Trail

• Arrowhead Trail

• Natural Arch Trail (excluding Natural Arch itself)

• Charlie’s Spring

The Beehives

After driving in through the west entrance, the Beehives will be the first major attraction you’ll see and the large parking lot will be on your right.

The Beehives themselves are located right off the parking lot. There’s no designated path to follow, so feel free to explore them at your leisure.

You’ll quickly realize why they were named, “Beehives”, as you’ll see many honeycomb-like formations in the sandstone rocks. I feel that they’re the perfect introduction to Valley of Fire and a great place to watch the sunrise.

Atlatl Rock

From the Beehives parking lot, drive east for a couple of miles until you see the turn-off for Campground road on your left. You can see Atlatl Rock from the highway but as you get closer, its commanding presence becomes more and more clear.

Aside from the large rock itself, the main draw to Atlatl Rock are the petroglyphs on the smooth rock face near the top. Simply take the steel staircase to the viewing deck above to see them.

The parking lot is fairly large, located just off the road, and features a restroom as well as a half a dozen or so shaded picnic tables. This makes Atlatl Rock an ideal spot for a quick break.

Atlatl Rock doesn’t take long to explore, as most of the petroglyphs are located in one central location. Though there are others scattered through the neighboring campground as well.

For more information, read my comprehensive guide on Atlatl Rock here.

Natural Arch

To see Natural Arch, turn left onto Campground road going out of the Atlatl Rock parking lot and follow it for about a mile. It’ll be on the left side of the road.

There’s no real parking lot, just a small pull-out style, dirt and gravel lot. In the morning, the view from the roadside will be dulled by the shade but if you walk behind it, you’ll discover a brilliantly lit Natural Arch in front of you.

Natural Arch isn’t the most impressive sight you’ll see at the park, but there aren’t many of them here and this one is the easiest to access. It’s small, but a sight to behold nonetheless.

To continue on your journey, simply turn back towards Atlatl Rock and the Valley of Fire Highway. If you continue down the road in the opposite direction, the road will become harder to pass as it isn’t well maintained (or even paved).

There are other formations down that road, such as Piano Rock, that are worth seeing but as stated above, the road becomes difficult (though not impossible) for those without high clearance. If you do go that way, the road will eventually loop you back to the highway, just before the Beehives. Turn left to continue.

Historic Cabins

After leaving Natural Arch, turn left to get back onto Valley of Fire Highway to continue onto next attraction; the Historic Cabins. You’ll travel another five miles or so until you reach an un-named road on your left that leads to the cabins (there will be sign indicating the cabins are down that road).

The well maintained road will terminate at an eventual dead end lot, with the cabins out in front of you. There will also be another restroom and picnic area.

The cabins were built by the Civilian Conversation Corps (C.C.C) shortly after Valley of Fire became a state park in 1935 and were made with native sandstone. Their intended use was to provide shelter to travelers.

You can explore the exterior and interior of the preserved cabins. You’ll take notice of the built-in fireplaces and windows overlooking the valley in the distance.

Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock is one of the most infamous, Instagram worthy rock formations in Valley of Fire. Seeing it in person, it won’t take you long to make out the shape of the trunk, head, body and legs.

From the cabins, turn left onto the highway and follow it for a few more miles until you see the east entrance ahead of you. The parking lot for Elephant Rock is to your left, just before the exit.

The trail to Elephant Rock is a short, 0.3-mile jaunt that leads you right up to it. From there, you can scramble your way up for a closer look (but don’t climb on it).

To read more about Elephant Rock, read my comprehensive guide here.

Visitor Center and Balanced Rock

By now, you’ve undoubtedly worked up a sweat. It’s time to get out of the sun and head to the Visitor Center. To get there, travel west from Elephant Rock (the way you came) for three and a half miles.

You’ll eventually come up upon Mouse’s Tank road on your right. Turn here and keep straight at the fork to get to the parking lot.

The Visitor Center is a great way to escape the heat for a bit. While the A/C is great, the best part about it are the exhibits that detail the extensive history of Valley of Fire. From Native American artifacts and geological education, to examples of native flora and fauna, there’s much to learn here.

Once you’ve cooled off, head back outside to the short but sweet trail to Balancing Rock. Facing the Visitor Center, you’ll find the trailhead on the left side of the parking lot.

As stated above, the trail is short, even more so than Elephant Rock’s trail. It’ll terminate at a small viewing area that puts you front and center to Balancing Rock.

Much like Natural Arch, Balancing Rock isn’t the most impressive thing you’ll see at Valley of Fire, but it’s so easy to see that it would be a crime not to check it out.

When you’re done, head back to your car and drive north on Mouse’s Tank road.

Mouse’s Tank Trail

The trailhead for Mouse’s Tank Trail (or, Petroglyph Canyon) is located just off of Mouse’s Tank road on your right. I found more shade on this trail than any other I went on during my visit.

Mouse’s Tank Trail (along with the road) is named after, “Little Mouse”, a Southern Paiute Indian renegade who hid in areas of Valley of Fire after being accused of the murders of two prospectors (among other crimes).

The trail takes you through a canyon, with walls loaded with prehistoric petroglyphs. It terminates at Mouse’s Tank, which is a natural basin inside the rock that collects water after each rainfall.

Mouse’s Tank Trail is only half a mile, roundtrip, and if you get on the trail prior to 11am like I did, you’ll have plenty of shade throughout much of it.

The ‘Instagram View’ of Mouse’s Tank Road

Mouse’s Tank road is undoubtedly one of the most scenic roads in all of Nevada. You’ve seen it all over social media, Instagram specifically, and it’s been plastered all over ads on TV, casino wall posters, etc.

If you’re wanting to get your own photo of this magnificent sight, there’s a much simpler way to do it than what other websites specify. You won’t need coordinates or have to pull over into one of the narrow slots on the side of the road.

Simply drive along Mouse’s Tank road until you see the parking lot for the Rainbow Vista Trail on your right (you can’t miss it). Park your car here, cross the road and walk along the rock until you reach the overlook perch at the end. Voila, you’re there.

Other sites I’ve seen overcomplicate it way too much. Doing it this way is way easier and it’s mostly the exact same view, albeit a bit higher. I feel it’s superior to other angles I’ve seen,

Fire Canyon/Silica Dome Viewpoint

To get to the next stop, head north from the Rainbow Vista parking lot (turn right). Shortly thereafter, you’ll make a right turn onto Fire Canyon road and follow it to its terminus at the parking lot.

There are a number of trails that begin here but for my money, the main attraction is the view. In front of you are examples of sandstone and silica rock.

The multi-layer, contrasting reds of the sandstone on top of the yellow/tan tint of silica with the browns of the mountain range in the distance make a stunning sight.

You can walk out onto the dirt path that leads to a viewing area or simply take a gander from the parking lot. Either way, it doesn’t take much time to enjoy the sights at this lookout.

Drive the Remainder of Mouse’s Tank Road and Take in the Views

To complete your visit, turn right onto Mouse’s Tank road and drive it for 4.5-miles to its terminus at the White Domes parking lot. The trails in this area of the park are closed in the summer, mind you, but you can still drive the highly scenic road.

From the road, you’ll see teasing glimpses of Pastel Canyon, White Domes and Fire Wave. You cannot park alongside of the road on this stretch, but there are multiple parking lots dotted along the road where you can stop to take pictures.

From here, simply head back towards whichever exit you need to leave from. Remember, this itinerary is assuming you’re driving in through the west. If coming in through the east, simply begin at Elephant Rock and end at The Beehives, before making your way up Mouse’s Tank road.

Conversely, if you’re driving in through the west entrance but exiting the east, simply knock out the sights along Mouse’s Tank road after visiting Natural Arch and then work your way east to the cabins and Elephant Rock.

The route above is the one I followed during my first visit. I was able to see and do everything listed above, while being out of the park by noon. Good thing, because it got up to 113 degrees that day (I went in August).

Your milage will vary depending upon how much time you spend at each site. In general, though, you shouldn’t have much of an issue. If you need to shave even more time, I recommend skipping Natural Arch, Balancing Rock and perhaps even the Visitor Center.

How to See Elephant Rock at Valley of Fire

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Located on the east side of Valley of Fire State Park, just inside the entrance, sits a sandstone formation so unique that it has become one of the most popular in the park - Elephant Rock.

From nearly any angle, you can make out the shape of the trunk, head and body of an elephant. When using your imagination, you’ll start to notice the outline of legs in the rock. It’ll make you question if you’re actually looking at a formation, or an actual mammoth encased in rock.

Elephant Rock is a must-see when visiting Valley of Fire for the first time. It’s easily accessible and something the whole family can participate in.

So how do you get to Elephant Rock? What is the trail like? What’s the parking situation? I answer all of these questions and more below. Let’s get into it.

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Trail Stats

• Location: Valley of Fire State Park, Southern Nevada

• Fee: $15 per vehicle day use fee ($10 for Nevada plates)

• Permit: None

• Open: All year

• Cell Service: Spotty

• Restroom: At the trailhead

• Parking: Small, paved lot at the trailhead

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: High

• Mileage: 0.3 miles, RT

• Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

• Elevation Gain: About 50 feet

• Condition: Maintained

• Features: Sandstone formation in the shape of an Elephanet

• Best Viewed: Early morning for low crowds, late afternoon for best light

• Pets: Not allowed

• Drones: Not allowed

• Hazards: Heat can be extreme and little-to-no shade

• Our Visit(s): August 2023

Parking at Elephant Rock & Getting There

The ease of getting to Elephant Rock highly depends on which entrance you’re entering the park through. Elephant Rock is just past the east gate, on the right. So if you’re driving in on this side, you’re already there.

If you’re entering through the west gate, though, you’ll need to drive for eleven miles on the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway to the east gate, passing other attractions along the way, such as; The Beehives, Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank Road.

The parking lot for Elephant Rock is fairly small and paved, capable of holding a fair amount of vehicles. When the gate is unstaffed, this lot doubles as a place to park for visitors to pay their entry fees.

When I was here in August, my vehicle was the one of only two in the lot. Due to extreme heat, summer isn’t an ideal time to visit Valley of Fire, so visitation was low on this day.

If you come during the peak season, which is October through April, that’ll likely be different. On a particularly busy day, I can see this lot filling up early and quickly. So arrive as early as possible.

To find the trailhead, simply walk between the brick structure and the Valley of Fire photo opp sign on the right. You’ll find the trail behind the structure leading towards the sandstone ridge in the distance.

The Trail to Elephant Rock

The trail is short and sweet with very little elevation gain. You’ll be walking uphill nearly the entire way but it’s nothing difficult. In fact, until you get close to Elephant Rock, it’s barely noticeable.

There’s only one trail junction. You will find it at around the halfway mark. Going right will place you on the 1.2-mile Arrowhead Trail. To keep to Elephant Rock, continue left.

Shortly after the trail junction, you’ll notice the trail is leading you back towards the road. Once you are aligned with the road, you’ve reached the end of the trail. Elephant Rock will be to the right of the road, looking up.

