The Best National Parks in Nevada

Last Updated on: 15th September 2021, 10:58 pm

Looking for the best national parks in Nevada? From national parks to national monuments to preserves, here are the best Idaho national parks!

The Best National Parks in Nevada

Here we go!

California National Historic Trail

This historic trail which spans approximately 5,665 miles was the pathway for over 250,000 gold-seeking emigrants during the 1800s, what is today known as one of the biggest mass migrations in the history of America.

The trail intersects 10 states including California, Nevada, Utah among others. As of today, over 1000 miles of the trail between the West Coast and Casper Wyoming are scattered with trail ruts reminiscent of the great struggles early American settlers passed through in search of greener pastures.

Over 300 historic sites along the trail are currently available to the public, tourists along the trail can see wagon remains that are still in existence.

Death Valley National Park

With its history dating back to 1849, this beautiful landscape has served as ancestral land to the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe.

Despite its name, Death Valley is home to diverse natural wonders including native wildlife never before seen elsewhere, snow-capped mountains stretch of breathtaking sand dunes, colorful rocks and canyons, one-of-a-kind evaporative element, and a lot more.

This desert is the hottest, lowest and driest national park in all of North America. There are lots of activities to enjoy in Death Valley, from long walks to hardcore hikes, to playing on what is the world’s lowest elevation golf course.

This is a location filled with extremes, and Death Valley promises adventurers and tourists a thrilling experience.

Great Basin National Park

This National Park is known to be stunning in every season. The Park is a marvel to its visitors, home to magnificently high elevations, astronomy programs complete with a new astronomy amphitheater, ancient pine trees, and the famous Lehman Caves which is a stand out at this location.

Tours of the cave are available to intending tourists offering a look into the beautiful cave formations you will find there. Hiking enthusiasts will also enjoy the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail which boasts a 13,063-foot summit and is one of the top five peaks in the state.

The features at the Great Basic National Park can be accessed through the park’s two visitor centers, one located at the Lehman Caves and the other in Baker town.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

A location with a long list of activities to enjoy, this park is America’s first and largest national recreational area. Home to a beautiful desert oasis, canyons, mountains and busy marinas.

The entire area is made up of over 600,000 hectares of land and water. Visitors can access the park through nine main access points.

Activities to enjoy include paddle wheeling, swimming, fishing, water skiing, hiking, horse riding, scenic driving, and more.

Even though the lake is certainly the stand-out feature of this park, there are lots of sights to enjoy here including the Mojave Desert, as well as plants and wildlife specially adapted to this location.

Old Spanish National Historic Trail

This historic trail spans over 2,500 miles and dates back to 1829, when it was said to have been established.

Running through Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California, this trail is known as the longest, most crooked, and grueling route in American history where New Mexicans transported their locally made products in exchange for horses and mules.

Today, visitors might struggle to see remains of this trail as the majority of the routes have succumbed to natural causes or have been modified.

However, a number of the notable landmarks which served as guides to emigrants have been preserved and can still be seen today including the Santa Fe Plaza and The Palace of the Governors which are both National Historic Landmarks.

Pony Express National Historic Trail

A Monument in Salt Lake City, Utah. In the 1860s, this trail served as a cross-country route plied by young men riding horses or mules carrying America’s priority mails from Missouri to California within a record time of ten days.

Although unable to generate profit, this mail system was the nation’s most practical and direct communication means before the coming of The Telegraph.

Visitors can follow this historic trail today through the west desert of Utah on a BLM National Backcountry Byway gravel road, experiencing the unchanged landscape from the early days of the route with different sites and displays on the way.

Also located here is a BLM campground at the Simpson Springs with 20 open sites all year round.

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Situated in Las Vegas, Nevada, this national monument is also known as the Las Vegas Wash, was established in the year 2014 to preserve fossilized Mammoths, Dire Wolves, Saber Tooth Cats, and Bisons of the Ice Age among other historic wildlife which once roamed the lands.

It is one of America’s newest and most fascinating places to explore. Tule Springs Fossil Beds spans over 22,500 acres and is administered by the National Park Service.

Visitors and tourists can see different sites here including the “Big Dig” known for containing prehistoric tusks and bone fragments.

The extremely rare Bear Paw Poppy plant also grows in the Las Vegas Wash and is sure to be a sight to behold. The grounds are best checked around spring, fall, or during the winter and promise to be an interesting visit.