Top 6 Scenic Road Trips in Nevada

Adventure seekers will love exploring Nevada's picturesque and remote backroads.

Whether you’re looking to incorporate scenic byways into a longer journey across the USA or simply want to enjoy more sightseeing, our selection of Nevada's top drives should definitely be on your agenda.

1. Highway 50

Ideal for tranquility on the open road Distance: 320 miles

Extending from Fallon, Nevada, to Great Basin National Park and the state border, the remote Hwy 50 traces some of America's legendary paths – the Pony Express, the Overland Stagecoach, and the Lincoln Highway – through the state’s heart. In 1986, Life magazine dubbed it the 'Loneliest Road in America,' a title that endures.

Tip for travelers: You can obtain a Hwy 50 Survival Guide at most tourist information centers; prepare for stretches without seeing another vehicle, accompanied only by stark basin landscapes and rugged mountain ranges.

2. Las Vegas Strip Scenic Byway

Top road trip for classic Vegas attractions Distance: 5 miles

This five-mile stretch might be brief, but it’s the only nighttime scenic byway in the USA, making it a must-see drive. Here, you can enjoy some of the best attractions Las Vegas has to offer without diving into the hustle and bustle of the Strip (though it’s just around the corner when you’re ready).

Catch a glimpse of the iconic 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign and embark on a 'world tour' spotting themed resorts like Ancient Egyptian pyramids, medieval castles, and the Eiffel Tower. The drive can be completed in as little as thirty minutes, but many choose to spend hours exploring and taking photos along the route.

3. Wheeler Scenic Drive, Great Basin National Park

Ideal for thrilling hairpin turns Distance: 12 miles

Climbing 3000 feet, this scenic drive offers breathtaking views of Wheeler Peak and the basin below, guaranteed to leave you awestruck. Each hairpin turn reveals even more stunning vistas (not for the faint of heart!). At the roundabout at the end, you can park and embark on a mountain climb (if you're well-prepared). Shorter hikes are equally magnificent.

Insider tip: According to park rangers, this drive traverses the same number of eco-regions that you would find between northern Nevada and the icy Yukon of Canada, thousands of miles away.

4. Mount Rose Highway

Perfect road trip for breathtaking alpine scenery Distance: 24 miles

Known affectionately as State Route 431, this route links Lake Tahoe's Incline Village with Reno and rises to over 8000 feet at Mount Rose Summit. The scenic viewpoint just three miles in is a must-visit to fully appreciate the beauty of the sparkling alpine lake.

Travel tip: If you plan to drive this route in winter, make sure to check the road conditions beforehand.

5. Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway

Ideal for tranquil beaches Distance: 34 miles

Located 25 miles north of Reno on the Paiute Indian Reservation, Pyramid Lake presents a strikingly blue surface against a stark landscape. Its shores are dotted with beautiful beaches and remarkable tufa formations, a type of limestone.

To reach the lake, head north on NV-445 from Reno, then return via NV-446 to the visitors' center.

6. Red Rock Canyon

Perfect for stunning landscapes Distance: 13 miles

Renowned by Las Vegas locals and travelers alike, Red Rock features dramatic views shaped by powerful tectonic activity over 65 million years ago. The scenic loop, starting at the visitor center, presents breathtaking perspectives of the canyon's most remarkable attributes.

Planning tip: To drive this route between October 1 and May 31, you must reserve a timed entry. Hiking and rock climbing trails are available from roadside parking areas.

Driving Tips for Nevada

• The majority of travelers navigate Nevada via interstate highways I-80 or I-15, but US 6 and US 50 offer excellent, less congested alternatives.

• It takes under two hours to cover the 125 miles from Primm, at the California border, to Mesquite near Utah via I-15; Las Vegas serves as the most popular overnight stop on this route.

• For a night's rest while traveling on I-80, consider Winnemucca and Elko, which are the most appealing stops.

• While US Hwy 95 provides the fastest connection between Las Vegas and Reno, it requires a full day's drive with limited sights along the way.

• Many scenic back roads are unpaved. Confirm with your car rental provider whether off-road driving is allowed.

• For information on road conditions, particularly in winter, check the Nevada Department of Transportation.