Do keep in mind to stay off the road. Visibility of this area from the vehicle perspective isn’t very good, as they’ll be coming up a hill towards you.

Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock is easily viewed from below, with no real reason to force yourself to climb up to it. There are a number of paths leading the way if you choose to do so, though.

There is a sign stating there’s no climbing allowed. I asked a park ranger for clarification and she advised that it is ok to go up to Elephant Rock, but NOT to actually climb on it, as it could cause irreversible damage.

As stated above, there are several paths leading towards the formation, but the one I took (and appeared to be the easiest) was the one located just to the right of the sign pictured above.

It’s a quick jaunt to the top of Elephant Rock. Once you’re up there, you will have views of the mountains and valley in the distance.

Seeing Elephant Rock from this angle made the “Elephant” formation appear more clearly to me. So if you’re having a difficult time picturing it from below, try it from up here.

When you’re done, simply head back the same way you came in on the trail. Please do not walk along the road as park rangers will cite you if you’re caught.

From here, I recommend making your way to one of the most historic locations in the park, Atlatl Rock. You can read my post about it here.

How To See Atlatl Rock in Valley of Fire

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Valley of Fire is one of the most popular parks in the Nevada state park system, and for good reason. This beautiful park is littered with fire-red sandstone rocks that, with the help of erosion, have formed mind-boggling shapes and formations.

There are many attractions within Valley of Fire, but the one that stands out from the pack due to its historical value is Atlatl Rock. It’s one of the first things you’ll see if you’re driving in from the west entrance and is easily seen from the main road.

Aside from its unique formation, the big draw to Atlatl Rock are the petroglyphs located on the smooth rock face at the top of the stairwell and others scattered around the base of the rock. These petroglyphs are believed to over 4,000 years old!

So how do you get to Atlatl Rock? What’s the parking situation like? Are there any fees involved? I cover all of this and more below.

Trail Stats

• Location: Valley of Fire State Park in Southern Nevada

• Fee: $15 per vehicle ($10 for Nevada residents). This is to enter Valley of Fire

• Permit: None

• Open: All year

• For: Anyone

• Cell Service: Spotty

• Restroom: In the parking lot

• Parking: Medium sized paved lot

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: High

• Mileage: Walk-up

• Time: At least 30 minutes

• Condition: Well maintained and easy to follow

• Features: Petroglyphs and unique rock formations

• Best Viewed: In the morning (less crowded)

• Pets: Not allowed

• Drones: Prohibited

• Hazards: No shade on the stairwell or platform.

• Our Visit(s): August 2023

What is an Atlatl?

An atlatl, the namesake of this location, was an tool used by ancient tribes as a throwing stick or dart thrower. It allowed the user to employ more force to their spears or darts.

An atlatl was usually made of wood, about two feet long and had a handhold on one end with a hook on the other. A slot cut into the tail end of the dart was set against the nook enabling the dart to lie along the atlatl so that both could be grasped midway.

There was no signage explaining why this rock was named after this ancient tool, but one reason could be that there are multiple petroglyph illustrations of the tool on the rock.

Getting There & Parking

Getting to Atlatl Rock is easy, as it’s located just off the main road in the park. It’s closest to the west entrance of the park, but getting there from the east entrance is just as easy.

From the west entrance, drive for about 4 miles before turning left onto Campground road. You’ll keep straight for about a half mile before turning left into the parking lot. The directions are virtually the same coming from the east entrance. Though you’ll drive a few more miles.

The parking lot is decently sized, but it will fill quickly as the day progresses. Your best bet is to arrive early in the morning. I was here about an hour after sunset and there were just a few others at the rock.

There are covered picnic tables near Atlatl Rock you can use, as well as a restroom at the far end of the lot. From what I could see, there was only one spot designated for disabled parking.

Atlatl Rock Petroglyphs

To reach the main petroglyphs on the smooth rock face at the top, you’ll need to go up the stairwell. There are three sets of stairs, totaling about 100 steps or so.

The downfall to being here early in the morning is you’ll be hit by the sun full-blast as it’s rising. There’s no real cover from the sun on the stairwell or on the viewing platform up top.

The upside is as the sun hits the rock, you get the full color show those fire-red sandstone rocks put on. It’s an amazing sight to behold.

Before long, the petroglyphs come into view. From what I could see, the smooth rock face is the only location (at the top) where petroglyphs can be found.

Just above the smooth rock face on the bottom side of a rocky lip are dinosaur tracks. Unfortunately, the close up shot I got of them was lost, but you can see them in the photo below from further out.

As stated in the beginning of this post, these petroglyphs are over 4,000 years old. As such, there’s no way for us to know exactly what the ancient tribes were trying to convey, but you can see a mixture of illustrations of presumed animals, possible portraits of tribal members and other symbols.

I stood and stared at these petroglyphs for a while, trying to come up with possible meanings or subjects behind them. There was one that looked like a goat. The squiggly lines, to me, indicate flowing water and another appeared to be the sun.

There was another near the top of the rock face that looked like a tribal member, possibly a warrior, holding what looks like an atlatl or some kind of weapon above their head in celebration.

Before leaving, be sure to explore the base of the rock to see more petroglyphs. Most people just go up the stairwell, come back down and leave. Don’t be one of those.

While it’s definitely one of the touristy areas of the park, these’s so much history on display in this single location that it would be a crime to skip it. Be sure to put Atlatl Rock on your ‘things to do’ list for your visit to Valley of Fire.

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Explore The International Car Forest of the Last Church in Goldfield

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Located right off U.S 95 in Goldfield, a small Nevada town frozen in time, stands a unique roadside attraction showcasing a perfect fusion of art and car - The International Car Forest of the Last Church.

The car forest is a cluster of a few dozen or so vehicles that have been planted into the ground, hood first, causing them to stand vertically, mimicking trees (hence - car forest).

To make it even more unique, artists and taggers from around the world have left their mark here with varying designs, statements, quotes and more.

While I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a destination all its own, the car forest is definitely worthy of a stop if you happen to be on a road trip along this stretch of highway.

Find out below how to get there, how much it costs, where to park and more. Let’s get into it!

Quick Stats

• Location: Goldfield, NV

• Fee: None, but donations are accepted

• Open: All year

• For: Anyone

• Cell Service: Decent

• Restroom: Port-O-Potty at the entrance

• Parking: No designated lot, but plenty of pull outs

• EV Stations: None

• Popularity: Low to moderate

• Time: An hour or so

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones: No signs stating you can’t fly

• Hazards: Rattlesnakes, rusty metal, other debris and not much shade

• My Visit(s): August 2023

Getting There & Parking

The car forest is easy to get to as it’s just a few minutes off highway 95 down a dirt road. If you’re not already traveling through, though, it’s way out of the way.

The nearest towns to Goldfield are Tonopah to the north and Beatty to the south. The nearest major city is Las Vegas, roughly 185 miles away.

From the highway, you’ll turn onto Crystal Ave and travel along a dirt road, past a few homes, for about a quarter mile before arriving to the car forest’s entrance on the right.

You’ll first arrive to a booth and a welcome sign. Entry to the car forest is free but here is where you can leave a donation if you like.

Ahead of you the road will split. Going in either direction will take you to the same spot so don’t spend a lot of time deciding. The road on the left was better maintained, though.

There’s no official parking lot, but there are many pull outs. You can choose to park on the hilltop and walk in or drive into the car forest. I opted to walk in.

The Cars of the International Car Forest

There are a few vehicles on the hilltop to look at, but the bulk of the car forest is down the hill. They’re mostly clustered together, with a few others spread further out.

There’s no official path to follow, nor are the cars in any particular order. You also won’t find any informational signage detailing the art or the artists themselves.

There are about three dozen vehicles that make up the car forest. Each have a blend of artistic renderings, quotes, political statements and encouraging words. As the sign at the entrance states, “artists are welcomed, taggers are tolerated”.

That same sign indicates you yourself can partake in leaving your own artistic expression on any of the vehicles if you so choose. All they ask is you don’t resort to vandalism.

While most of the vehicles here are of the sedan variety, there are a couple buses and vans added to the mix. Most of which you can climb into and explore.

The car forest is one of those places where how long it takes to see it all depends entirely on your level of interest. Worst case, it’s a great way to stretch your legs for an hour or so.

Even if you only have a mild interest in cars, art or both, the car forest is a must-see attraction. It’s one of those unique, “Nevada things”, that cannot be missed.

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Smoky Delights: Experience The Phoenix BBQ in Sparks

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When you’re thinking about great BBQ, Nevada typically doesn’t come up in conservation. States such as Texas and Tennessee are what you’ll usually think of.

While those states certainly deserve their status as BBQ GOATs, that doesn’t mean Nevada doesn’t have a few hidden gems of its own. Enter, The Phoenix BBQ Restaurant.

Located in, The Outlets at Legends, in Sparks and directly adjacent to Sheels, Phoenix provides its diners a wide variety of finely smoked meats, burgers, and classic sides.

My wife and I recently (finally) made our way to Phoenix and our experience with the food and service was nothing short of spectacular (albeit with one exception).

Let’s get into it.

Restaurant Info

• Location: Sparks, NV at Legends

• Address: 1310 Sheels Drive

• Cost: Moderate

• Food: Smoked BBQ, burgers, etc.

• Open: Weds - Sun (closed Mon & Tues)

• Seating: Indoor, outdoor and bar

• Alcohol: Full bar

• Website/Menu: ww.phoenixatlegends.com

• My Visit: July 2023

• Rating (out of three): 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Disclaimer: I am not a professional restaurant critic, nor has this restaurant offered me any incentive to write this post. My opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience only.

You can find The Phoenix sandwiched between Sheels and Freshberry Cafe. It’s fairly easy to miss as half of the restaurant’s exterior is obstructed by trees.

If you happen to walk by on a weekend evening, there’s no way you’ll miss it as they have live musical acts performing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

The interior is warm and inviting, with the color of the walls resembling that of the Golden Gate Bridge (it looks more on the red side in the photos).

There are more booths than open-floor tables, with bar seating available. There’s also an abundance of outdoor seating on the patio, with plenty of shade and a mister.

The menu is heavy in smoked meats and burgers, but they offer a few seafood, salad, and soup options for anyone who doesn’t care for BBQ.

Shockingly, there were no desserts listed on the menu, as well as specialty cocktails. They have a full bar so I’m sure they’ll make your choice of drink, though.

They do have an extensive wine selection, though, thanks to their, “Village Vintner”, wine bar located in the same building (separated by a wall).

For our appetizer, we ordered the waffle fries topped with bacon, green onions and a gorgonzola cheese sauce. Honestly, it was, “meh”.

This was the one and only let down of the entire experience, as it just fell flat to me. The fries didn’t maintain their crisp and there wasn’t nearly enough bacon.

For my entree, I opted for the, “That’s 1 Hellova BBQ Sandwich”, with pulled pork as my meat of choice and sweet potato fries as my side.

Put simply, the pulled pork was delicious. A lot of places smoother their pork in sauce, masking the lack of flavor in the meat. Here, that isn’t the case. The meat, by itself, had excellent flavor and was smoked perfectly. The sauce did what its supposed to; it complemented it.

The sweet potato fries more than made it for the waffle fries earlier. They were precisely seasoned and had a great crisp to them.

My wife went with the BBQ sampler, which included:

• Two drumstick chicken

• Two pork ribs

• Two brisket sliders

• A side of their, “Million Dollar Mac”

The rib was tender and had excellent flavor. There was just enough of that “pull” off the bone. The brisket wasn’t the best i’ve ever had, but it was great regardless.

To us, the clear winners of the sampler were the chicken and the mac. Both were out-of-this-world and would be deserving as a stand-alone entree.

I hope you’ll consider giving The Phoenix a chance, as my wife and I had a great experience. The smoked meats are the hero here, so our less-than-steller waffle fries made little difference to our opinions. If you love BBQ, we’re confident you’ll enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional restaurant critic, nor has this restaurant offered me any incentive to write this post. My opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience only.

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Enjoy Relative Seclusion at Hidden Beach Near Incline Village

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Welcome to our ultimate guide on exploring a hidden treasure on Lake Tahoe's eastern shore - Hidden Beach!

Nestled amidst the captivating beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this secluded gem offers an enchanting escape for nature enthusiasts and beach-goers alike.

In this article, we'll take you on a virtual journey to this picturesque oasis, unveiling its breathtaking views, turquoise waters and the myriad of experiences it has to offer.

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable lakeside adventure that will leave you in awe. Let's dive in and discover the hidden paradise of Hidden Beach.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!

Getting To and Parking For Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach doesn’t get nearly as crowded as those nearby, like Sand Harbor and Crystal Bay. A big reason for that is you can’t drive up to it.

To access it, you’ll need to park at the Tunnel Creek or Bullwheel lots at the north end of highway 28 near the Tunnel Creek Cafe.

Parking fees are associated with these lots and are hourly (the rates for 2023 are pictured above). If the lots are full, you can get there with the East Shore Express Shuttle.

To reach Hidden Beach, you’ll need to hike for about a mile on the Tahoe East Shore Trail.

The trail is paved and the grade never exceeds 8%, making it easy to push a stroller or pull a wagon (to haul all of your lake day essentials with).

At first, the trail runs along the opposite side of the highway, but will eventually take you to the shore side via a tunnel.

Beautiful murals, each depicting different perspectives of Lake Tahoe, adorn the walls and ceiling of the tunnel.

When you get to the opposite end of the tunnel, you’ll want to bear left to get to Hidden Beach. Shortly thereafter, you’ll see the shore access sign on your right.

Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach is reached via the shoreline access trail (pictured above). The trail is short, taking less than a minute to reach the sand.

The beach is roughly 750 feet long and features rocky alcoves and an abundance of granite boulders dotting the shore.

As stated above, Hidden Beach doesn’t get all that crowded. People mostly pop-in and pop-out while hiking the Tahoe East Shore Trail.

Hidden Beach may not be as popular or even as scenic as nearly Sand Harbor, but the relative seclusion you’ll enjoy more than makes up for it.

If you have an inflatable SUP (paddle board) or kayak, you’re allowed to use them here. You can also bring your dogs as long as they’re leashed.

I hope you’ll consider spending a beach day at Hidden Beach. It’s one of the most tranquil Lake Tahoe beaches I’ve ever been to and I have no doubt you'd enjoy it too.

If you’re interested, check out a few more of my posts about nearby attractions:

• “Hike The Tahoe East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor”

• “How To Hike To Skunk Harbor in Lake Tahoe”

• “Cave Rock: A Short Hike To An Epic View of Lake Tahoe”

Also, if you’re considering a trip to Lake Tahoe (or any lake/beach for that matter) consider reading my list of 25 lake day essentials:

• “25 Beach and Lake Day Essentials for Your Summer Vacation”

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Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint: A Quirky Eatery In Carson City

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Welcome to Carson City's deliciously hidden gem - Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint! In this article, we delve into the vibrant world of dining at this local’s favorite.

From the moment you step through our doors, you'll be greeted with a captivating atmosphere that sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience.

Discover the creatively curated menu that showcases a fusion of flavors, expertly prepared by talented chefs. Join us as we showcase a few of their many delicious offerings.

Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a curious traveler looking to dine with the locals, prepare to indulge your senses and savor the unique delights that await you in Carson City, NV.

Restaurant Information

• Location: 1500 Old Hot Springs road, Carson City, NV

• Cost: Mid range

• Food: Globally inspired menu

• Seating: Indoors. Wait to be seated

• Alcohol: Full bar

• Website/Menu: www.sassafrascarsoncity.com

• Our Visit: June 2023

Whether you’re a local or you’re visiting from out of town and are looking for a locals spot to eat in Carson City, this is your sign to try Sassafras.

Their full name is, Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, and they’re located directly adjacent to the historic Carson Hot Springs.

When you walk up, there will be two entrances. One for the bar and one for the restaurant. During my visit, the entrance on the right was closed off.

Interesting wall art adorns nearly every square inch of the bar and dining areas. Speaking of the bar, they offer draft beers and crafted cocktails.

Their entree and appetizer options are extent. From pork belly stir fry and cheeseburgers to salads and fish tacos, there’s something for everyone on this globally inspired menu.

Whenever my wife and I eat out somewhere we usually go all-in and order more food than we should (YOLO). We ordered the following dishes:

• Baked Cheese Curds w/ Chorizo (appetizer)

• Pork Belly Stir Fry Bowl (entree)

• Salmon Tacos (entree)

• Deep Fried Ice Cream (dessert)

• Lemon/Strawberry Cheesecake (dessert)

Honestly, we didn’t have many complaints about the food. My pork belly was cooked perfectly, was packed with flavor and had a great crisp to it.

She loved the flavor of her salmon tacos, but did mention that she wished the salmon pieces were smaller so they’d be easier to eat. Aside from that, she enjoyed them.

Both desserts were delicious but the lemon/strawberry cheesecake was the clear winner. The flavor combination was out of this world.

They were tremendously generous with the portion size of the deep fried ice cream, though. I paid $9 and it could’ve easily been split between two, maybe three people.

If you’re a fan of quirky, outside-the-box restaurants you can’t try anywhere else, I encourage you to give Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint a shot.

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Dragon Lights Festival Reno (2023): Ticket Prices, Themes, Parking and More

Experience the annual Dragon Light Festival in Reno, a spectacular event that will ignite your imagination and illuminate your senses.

Prepare to be mesmerized as you enter a world of enchantment, where intricate lanterns and larger-than-life creatures come to life with a symphony of lights.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, this extraordinary celebration offers an immersive experience for all.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you’ll need to know to attend this unforgettable summer-time event. Let’s get into it.

Dragon Lights Reno 2023 Dates & New Additions

The Dragon Lights Festival is an annual summer time event in Reno and features hundreds of themed, illuminated lanterns along a trail just shy of a mile.

It’s held at Rancho San Rafael Park in the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and features a new theme with accommodating lanterns each year.

In 2023, the theme is, “Nature’s Glow”, with several creatures typically found in gardens and tropical settings. Such as:

• Honey Bees

• Wasps

• Ants

• Tucson Birds

• Lemurs

• Peacocks

• Parrots

• Dragonflies

• and more!

Also new in 2023 is the brand new presentation of the iconic Chinese Dragon and the expanded interactive playground featuring a swing set, drums, lighting effects and more.

The festival runs nightly from June 30th to August 13th, 6pm to 10:30pm.

Tickets & Parking

Parking at the event is included in the price of your admission ticket. There are several lots at the park you can utilize. They are:

• Lot A: This is the lot nearest the entrance and exit. This lot is reserved for disability parking.

• Lot B: This is the first lot you’ll come across and is smaller than Lot A. It typically fills quickly.

• Lot C: The largest lot, but furtherest from the entrance, it is located down San Rafael drive on the eastern edge of the park.

• Lot D (or '“green” lot): This lot is located at the UNR campus off Comstock Dr. and is utilized for overflow parking on the weekends.

If you park in A or B, you’ll be within walking distance of the festival entrance. If you end up in C, you can still walk or take advantage of the free shuttle service (runs Thursday - Sunday).

The D lot also offers free shuttle service to the entrance, but only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets can be purchased either online (through this link) or in person at the gate. If you opt to purchase at the gate, be aware that you’ll pay a surcharge of $5 - $15, per ticket.

Purchasing online is easy and convenient. You’ll select your desired date, your ticket type, and once your purchase is complete, save the tickets to your phone to be scanned at the gate.

The 2023 festival ticket prices are as follows:

• $20 per adult (age 12+)

• $15 per child (age 3 -11)

• Free for children under 3

• $55 family pack (includes two adult and two child tickets)

• $55 season pass (unlimited entry all season for ONE person)

When purchasing your tickets, you’ll be asked to select an entry time. They are 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00. You’ll have one hour from your selected entry time to arrive and can stay as long as you wish.

We arrived 20-minutes early to our entry time and were still granted entry. No one batted an eye. If you arrive late, they’ll make every effort to accommodate you but there’s no guarantee.

There are no refunds, but they will allow you to change the date/time of your ticket up to one hour prior to your entry time. You can do so in the account you made while making your purchase.

The Lantern Trail & Amenities

After entering, you’ll come into an opening and see the iconic Chinese dragon ahead of you. To your right will be the interactive playground and to your left will be the food vendors.

To find the trail that winds through the lantern displays, follow the path through the dragon and go right (keeping the interactive playground to your right).

The trail is less than a mile and is on fairly even ground. There are some grade changes along the way but they’re barely noticeable. It’s mostly paved, but there are some dirt/gravel patches.

If you’re bringing little ones along, both strollers and wagons are permitted. They should have wheels appropriate for the terrain, though.

You’ll find dozens of illuminated lanterns along the trail. From beautiful floral themes to giant frogs and armadillos. Some are interactive and many have moving parts.

There are also a couple make-shift tunnels with special lighting affects you’ll get to walk through. Additionally, themed music plays throughout the length of the trail.

As you reach the end of the trail, it’ll split. If you’re done for the night, go left to exit. If you want to remain in the festival, go right to loop back in to where you entered earlier.

When Should You Enter & Tips

We arrived at around 7:45pm and there was still plenty of light left. When we did our first walk through the trail, we were impressed by how illuminated the lanterns still were, despite it not being dark.

However, once the night sky set in, that’s when the lanterns popped and were the most impressive and fun to look at. Consequently, that’s also when the crowds got thick.

Clearly, you’re going to want to be there when it’s dark. That’s the whole point. My suggestion, though, would be to select an entry time prior to sunset.

The reason for this is because it’ll allow you to get a feel for the festival and see the top attractions without having to worry about big crowds. The later it gets, the heavier the crowds get.

This way, you can do a second loop around the trail once it gets dark. You’ll already know what the best exhibits are, so you won’t waste time on the ones you don’t care about and can get through the crowd faster.

It’s also advantageous if you have small children tagging along. It’ll be a lot easier to keep track of them in the interactive playground while there’s still some light.

If you’re coming with a group consisting of two or more adults and two or more children, save money by purchasing the family ticket option. You’ll save at least $15.

If your group is 10 people or more, you’ll enjoy additional savings of 20% off each ticket. That discount will reflect in the cart when you’re checking out.

For more savings, take advantage of their policy of allowing outside food and beverages. There are plenty of areas in the festival to set up a picnic. The only exception is alcohol.

I hope you’ll consider attending the 2023 Dragon Lights Festival in Reno. It’s a fantastic event for the whole family. We had much more fun than we thought we would and can’t wait to attend in 2024.

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How to Hike To Skunk Harbor In Lake Tahoe

2 minute read | contains affiliate links

Welcome to my comprehensive guide on visiting Skunk Harbor, a hidden(ish) gem nestled along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Tahoe.

Skunk Harbor offers a unique combination of breathtaking scenery and a tranquil hiking trail that’ll leave you in awe of its natural splendor.

Located on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe, Skunk Harbor is a welcomed break from the hectic, overly touristy southern portion of Tahoe.

As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a sense of serenity, surrounded by towering pine trees, crystal-clear turquoise water and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

In this guide, I’ll cover many topics such as parking, the hiking trail, the cove itself and what to expect along the way. Let’s get into it!

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Visit our online store today and start your journey of style and adventure. Happy exploring!

Trail Stats

• Location: Lake Tahoe (east shore)

• Fee: None

• Permit: None

• Open: All year, but difficult to access in winter

• For: Hikers

• Restroom: None

• Parking: Two small pull-out style lots along the highway

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy going in, moderate going out

• Popularity: Medium to high

• Mileage: 2.8-miles, RT

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Elevation Gain: 567 feet

• Condition: Maintained, easy to follow

• Features: A cove with clear waters and a historic cabin

• Pets: Allowed, but must be leashed

• Drones: Allowed, per the B4UFLY App

• Hazards: Hike out is steep and sun exposed

• Our Visit(s): 2016, 2017, 2019 and July 2023

Skunk Harbor Parking

Lake Tahoe in general is notorious for its parking issues, but the eastern shoreline along Highway 28 is in a league all its own.

There are two small, pull-out style lots along the side of Highway 28 specifically for Skunk Harbor. However, they’re difficult to spot as they’re not signed.

Your best bet is to utilize a GPS device to locate them. That way you’ll know when they’re coming up.

If you’re coming from Carson City or the south shore, keep an eye out for the gate pictured above. Just past that gate is the first lot with a second, slightly larger one further up.

If you’re coming from Incline Village, you’ll know you’ve gone too far if you’ve reached Spooner Lake. Turn around a try again.

There is no parking fee (yet) but as of June 2023 and for the foreseeable future, construction on Highway 28 could damper, or even block your ability to park here.

There is ongoing efforts to improve the parking situation along this stretch of the lake. I’d wager that once they're done, there will be parking fees implemented.

The Trail To Skunk Harbor

If you parked in the lot near the gate, the trail begins past the gate along a forest service road. If you parked in the second one, the trail is a semi-steep descent on a dirt path that’ll soon intersect with the main trail.

For a short time the trail is gravel but soon turns to dirt. It’s much wider than your standard hiking trail, though. So it’s perfect for groups and pets.

Before the trail descends towards Skunk Harbor, you’ll be presented with a fork in the trail. Take a slight left to continue on the trail proper (don’t take the sharp left down the forest road).

Shortly after this fork, you’ll walk between a couple of boulder stacks. Here, you’ll get a commanding view of Lake Tahoe and the mountains. Past here, you’ll begin your descent.

You’ll hit a few switchbacks before reaching the bottom. The initial half loop to the first switchback is steep, but they become more level after that.

As you approach the cove, you’ll see a stone stairwell with a trail marker indicating the correct path. You’ll know you’re in the right spot if you see a small wooden bridge ahead of you.

Skunk Harbor

If you get an early start, you’ll likely have Skunk Harbor largely to yourself. If you come later in the day, though, the cove and its beach will likely be inundated with anchored boats and beach goers.

Early in the season, there won’t be much a beach but as snowmelt eases, it’ll become more exposed. The boulders near the mouth will be accessible as well.

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To the right of where you came in is a old stone cabin that was built in the early 1920’s by a wealthy family who purchased Skunk Harbor.

The interior of the cabin isn’t accessible but can be viewed through the grating in the window. You can explore all angles of the exterior, though.

Behind the cabin is a dirt path that’ll lead you to an overlook of Skunk Harbor. There are a lot of downed trees and boulders here, so you’ll need to navigate those.

From here, you’re able to better see the remains of the cabin’s boating dock submerged in the water.

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I hope you’ll consider hiking to (or boating into) Skunk Harbor during your visit to Lake Tahoe. Get there early and you’re guaranteed to spend a serene morning in nature.

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Hike the Tahoe East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

Nestled amidst the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a natural gem that beckons adventurers with its awe-inspiring beauty. Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine landscapes, this iconic destination offers an abundance of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

Among the many trails that wind their way through this pristine wilderness, the Tahoe East Shore Trail stands out as an enchanting path that leads hikers on a captivating journey to Sand Harbor State Park.

Stretching along the eastern shoreline of Lake Tahoe, the East Shore Trail is a remarkable testament to the region's commitment to preserving its natural wonders.

Spanning approximately three miles, this meticulously crafted trail offers an unparalleled immersiveness into the splendor of the surrounding environment.

The pinnacle of this remarkable journey lies at the destination—Sand Harbor State Park. This iconic gem is renowned for its pristine sandy beaches, hidden coves, and dramatic rock formations that emerge from the lake's depths.

Whether you're a solo adventurer or a family looking to create memories, hiking the Tahoe East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor State Park promises an escape from the day-to-day normalities.

In this guide, I’ll cover many must-know topics such as where to find parking, the length of the trail, which offshoot trails are the best and more!

Trail Stats

• Location: Incline Village, NV

• Fee: None for the trail, but there are variable parking fees and entry fees to Sand Harbor

• Permit: None

• Open: All year, but can be icy in winter

• Restroom: At the Tunnel Creek parking lot, multiple throughout the trail and multiple at Sand Habor

• Parking: Large(ish) paved lot at the Tunnel Creek parking lot and a huge lot at Sand Harbor

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: High

• Mileage: 2.5 miles (one-way) but can add more with the many offshoot trails

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Condition: Meticulously maintained

• Features: The eastern shoreline, many coves/beaches and Sand Harbor State Park

• Pets: Dog friendly, but must be leashed

• Drones: No signs stating you can’t. The Nevada side of the lake is fairly drone friendly. No drone use allowed in Sand Harbor, though

• Our Visit(s): June 2023

Trailhead, Parking & Fees

Construction on the Tahoe East Shore Trail took decades to complete, but officials knew right away how popular it would become. So ample parking was a major focus of the project.

On the north end of the trail are the Tunnel Creek and Bullwheel parking lots. They’re right off highway 28 and are adjacent to the Tunnel Creek Cafe and Monkey Rock trailhead.

In peak season, these lots tend to fill quickly. I arrived at 9:30 am and found only a few open spaces. So plan for an early arrival.

If the lots are full, you can drive to and park at the old Incline Elementary School and take the East Shore Express shuttle in. Fares are $3 per person (half that for seniors and those with disabilities).

Also during peak season, you’ll need to pay to park. Fees are charged per hour and depend on timeframe, day, month, etc. For reference, the photo below shows the fees as of June 2023.

You can pay via one of the digital pay stations or by texting the phone number in the picture below. If you intend to use the pay station, these are the steps:

• Enter your license plate number

• Insert your card (you’ll be charged an initial one-hour fee)

• Select the amount of hours you want (go with more than what you’ll think you’ll need)

• You’ll be charged upfront for the amount of hours selected and be given a receipt

If you’re not feeling up to hiking the trail, there’s a vendor called Flume Trail Bikes located adjacent to the parking lot where you can rent bicycles from. Additionally, if you’re feeling hungry, the Tunnel Creek Cafe is also right next to the parking lot.

Also at the trailhead is your first opportunity at using a restroom. It’s a port-o-potty set up and wasn’t maintained all that well, so come prepared.

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You’ll find the official start of the trail just past the informational display. I highly suggest giving it a read before heading out. It details the history of the trail, its construction and future plans.

The Tahoe East Shore Trail

You’ll start out on the opposite side of highway 28 (or the, “Mountain Side”). This section of the trail is the only one where there’s some elevation change.

When you get up the hill, you’ll be treated to epic views of the north side of the lake. This section is still wheelchair and stroller friendly as the grade never exceedes 8%.

This section is only a half mile or so, but the views are outstanding. It’s also the only section that has some shade provided by the tall pine trees.

As you reach the peak, you can look out ahead of you and get a glimpse of Sand Harbor State Park in the distance. From here, you’ll dip down and realign with the highway.

The second half of the trail continues along the shoreline on the other side. You won’t need to cross the highway, though, as the trail was built to go underneath.

The interior walls of the tunnel are covered in beautiful murals, each side depicting Lake Tahoe and its surrounding mountains.

Coming out of the tunnel you’ll arrive to a clearing where there’s more informational signage, views of the lake and another restroom.

If you’ll be taking the above mentioned shuttle to the trail, this is where they’ll drop you off. So you’ll effectively save yourself a half mile by doing so.

From the tunnel, you’re about 1.5 miles from Sand Harbor. To continue along the trail, go left coming out of the tunnel. This is also where you’ll come across your first offshoot trail.

There are many offshoots leading to a variety of beaches and coves that were once not as easily accessible as they are now. Each one only takes a minute or less to reach.

The first of which is the ever popular Hidden Beach. It’s small in comparison at just 750 feet, but it sees far less people than nearby Sand Harbor.

It’s also dog friendly and aside from parking, there are no fees associated with it. I highly recommend spending some time here.

Continue further down the trail and arrive to the next offshoot; Balancing Rock. There are two entry/exit points here so there’s no need to go back up the same way you came in.

The main feature here is the flat(ish) granite boulder balancing on a smaller pile of granite boulders beneath it in the water. It’s nothing spectacular but still worth a look.

Past Balancing Rock, the next few offshoots I either skipped or simply viewed from the trail (there was a storm coming in that afternoon and I wanted to beat it). Those offshoots include:

• Granite Cove

• Artist’s Point

• Mountain Vista

• Dipper Point

At Artist’s Point is another opportunity at using a restroom. This one is shared between trail users and people traveling on highway 28. From Artist’s Point, you’re about a half mile from Sand Harbor.

There are two more offshoots before you arrive to Sand Harbor, both of which I highly recommend visiting as I feel they both rival Sand Harbor in terms of beauty. They are Sunset Cove and Emerald Cove. Both are similar in that they’re dotted with granite boulder shorelines, have crystal clear turquoise water and require a hike down a quick trail.

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If you must choose, I recommend Sunset Cove as it’s much easier to access and has an actual beach, whereas Emerald Cove was lined with boulders.

From here, continue down the trail for another 2/10’s of a mile before getting your first glimpse of the mega popular and beautiful Sand Harbor State Park. As you approach the entrance to Sand Harbor, you’ll start seeing signs stating as such and the fees associated with entering.

To walk or bike into Sand Harbor you’ll need to pay the $2 per person fee. You can pay cash or utilize the digital pay station near the ranger shack. If you’re paying with a card, be sure to select “other” rather than the “day-use” option to avoid over paying. The ranger helped me to avoid that mistake.

Once in the park, you can stay for as long as you like. Your ticket is good until one hour past sunset. There are many beaches and coves to explore.

Sand Harbor has many restrooms available and an on-site restaurant. The larger beach is located at the far end of the park from where you’ll enter.

From here, simply head back in the same way you came. If you like, you can utilize the above mentioned shuttle to take you most of the way back. You’ll still need to walk the final half mile, though.

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Your Thoughts…

Since this trail is popular and follows highway 28, this isn’t a peaceful hike through the woods. On the flip side, this shoreline is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Tahoe and is a must-see for any visitor.

Up until Sand Harbor, the entire trail is wheelchair accessible and is pet, stroller, bicycle and family friendly.

Does this sound like something you and your family would enjoy? Are you planning a trip to Tahoe soon? Let us know in the comments and in the meantime, check out our other Tahoe related posts below!

• “Cave Rock: A Short Hike To An Epic View Of Lake Tahoe”

• “How To Hike To Skunk Harbor In Lake Tahoe”

• “Glen Alpine Falls: A Beautiful Lake Tahoe Waterfall”

• “Base Camp Pizza: An Excellent Option For Pizza In Tahoe”

• “Emerald Bay State Park: Hiking, Camping, Vikingsholm, Kayaking & More”

• “How To Kayak To The Fannette Island Tea House In Emerald Bay”

Anaconda Mine: See This Abandoned Open Pit Copper Mine In Yerington

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Yerington, Nevada, lies a hidden gem that takes visitors on a journey through time.

Anaconda Mine, with its rich history and captivating allure, offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking a glimpse into the region’s mining legacy.

In this post, I take you to Weed Heights, an unincorporated community adjacent to Yerington, where the miners and their families once called home.

There, you’ll find the viewing platform where you can see the near entirety of the water-filled pit and on the way, get a distant view of the former processing plant.

Let’s get into it!

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Visit our online store today and start your journey of style and adventure. Happy exploring!

Anaconda Mine History & Stats

Anaconda Mine holds a significant place in Nevada’s mining history. Originally established in the mid 20th century, it played a pivotal role in the copper mining boom that shaped the region.

The mine was named after the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, who purchased the site in 1942. They were one of the most prominent mining companies of the time.

Anaconda’s initial 26-year run took place between 1952 and 1978, with secondary milling and processing until the year 2000. At which point, the newest owner, Arimetco, declared bankruptcy and abandoned the site.

During its run, Anaconda Mine produced:

• 1,744,237,000 pounds of copper

• 103,834,000 tons of oxide ore

• 58,589,000 tons of sulfide ore

• 189,034,000 tons of waste

The total market value from its operation is estimated to be $765,504,000, with total net profits exceeding $200-million. A staggering amount for the time.

At its peak, Anaconda employed 450 people, operated six-days per week and produced 13,000 tons of ore to the crushers daily.

Directions to Anaconda Mine

To see the water-filled open pit, you’ll need to make your way to the small Nevada town of Yerington and then up to the even smaller community of Weed Heights.

Much like other mining sites, such as Bodie, Weed Heights was built directly adjacent to the site for the purpose of housing miners and other employees.

Simply typing, “Anaconda Copper Mine”, into your GPS of choice will get you there. The main road leading to Weed Heights is just off the highway (US-95A).

After turning onto the road, continue straight. Keep in mind that during winter, this road is known to be icy at times.

About halfway up the road, prior to driving under the overpass, you’ll see the old processing plant on your right. There’s a large dirt/gravel area to pull into.

The buildings are gated off and unfortunately there are no tours or public access offered, so you’ll have to settle for admiring them from a distance.

From here, continue up the road until you reach a stop sign. Turn left and soon thereafter, you’ll see the fenced-in viewing platform with a small parking area on your left.

Anaconda Mine Viewing Area

In front of the entrance to the viewing platform are two informational boards detailing the history and production of Anaconda Mine.

To see the pit, continue past the signs along the dirt path between the fences. There’s lots of barbwire here so watch where you put your hands.

From the viewing area, you’ll be able to see the pit (or lake, as some locals refer to it as) in all its glory, including the hauling roads circulating around it.

Here are some interesting stats of the pit:

• It’s one mile long

• A half mile wide

• 810 feet deep

• Water level is approximately 450 feet deep

To some, it’s just a giant hole with water in it. For those who appreciate mining/local history, or who enjoy roadside stops like this, it’s a fascinating sight.

Unfortunately, this is all you’ll be able to legally view. There’s no public access to the haul roads or even in the perimeter of the mine for safety reasons.

All told, Anaconda Copper Mine makes for a quick but fascinating stop for those traveling through or for locals who want a glimpse into the area’s past.

Travel safe, travel responsibly,

Kevin

Check Out These Amazing Nearby Destinations!

• “Bodie State Historic Park Guide: Fees, Directions, Parking & More”

• “Fort Churchill State Park: Nevada History, Fees, Hiking & More”

• “How To Visit Walker River State Recreation Area”

• “Tour The Historic Chollar Mine In Virginia City”

• “Hiking Wilson Canyon: A Hidden Gem In The Nevada Desert”

• “How To Visit Berlin-Itchyosaur Historic State Park”

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7 Things You Will Love About Reno: Family Friendly Things To Do

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Reno was long known as a miniature version of Las Vegas, but it hasn’t always had the greatest reputation. The downtown area, specifically, was associated with seedy hotels, rampant crime and homelessness.

While some of those elements still exist, there’s been a solid effort in recent years to spruce up the area and make it more appealing (and safe) to visitors.

Additionally, city officials have been making moves to market the city as a place for families and adventurers, not just those who like to partake in the casino lifestyle.

That topic is what this post will focus on. Nothing listed here has anything to do with gambling or bars. They’re all 100% family friendly.

So if you’re contemplating a vacation to Reno but you’re not sure what activities there are to do with you’re family, read on.

*NOTE: This is the newest installment of our “7 Things” series. At the end of the post, we’ve listed the other ones currently live on the website. Be sure to check them out!

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Visit our online store today and start your journey of style and adventure. Happy exploring!

1) Proximity to Lake Tahoe

One of Reno’s biggest claims to its, “outdoor recreation haven” banner, is its proximity to Big Blue herself; Lake Tahoe. In fact, the downtown area is just about an hour’s drive from South Lake.

It’s also the closest city with a major airport to Tahoe so if that’s where you’re ultimately ending up, Reno is likely where you’ll be flying into.

Getting to Tahoe’s most beautiful state park, Emerald Bay, is a simple 1.5-hour drive from your downtown hotel. If you’ve never been to Emerald Bay, you need to add it to your list, pronto.

READ: “Emerald Bay State Park Guide: Hiking, Camping, Vikingsholm, Kayaking and More”

2) Hunter Creek Waterfall Trail

You won’t need to travel to Tahoe in order to partake a blissful stroll through nature. There are many hiking trails in Reno with a wide variety of difficulties and features.

Of all the said trails in Reno, the Hunter Creek Falls trail is probably the best known to locals and visitors alike.

The trail is 6.5 miles, roundtrip, and is considered moderate. It terminates at the beautiful, 30-foot Hunter Creek Falls.

While it’s rocky, narrow and fairly lengthy, if you and your family have experience hiking, you shouldn’t have any trouble. It’s dog friendly as well.

READ: “Hunter Creek Falls: An Epic Hike Just Outside Of Reno”

3) Local Restaurants

Reno is filled to the brim with dozens of great, non-chain local eateries offering a wide range of cuisine for all kinds of palates.

A few examples of Reno’s fine dining options include; Bricks Restaurant & Wine Bar, Atlantis Steakhouse, Sierra Street Kitchen & Cocktails and Marolina’s Italia Restaurant.

A few examples of mid-range sit-down restaurants include, Arario Midtown, Wild River Grille, Washoe Public House, Great Full Gardens and Old Granite Street Eatery.

You’ll find great eateries all over the city but some of the best ones are found in either Midtown or Sierra Street (in downtown).

4) The Basement

The Basement is a literal hidden gem in the heart of downtown. It’s located in the - you guessed it - basement of the historic 1932 Post Office. The space has been repurposed into a marketplace of local businesses.

The Basement consists of several small businesses, each of which are 100% local. These include handcraft shops, a male-inspired nail salon, barbershop, coffee shop, restaurants, a shared space with seating and more.

The street level space (where the actual post office was) is now in the process of also being repurposed into a merchant space. Be sure to stop by and find out for yourself why it’s so beloved by locals.

5) The Truckee River Walk

Stretching from the western edge of Idewild Park into the lovely Wingfield Park in downtown, Reno’s River Walk celebrates Reno’s reputation of culture, arts and heritage.

The space between Virginia Street and Wingfield Park, in particular, is teething with picturesque scenery, local restaurants and shops.

Just up the street from the river walk is the infamous Reno Arch. In City Plaza, you’ll find numerous permanent and temporary art installations used at the Burning Man festival on display. Plus, just beyond the Virginia Street bridge, you’ll find the street level entrance to The Basement.

No visit to Reno would be complete without a stroll along the river walk. It’s easily in the top three of things to do and see in Reno. Best of all - there’s no admission fee.

6) Art Murals

Arts and culture have a big presence in Reno. One of the things that city officials have done right is give local artists a chance to showcase their skills via wall murals.

They’re literally all over the city, but the majority (and best) are in downtown and midtown. A notable one to mention is the giant women mural on the side of the parking garage next to the arch.

7) The National Automobile Museum

The National Automobile Museum opened in 1989 and features a massive collection of classic cars, most of which once owned by local gaming pioneer, Bill Harrah.

At the time of his death in 1978, Harrah’s collection reached a staggering 1,400 cars! Holiday Inns purchased Harrah’s Casino and car collection in 1980.

Before selling off the majority of the collection, Holiday Inns donated 175 of those cars to what is now the museum. They’ve been on display, with additional rotating exhibits, ever since.

The sheer volume of cars in this collection is enough to impress those who’re not “car people”. If nothing else, it’s a great way to spend a few hours inside if the weather isn’t ideal.

READ: “National Automobile Museum: A Huge Classic Car Collection In Reno”

Your Thoughts…

What’re your thoughts on Reno for a family vacation? Did you know it’s no longer just about the casinos and bars? Which topic on this list interests you most? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers.

*Tip: As stated at the top of this post, below are the links to our other “7 Things” posts that might interest you. Additionally, i’ve included a couple more Reno based posts.

• “7 Things You Will Love About Virginia City”

• “7 Things You Will Love About Burney: Things To Do, Waterfalls and More”

• “7 Things You Will Love About Lee Vining”

• “7 Things You Will Love About Bridgeport”

• “13 Awesome Nevada State Parks Near Reno”

• “5 Awesome Day Trips From Reno”

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Fort Churchill State Park: Nevada History, Fees, Parking, Hiking and More

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Nevada has no shortage of historic sites to explore. Fort Churchill State Historic Park is more than deserving of a spot on your list. Particularly if you’re into military history.

Fort Churchill sits on 3,200 acres of protected land. It features several structures, a cemetery, museum, campground, group area and Buckland Station (which is located across the highway from the park).

If you’re going to be driving through, Fort Churchill is an easy to visit as it’s just off the highway. It’s a great way to get out and stretch your legs or to let the kids burn off some energy.

In the guide, we’ll cover how to get there, the parking situation, crowd levels, fees and more. Lets get into it!

Exciting news for our readers!

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Fort Churchill History

Construction on the post was completed in 1861 and was named after Sylvester Churchill, an Inspector General for the Army.

Its original purpose was to provide protection for this section of the Pony Express. Later, the fort was used to store supplies for the Union Army during the Civil War.

Though many Soldiers came and went, it’s believed to have housed around 200 at any give time. Despite its importance, it wasn’t active for long as it was abandoned shortly after the conclusion of the Civil War.

Since the state declined to take ownership, the fort’s structures were auctioned off for $750. For decades, the structures just sat as nothing was done with them.

It wasn’t until 1932 that the National Park Service took control of the property and began restoration efforts on the structures. Additionally, the visitor center was built at this time.

Then, in 1957, Fort Churchill became part of the Nevada State Park system. In 1966, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Getting To Fort Churchill, Parking, Fees & Museum

The park is located between the towns of Silver Springs and Yerington along the highway. From either town, get on highway 95 and keep an eye out for Fort Churchill road and turn there.

Park fees are as follows:

• $5.00 - Nevada Resident (day use)

• $10.00 - Non-Nevada Resident (day use)

• $15.00 - Per Night, Nevada Resident (camping)

• $20.00 - Per Night, Non-Nevada Resident (camping)

• $2.00 - Bike In

The park accepts cash and credit cards for fees. As you drive up to the entrance, you’ll fee the pay station on your right. There’s an area where you pull-off to do so.

Whichever payment method you use, be sure to place the receipt (face-side up) on your dashboard in case the park ranger needs to verify payment.

The parking lot and museum will be to your left after driving in. The cemetery is off to your right (above the pay station). The parking lot is small, capable of holding a dozen vehicles or so.

There are additional lots on either side of the structures further down the road if this one is full or closed off.

The entrance to the museum can be found just off of the parking lot. It’s small, but contains quite a few artifacts from both the fort and the general area.

While the park itself is open 24/7, the museum is not. It’s open daily from 8am to 4pm.

The trailhead to the structures below is located adjacent to the museum. There are two additional parking lots closer to them if you prefer to skip the trail.

Fort Churchill Historic Structures

From the trailhead near the museum and back, the trail is roughly one mile. It’s a fairly even grade and is easy to follow as it’s lined with rocks.

Most people, including children, would have no issue on this trail. Using strollers and/or wheelchairs on it, though, would be challenging.

With the exception of a couple off-shoots, the trail makes a perfect circle to each of the featured structures. There are around a dozen or so.

There are signs posted in front of most stating what the structure was, such as the Hospital. A few have bigger informative boards with broader details.

One important thing to note is to be sure to keep out of the structures and remain on the trail. The structures are old and in a state of arrested decay.

There are no doors or windows on the structures so if you’re curious as to what the inside of them look like, they're easy to see/photograph from the trail.

Something else to keep in mind is that there isn’t any shade or water fountains along this trail. So be sure to come prepared, particularly in the summer.

Fort Churchill Campground & Group Area

The campground is open throughout the year and operates on a first come, first serve basis. It’s located along the Carson River on the east side of the park.

There are 20 spots featuring a table, fire ring and plenty of shade from the dozens of cottonwood trees that dot the landscape.

Each site can accommodate RV’s or a tent. There are no hook ups, but there’s a dump station located nearby. The only real amenity are the bathrooms (no showers).

To reach the campground, drive past the main parking lot on the road and continue until you see the sign to turn right. Simply follow that road.

The group use/picnic area is a serene, often crowd less area of the park. There are many picnic tables, lots of shade, a bathroom, water bootle refill station and easy access to the Carson River.

To get to the river, walk on the paved path next to the bathroom and keep going through the grove of Cottonwood trees until you reach a gate. Go through the gate and enjoy the river.

To reach the group use area, drive past the main parking lot at the entrance and take the first left after that (the historic structures should be on your right).

Once you see the sign, turn left and follow the gravel road. At the point where it splits, turn right and continue until you reach the parking lot.

Buckland Station

Buckland Station. Fort Churchill State Park. Nevada.

Buckland Station was built in 1870 out of materials from the abandoned fort. It was first used as a boarding house and the home of the Buckland Family. Beginning in 1885, it served as a supply stop on the Pony Express.

Self guided tours are available of the interior of the recently remodeled building. The fee is $1 per person with free parking.

The fee goes towards ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the property. Bathrooms are available behind the house.

Across the street are more historic structures. These are of the farm variety. I wasn’t able to find any information on them but they’re cool to check out, nonetheless.

Additional Info, Tips & Reminders

Do not climb on or go inside the remains. The remains are fragile and entering or climbing on them could cause irreversible damage and most importantly, your safety would be at risk.

Watch out for wildlife. Rattlesnakes have been known to frequent the park so please, watch your step, stay on the trail and keep an eye on the little ones.

Buckland Station is across the highway. To visit this historic station, you’ll need to leave the park proper and drive south on highway 95. You can either drive there or you can utilize the 2 mile trail that connects Buckland to Fort Churchill.

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Cave Rock Trail: A Short Hike To An Epic View Of Lake Tahoe

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Located on the Nevada side of the lake, the Cave Rock trail may seem uneventful at first, but the mind-blowing view at the end will prove that assumption wrong.

This trail is great for hikers, families and everyone in between. If you happen to be driving through on a trip, it’s an excellent way to stretch your legs for an hour or so.

Note that this post is about the actual trail to the top of Cave Rock and not the state park on the other side of the highway. Those are two different things.

In this post, we’ll cover topics such as parking, how to find the trailhead, what to expect along the trail and more. Let’s get into it!

Here’s some great hiking products we recommend…

• Venture Wipes for Adults

• Garmin Instinct Rugged GPS Watch

• Foxelli Collapsable Trekking Poles

• TETON Oasis Hydration Backpack

• Jetboil Flash Stove Cooking System

• Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

• EllaPee Women’s Urinal Funnel

• Coleman 8-Person Family Tent

Quick Stats

• Location: Stateline, NV (Tahoe)

• Fee: None

• Permit: None

• Open: Year round

• For: Everyone

• Restroom: None

• Parking: Tiny lot with enough room for 4-5 vehicles

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy (though there’s some scrambling involved)

• Popularity: Medium to high

• Mileage: Less than a mile, roundtrip

• Time: One hour

• Elevation Gain: 137-feet

• Condition: Maintained (not signed)

• Features: Cave Rock & view of Lake Tahoe

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones*: Allowed on the trail and Cave Rock itself (not within the state park boundaries, though)

• Hazards: You’ll need to scramble up Cave Rock to get to the top. It’s nothing too difficult, though.

• Our Visit(s): 2016 & 2022

*We refer to the app, “B4UFLY”, to help determine if we’re legally allowed to launch our drone from a particular location. We suggest you do the same to ensure you’re flying responsibly.

Cave Rock Trailhead & Parking

When looking for the parking lot and trailhead for the Cave Rock trail, many people mistakingly go to Cave Rock State Park along the shore of the lake.

Unfortunately, there is no access to the trail from there. That area is for swimming, kayaking and other types of recreating.

For the trail to the top of Cave Rock, you’ll need to drive up Cave Rock road, just off the highway. You’ll see a, “Cave Rock Estates”, sign indicating the correct road.

About a quarter-of-a-mile up the road (as it elbows), you’ll see a tiny, pull-out style lot on the left side of the road. This is the parking lot for the trail (pictured above).

As you can see, there isn’t a whole lot of room. It’s a stretch to even call it a parking lot. There’s room for maybe four or five vehicles.

On top of that, there’s no parking allowed along the street (you could get towed). If there’s no space, you may have to circle around a couple times.

Due to this, we recommend getting here early. We arrived at around 8am and there was just one other couple at the rock.

Cave Rock Trail

The trail is a well maintained, compacted dirt path that’s less than a mile, out and back. You will be walking at an incline but it’s barely noticeable.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to periodic views of Cave Rock and the lake itself. There’s a few spots to get creative with your camera by using the trees to frame the rock.

As you get further up the trail, you’ll see a large set of boulders on the right side of the trail (pictured below).

Shortly after these boulders, you’ll come to an unsigned junction. Keep left (in the direction of Cave Rock) to remain on the trail.

Almost immediately after bearing left, the base of Cave Rock will come into view.

If you or someone in your group isn’t up for scrambling up the rock, you can get a similar view as the one up top.

For an even better view, though, you’ll want to get to the top. To begin, make your way around the rock-wall to begin your climb.

Scrambling Up Cave Rock

There’s no actual trail or path to the top. Take a minute to scan the boulders around you, use common sense and scramble your way up.

If we had to rate it, we’d both say it’s an easy, beginner level scramble. Or the lower end of moderate, at worst. It only took us about five minutes.

The views from the top are simply jaw-dropping, no matter which direction you look. Being up here for sunrise or sunset would be even more amazing.

There isn’t a lot of room up here. So if you’re here on a particular busy day, expect it to be a bit cramped. In our experiences, though, its never been an issue.

When you’re done taking in the views, safely scramble back down the rock and head back to your car. If you’re up for more adventures, see our posts below for a few other Lake Tahoe hikes.

“Hike To Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake In Lake Tahoe”

“Hiking To Cascade Falls Near Emerald Bay”

“How To Kayak To Fannette Island Tea House In Emerald Bay”

“How To Visit Vikingsholm Castle In Emerald Bay State Park”

“How To Hike To Skunk Harbor In Lake Tahoe”

Your Thoughts…

Does this sound like a trail you and your family would enjoy doing? Have you been to the top of Cave Rock? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!

Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.

Thank you for reading.

Thunder Mountain Monument: A Deeply Meaningful Roadside Oddity In Nevada

4 minute read | Contains affiliate links

Imagine you’re on a road trip through the Northern Nevada desert along Interstate 80. You go miles seeing nothing but rolling mountains, vast openness and the occasional small town.

You eventually reach one of those small towns; Imlay. A former railroad station 130-miles east of Reno with a population of 178 (as of the 2020 census).

You look around and at first, nothing sticks out. But soon after getting past the main stretch of town, something catches your eye on the side of the freeway. Something strange, but unique. That something is Thunder Mountain Monument.

We recently visited Thunder Mountain, not knowing much about it and thinking it was just another cool (and weird), roadside oddity.

As we explored the property, though, we discovered how meaningful this property was to the original owner, Frank Van Zant, and the current owner, his son, David.

In this post, we’re going to cover some quick details about the property, what you can expect and some other important information.

However, we’re going to encourage you to visit the monument’s website for a more detailed account of its history and background. We will share the link at the end of this post.

Quick Stats

• Location: Imlay, NV

• Fee/Permit: None, but a $2 donation per group is requested (cash or check)

• Open: Year round, from dusk to dawn

• For: All visitors

• Parking: Semi-large, dirt lot.

• Restroom: None

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: Not allowed

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: Low

• Time: An hour or more

• Milage: N/A

• Elevation Gain: N/A

• Trail Condition: Somewhat maintained pathway.

• Main Feature(s): The monument and art installations

• Pets: Not allowed

• Special Notes/Hazards: Broken glass scattered throughout the property. Rattlesnakes have also been spotted here

• Our Visit(s): June 2022.

Directions, Parking, & Fees

Thunder Mountain Monument may be located in the middle of nowhere, but it’s easy to reach as it’s located directly off Interstate-80 in Imlay, NV.

There isn’t a whole lot to do, see and eat in Imlay. So if you’re making the trip here from a larger area, you may want to ensure your tank is full and bring plenty of water/food with you.

Additionally, the nearest EV charging stations to Thunder Mountain are in Lovelock (40-miles west) and Winnemucca (35-miles east).

From Reno (133-miles, one way)

• From wherever you are in Reno, make your way to I-80 eastbound and continue straight for 133-miles.

• Take exit #145 for Frontage road.

• At the stop sign, turn right and then make an (almost) immediate left on Frontage road.

• You’ll follow this road for slightly less than a mile and it’ll terminate at the monument’s parking lot.

 

From Winnemucca (36-miles, one way)

• Start by jumping on I-80 westbound and continue straight for roughly 36-miles.

• Take exit #145 for Frontage road.

• At the stop sign, turn left and go under the freeway.

• Turn left on Frontage road and continue straight until it terminates at the parking lot.

Shortly after turning onto Frontage road, it’ll turn into dirt. No need to worry if you have a compact vehicle, it’ll make it just fine. Our Chevrolet Cruze made it without issue.

The parking lot is fairly large and entirely dirt. There are no official parking spaces so just find a spot that makes sense and go with it.

There are no parking or hard entry fees. They do request a (totally reasonable) $2 donation per group. There’s nobody on site collecting these donations but they do have an iron ranger adjacent to the picnic table.

It’s cash or check only. So if you don’t have either on hand, you can send a donation to the following address when you get home:

Thunder Mountain Monument, LLC

P.O Box 162 Imlay, Nevada 89418

Any donations left at or mailed to the monument go towards to continued growth, rehabilitation and maintenance of the property.

Exploring Thunder Mountain Monument

To begin exploring the monument, simply look for the official entry to the grounds (pictured above). You can easily spot it from the parking lot.

If your only interest is the monument itself, turn left along the dirt/gravel path as you approach the picnic table. If you have the time though, we recommend heading right and exploring the rest of the grounds in a loop.

At the picnic tables, you’ll find binders containing printed information about the monument’s history and development, as well as information about its founder, Frank Van Zant.

We highly encourage you to stop here and learn about the monument. Its history is fascinating. This is also where you can drop your donation (if you’re able to).

From the picnic table, go right along the path (away from the monument) to check out a cool, but admittedly creepy, art installation on the far side of the property.

Over here, you’ll find rusted vehicles lined up like a barricade of sorts, a swing set made out of wood and mud, a model airplane also made from mud/plaster and a de facto fort in front of all that. It’s weird, but so cool at the same time.

After exploring this area, simply follow the dirt path running parallel to the freeway. After a short distance, you will arrive at the monument itself.

The monument was conceptualized and built by Frank Van Zant (with the help of hippies and passerby’s) after being inspired by a visit to a bottle house in Death Valley.

As you walk up to the monument, the first thing you’ll notice is it’s fenced off with ‘no trespassing’ signs dotted along the fence. This was done to protect the monument from vandalism.

Based on our research, once upon a time the general public was allowed to explore the interior of the monument, but weather damage to the roof has made it too dangerous.

The monument was once lived in by its founder, Frank Van Zant and his family and initially started out as a one-room travel trailer. Over time, it was rocked over and additional features like bedrooms, corridors, stairwells and levels were added.

The roof is adorned with multiple statues and arches, the tallest of which stands fifty-feet. The exterior walls are covered in bas-relief tableaux depicting many historic events, betrayals and massacres of the American Indian.

If you know your history, you’ll no doubt recognize the depictions in some of the statues. Some notable figures include Standing Bear, Quietzalcoati, and Sarah Winnemucca. There’s even one honoring Franks’s late son, Sid.

It’s important to note that the vast majority of the materials used to construct the monument was “trash” Frank found discarded in the desert. This was done to honor the Native Indian tradition of using what you have and not be wasteful.

Many of the windows are windshields from old cars, glass bottles line much of the top end of the monument and a wooden Eagle is perched at the very top.

Some other material used in the monument includes galvanized pipe, scrap iron, chicken wire and concrete. It’s truly amazing what Frank was able to accomplish with what many perceived to be trash.

When you’re done exploring the monument, simply head back up the trail towards the entrance where you came in and back to your vehicle.

There are a few other nooks and features of the property, but we want to leave those things a surprise when you visit for yourself. We highly encourage you to do so.

As promised at the beginning of the post, be sure to visit the monuments official website for more in-depth information of its history and the background of its creator, Frank Van Zant, as well as photos of the interior.

Your Thoughts

Have you visited Thunder Mountain Monument before? We’d really like to know what you thought of it. Or if you’ve never been there, have you been wanting to visit or have you even heard of it?

Either way, let us know in the comments below. We LOVE hearing from our readers!

Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.

Thank you for reading.

13 Awesome Nevada State Parks Near Reno

While not as large or famous as its Las Vegas counterpart, Reno, the biggest little city in the world, is quickly re-gaining ground as a vacation destination.

Sure, you’ll find all the usuals like bars, casinos, and shows. However, what Reno is becoming most known for is family friendly attractions like the Truckee River Walk, National Automobile Museum, and more!

To make Reno even more worthy of your precious vacation time, there are a multitude of outdoor destinations you can easily access from Reno.

So we counted and found not one, not two, but THIRTEEN of Nevada’s awesome state parks just an easy day trip away. Most are within an hour or so.

So we’ve decided to put this list together and show which ones are near Reno, how long it takes to get to each, and what makes them great.

1) Berlin-Ichthyosaur Historic State Park

Distance from Reno: 158 miles (2.5 hours, one-way)

This is the furthest park on the list but trust us when we say, it’s worth the effort to get out to it. Especially if you’re into ghost towns.

Not only does park feature the remnants of one of Nevada’s best mining towns, but it also has the largest concentration of, wait for it, Ichthyosaur fossils!

Berlin is one of the state’s most unique state parks, making visiting a must-do. To read more details about this amazing place, check out our article here.

2) Buckland Station

Distance from Reno: 48 miles (50 minutes, one-way)

Just down the highway from Fort Churchill (coming up later) is Buckland Station. It was built in 1870 and served as a supplier to western emigrants along the Pony Express.

You can tour the interior of the building for just $1.00 per person. Hours for the tour are:

• 10am to 2pm (Saturdays & Sundays)

• 10am to 2pm (Thursdays & Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, only).

Across the highway from Buckland is the Orchard Day Use area. Here, you’ll find old farm buildings and equipment along with picnic tables, grills, and a nature trail leading to the Carson River.

3) Cave Rock

Distance from Reno: 52 miles (55 minutes, one-way)

Cave Rock is located in Lake Tahoe, on the Nevada side, along the southeastern shore. It’s small, but the most popular activities here include swimming and boating.

Outside the park boundaries, you can hike a short trail that leads to the top of Cave Rock. Eventually, you’ll reach the base of the rock and then scramble up. The view from there is amazing!

4) Dayton State Park

Distance from Reno: 43 miles (46 minutes, one-way)

Located in the historic mining town of Dayton, this beautiful state park features multiple nature trails, access to the Carson River, and the remains of Rock Point Mill.

The mill was built in 1861 and was one of the first to process ore from the Comstock Lode. The stone walls and mine entrance make it a fun place to explore.

In our opinions, the best to visit this park is during fall when colors are at their peak. It’s simply breathtaking. To read more about Dayton, read our article here.

5) Fort Churchill State Historic Park

Distance from Reno: 48 miles (53 minutes, one-way)

Fort Churchill was an Army fort built in 1861. It provided protection to early settlers and helped guard Pony Express mail runs.

The park features many buildings preserved in a state of arrested decay, a small museum detailing the park’s history, and campground with access to the Carson River.

As with most of Nevada’s state parks, sunrise and sunset are when it really comes to life, especially where photography is concerned. Check out our article about Fort Churchill, here.

6) Lahontan State Recreation Area

Distance from Reno: 50 miles (1 hour, one-way)

The park is named after what was once a massive, ancient lake that covered a good portion of the state and some. These days, it’s much smaller, but serves a purpose.

In the summer, people flock to Lahontan for it’s fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. During winter, however, the water levels are so low that boat access isn’t possible.

7) Mormon Station

Distance from Reno: 47 miles (50 minutes, one-way)

Originally built in 1851 as a trader post for the Carson Route of the California Trail, Mormon Station is the site of Nevada’s first permanent, non-native settlers.

The post is located in the charming town of Genoa and is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of mountains, mature trees, and lush-green grass.

The post you see today is reconstructed, as the original unfortunately burned down in 1910. It’s a beautiful area where you can gather with family and explore.

8) Rye Patch State Recreation Area

Distance from Reno: 119 miles (1.45 hours, one-way)

The second furthest on this list, Rye Patch Reservoir offers visitors 72-miles of shoreline and, when full, 11,000 acres of water surface.

Ardent Fishermen will revel in Rye Patch’s fishing offerings. Species such as Catfish, Black Bass, Walleye, and White Bass can be found here.

Other activities that are popular here include water skiing, camping, picnicking, and wildlife spotting.

9) Sand Harbor

Distance from Reno: 40 miles (55 minutes, one-way)

Much like Cave Rock, Sand Harbor is located in beautiful Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side of the lake. Popular actives here include water boarding, boating, swimming, and hiking.

This park experiences outstandingly high levels of visitation in the summer months. So much so, that the parking lot often fills within the first couple hours of opening.

Planning accordingly and arriving early is the key to success if you want to visit Sand Harbor.

10) Spooner Lake & Backcountry

Distance from Reno: 47 miles (50 minutes, one-way)

Located in the Lake Tahoe Basin, the Spooner Lake backcountry is a hiking oasis surrounded by 12,000 acres of forest.

With more than 50-miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, you’d be hard pressed to not have a good time here.

A few of the most popular trails include the Tahoe Rim Trail, Marlene Lake, and Red House. There is also a campground and cabins you can rent.

11) Van Sickle Bi-State Park

Distance from Reno: 59 miles (1 hour, 6 minutes, one-way)

Nevada shares Van Sickle with California, as it’s located just a short walk away from the casinos in Stateline and intertwines with the state.

The park offers trails with non-stop rock outcroppings offering endless views of Tahoe’s beautiful blue waters and surrounding mountain-scape.

12) Walker River State Recreation Area

Distance from Reno: 85 miles (1 hour, 38 minutes, one-way)

Located along the East Walker River and just outside the small town of Yerington, Nevada’s newest state park features over 12,000 acres of recreational bliss.

Camping, fishing, hiking, photography, and more can be enjoyed here. It’s truly a beautiful park and criminally underrated. To read our guide about Walker River, go here.

13) Washoe Lake State Park

Distance from Reno: 23 miles (30 minutes, one-way)

Washoe Lake is nestled in a valley surrounded by three gorgeous mountain ranges; Sierra Nevadas, Carson, and Virginia.

It isn’t uncommon to spot Bald Eagles over the lake, making it the perfect location for wildlife photographers to go. You’ll also spot White Pelicans, Canadian Geese, and Waterfowl.

Since the lake is located nearly directly between Reno and Carson City, it makes for the perfect lake to enjoy if you’re trying to avoid the crowds of Tahoe.

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*Side Note: We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos you see on this site. Below, we’ve included links to that equipment on Amazon. If you purchase, we receive a small commission from Amazon. This helps keep our site running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.

• Nikon D750 Body

• Tamron 24mm to 70mm 2.8 Lens

• Nikon 50mm 1.8 Lens

• GoPro Hero 10

• Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod

Conclusion

It is our hope that you’ve found this article helpful in planning your next adventure. If so, please support our site by sharing it with your friends and family on Pinterest and Facebook. You can also show support by reading one or more of the related articles above.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

How To Visit Walker River State Recreation Area: Camping, Fishing, and More

On September 22nd, 2018, Nevada unveiled its newest State Park, Walker River State Recreation Area (mouthful, isn’t it?) This gorgeous stretch of the East Walker River is made up of four historic ranches; Pitchfork Ranch, Flying M Ranch, Rafter 7 Ranch, and Nine Mile Ranch.

Thanks to these acquisitions, the nearly 30-miles of river and picturesque 12,856 acres of rangeland will be open for the public to enjoy for generations to come. Of the four, Pitchfork is the only one developed and open to the public. The Elbow at Nine Mile, while publicly accessible and popular with Fishermen, isn’t developed. The others will be developed in phases.

Walker River is an outdoorsman’s paradise, offering many recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, photography, and more! In this guide, we’ll go over topics such as where you can camp, park fees, nearby attractions and restaurants, and how to get there.

Park Information

Directions

Getting to Walker River State Park is relatively simple. The turn-off is right off Highway 208 just 10-miles or so from the town of Yerington.

From Downtown Yerington, head west on highway 208 for 10-miles and turn left onto E. Walker road for 4-miles until you reach the park entrance.

E. Walker road is a 4-mile, well maintained dirt road. It’s the road you’ll be on after turning off the highway and will take you to the park.

Our Chevrolet Cruz made it just fine, so a truck or some other high clearance vehicle isn’t required. RV’s can also navigate it easily.

While it is maintained, if wet weather recently happened, you may experience some difficulty. It would be best to call the park ahead of time to check road conditions.

Pitchfork Ranch

Pitchfork is the main area of the park and is an outdoorsman’s paradise. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the giant arch entrance. Turn right here.

About half a mile after turning right you’ll see your first right turn into a huge dirt parking lot. This is the group-use area with picnic tables, restrooms, and handicap parking.

Parking & Park Fees

As with most state parks, there are fees associated with visiting. The pay stations can be found on the left side of the visitor center in the smaller parking lot. *The pay station has recently been moved to just off the main road before reaching the visitor center.

There are two ways you can pay your fee:

1. Cash: You’ll slip the cash into the provided yellow envelope, fill out the necessary information, and drop it in what’s called the, “Iron Ranger” (Don’t forget to tear off the receipt section of the envelope).

2. Debit/Credit Card: Adjacent to the cash station you’ll see an electronic pay station. Here, you’ll select your fee amount, swipe your debit/credit card, and take the printed ticket. You’ll then place this ticket on your dashboard.

Park fees are as follows:

Nevada Resident

• Day Use: $5.00 per vehicle

• Camping: $15.00 per vehicle, per night plus $10.00 per night for sites with RV hook-ups

Non-Nevada Residents

• Day Use: $10.00 per vehicle

• Camping: $20.00 per vehicle, per night plus $10.00 per night for sites with RV hook-ups

Also, if you bike in (non-motorized), it’s a $2.00 day-use for no matter your state residency.

Visitor Center

The visitor center is centered in the Pitchfork Ranch entrance of the park in a beautiful, Spanish style building with western flare.

Inside, you’ll find the staff office where a Park Ranger is often stationed and a mini museum featuring multiple exhibits detailing the park’s history and local wildlife.

Unfortunately, during our visit, it had closed for the day. The Ranger did offer to let us in to look around but we left our masks in the car (this was before the mandate was lifted).

Visitor Center Hours

While the park itself is open 24/7/365, the visitor center is not. The hours for the visitor center are as follows:

• 9am to 5pm - Monday - Friday

• 10am - 2pm - Saturday & Sunday

*Note - Despite the hours listed above, the visitor center has not been open the last three to four times I have gone, despite being there during the listed hours. Your milage may vary.

Exterior Features

Outside the rear entrance of the visitor center is a rentable event space featuring picnic tables, a propane grill, and fireplace.

Adjacent to the event space is a beautiful grassy area with many trees and a man-made pond (not filled in the winter).

Camping at Walker River State Recreation Area

Camping at Walker River State Park is a wonderful, hassle-free experience. Unlike other parks, there isn’t a whole lot of red tape to jump through to camp here.

Some things you’ll need to know are:

• Camping sites, both RV and primitive, are first-come, first-serve. They cannot be reserved ahead of time.

• You’re limited to 14-days in a 30-day period. This policy is strictly enforced.

• If you’re using an RV site, you’ll pay an additional $10 per night. This is true for Nevada residents and non-residents alike.

• The RV sites include shaded picnic tables, grills, a communal restroom, and dump site.

Campground Locations

There are three designated campgrounds (so far) in the park. They are:

• Riverbend Campground: There are 16 sites able to accommodate RV’s, Motorhomes, or tents. Sites come with shaded ramada, fire ring, and table. No hook-ups available.

• Quail Run Campground: Site features include everything above, but come with power hook-ups.

• Bighorn Campground: This campground is located up the load in the unspoiled Nine Mile section of the park. Sites include a table and fire-ring. This campground is primitive and has only a pit-toilet (BYO TP).

Squeeze Chute River Access

An additional three miles up the road from Pitchfork Ranch is where you’ll find a quaint, quiet area of the park known as, Squeeze Chute.

You’ll need to keep your eyes open for the turnout as it isn’t obvious. You’ll see a sign on your left pointing the way through a small entrance on your right. Turn here.

At Squeeze Chute, there’s a small parking area with a sole, uncovered picnic table. From here, you can access the river for fishing, swimming, etc.

As you drive in, take note of the gate on your right. This is the start of a hiking trail and follows the river through a beautiful tree-covered meadow.

Just keep in mind that cows do graze this area. So be sure to give them plenty of space and watch your footing (if you know, you know).

Walker River State Recreation Area Fishing

Fishing is the undisputed king of activities at the park. If you’re from out-of-state or a resident, you will need to have a Nevada fishing license.

If you don’t have one, you can scan the QR code near the pay station at the park with your smart device and purchase one.

Keep in mind that cellular service at the park can be spotty at best. To avoid disappointment, it would be wise to purchase one prior to arriving.

River Access

There are multiple river access points throughout the park, specifically in Pitchfork Ranch and The Elbow. You can swim and float to your heart’s content.

The Squeeze Chute area offers free, fly fishing introductory classes (you just need a fishing license). You can check this link for available dates.

Photography

Our personal favorite! Photographers of all kinds will love this photogenic oasis. For maximum results, definitely come during sunset.

River and mountainous landscapes plus ample wildlife such as; Deer, Antelope, Big Horn Sheep, Water Fowl, and Chukar provide endless photographic opportunities.

Nearby Attractions & Restaurants

Attractions

While the park itself offers plenty of fun activities all its own, if you’re planning on an extended stay, you may want to know what else the area offers.

Thankfully, there are many wonderful parks and destinations to visit that are within an easy drive from Walker River:

• Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Historic Park: This one is the furthest away at about 2 hours (one-way). However, it’s more than worth the effort. It’s a preserved, mining ghost town and is also the site with the most Ichthyosaur fossils in the state. To read more about it, check out our article here.

• Fort Churchill State Historic Park: If you’re into military history, this park is mandatory. Located just 30-minutes or so from Walker River, this state park features the ruins of an old military post. It also features a museum and campground all its own. You can read our article about it here.

• Wilson Canyon: Wilson Canyon is a recreation destination all its own. Since it’s BLM land, camping is free and plentiful. You can hike, fish, and use motorized vehicles such motorbikes, side-by-sides, and more! You can read our article on its hiking trail here.

• Bridgeport, CA: Bridgeport is a charming town in eastern California right next to the mighty Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s our favorite town in California due to its proximity to amazing hiking trails, Yosemite, lakes, hot springs, and more! Check out our article about Bridgeport here.

• Virginia City: About an hour from the park is the famed mining town, Virginia City. Step back in time and explore this wonderfully preserved and highly historical place. You can tour awesome attractions like MacKay Mansion , Chollar Mine , and more! Check out our article here.

Restaurants & Supplies

The small town of Yerington is a short drive away from the park and is a great place to pick up supplies or get something to eat. When camping, it’s always preferable to eat your meal over a fire but in the case of an extended stay, you may want to sit down at a restaurant.

For supplies, the one and only traditional grocery store is Raley’s. There’s also a Dollar General located on Main Street that offers limited grocery supplies. As far as restaurants go, there are three fast food joints if all you’re looking for is a quick bite. They are:

• McDonalds

• Port of Subs

• Subway

If you’d rather support a local business and sit down to eat, there are a few local places we can personally recommend. They are:

• Country Sunflower: It’s slightly out of town but this small, charming, local spot serves up amazing breakfast and lunch. It’s our personal favorite in the area.

• Tailgaters Sports Bar: Open for lunch and dinner, Tailgaters offers traditional fare like cheeseburgers, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and more in a sports themed setting.

• El Alteno: If you’re craving hot and fresh Mexican food, head to El Alteno. It’s the closest restaurant to the park and has great food and service (Note: They are closed on Saturdays and close at 6pm on Sundays).

Additionally, Yerington has a Raley’s, Dollar General, and Family Dollar where you can pick up supplies like ice, firewood, s’mores kits, and more. Of the three, I would recommend Raley’s, as the two other stores are often cluttered and dirty.