18 Outdoors- Other to Explore in Nye County

Checkout places to visit in Nye County

Nye County

Nye County, Nevada is a wild and fascinating place. It spans over 18,000 square miles, making it the largest county in the state. With only around 42,000 residents, it's also one of the most sparsely populated areas in the country. But don't be fooled by the low population count - there's plenty of weirdness here. From the infamous Area 51 to the annual Pahrump Balloon Festival, Nye County never fails to surprise me. Plus, the vast stretches of open land mean you're always in for a stunning view

Activities Around

Outdoors- Other to Explore in Nye County

Arc Dome

Arc Dome, is the third-highest peak in the Toiyabe Range. With its impressive height of 11,775 feet, it's no wonder that this mountain is a popular destination among hikers and mountaineers. But don't let its breathtaking views fool you—this hike is not for the faint of heart. You'll need to be in good physical shape and come prepared with plenty of water and snacks. But trust me, the reward at the top is worth the effort.

Ash Meadows

Ash Meadows is a true hidden gem. This unique area boasts a variety of intriguing features, including wetlands, springs, and animal species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It's like stepping into another world altogether! The crystal clear water of the pools and streams are the perfect spot for swimming or taking a refreshing dip. And if that doesn't interest you, you can take a leisurely stroll along one of the many hiking trails and explore the beautiful landscapes.

Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park

Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park located in Nye County, Nevada. The park is home to a fascinating collection of fossils dating back to over 225 million years ago! But the real show-stoppers are undoubtedly the ichthyosaurs, marine reptiles that reached up to 55 feet in length. It's hard not to be impressed and maybe a little intimidated when you stand next to these massive creatures from the past. The park is perfect for a day trip or a weekend camping adventure.

Cathedral Canyon

This stunning slot canyon boasts towering rock formations and stunning views that will take your breath away. While some may find the hike slightly challenging, I think it adds to the excitement and sense of adventure. It's a great opportunity to test your endurance, and the reward of reaching the end of the canyon is well worth it. Plus, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good workout with a little bit of sightseeing thrown in?

Devils Hole

Devils Hole, a geological wonder located in Nye County, Nevada, is renowned for its exceptionally rare and endangered fish species. But don't let its name deceive you, this place is more paradise than inferno. The clear, aquamarine water dangerously tempts you to jump in and cool off on a hot Nevada day. However, I wouldn't recommend it, unless you want to face the wrath of the National Park Service.

Diana's Punch Bowl

Diana's Punch Bowl in Nye County, Nevada could be the perfect destination for you. This unique geological formation is a colorful depression that sits at the base of a towering granite mountain and is surrounded by picturesque desert landscapes. The name itself has piqued the curiosity of many travelers who wonder about the story behind it. Unfortunately, the origin of this name remains a mystery and is subject to speculation.

Frenchman Flat

For those unfamiliar, Frenchman Flat is a site that has seen its fair share of nuclear detonations in the 1950s and 60s. While the sheer power of these blasts is undoubtedly impressive, it's hard not to find the whole situation a little absurd. I mean, what kind of society decides that setting off a bunch of nukes in the middle of the desert is a good idea? Regardless of my personal feelings, Frenchman Flat's impact on America's nuclear history cannot be denied.

Grant Range Wilderness

It's a beautiful and captivating landscape that makes one wonder why we bother living in cities. The jagged peaks, scattered crevices, and the utter remoteness of the place beckons any daredevil to take up the challenge and explore its depths. With a total area of 52,040 acres, it's a vast playground for adventurers to test their mettle. Prepare yourself for some rough terrain and stunning views.

Lady Desert- The Venus of Nevada

This sculpture of a reclining woman amidst the vast desert landscape is a sight to behold. It's not every day you stumble upon a giant naked lady sculpture out in the middle of nowhere. But if you do, you better stop and take a picture! Lady Desert is a tribute to the beauty of the female form and was created by artist Dr. Hugo Heyrman. To some, it may seem controversial, but to me, it's a stunning work of art that perfectly captures the essence of the desert.

Lunar Crater

The Lunar Crater volcanic field in Nye County, Nevada is out of this world! Okay, okay, bad pun, but seriously, this geological wonder is something to marvel at. Spanning over 70 kilometers, the field is home to over 400 volcanic cones, making it one of the largest such fields in the world. And let's not forget the namesake crater, which measures in at a whopping 400 meters deep and over 1 kilometer wide. The Lunar Crater volcanic field is a must-visit for any geology enthusiast.

Mizpah Mine

The Mizpah Mine, is a hidden gem of the mining world that often gets overlooked. Sure, it might not be as famous as the nearby Carlin Trend, but that doesn't mean it's any less impressive. And with all due respect to those other mines, the Mizpah has a certain charm that they just can't match. Maybe it's the way the sun shines through the rusted towers of the old mill, or maybe it's the stories of the wild and crazy characters who used to work there.

Montgomery-Shoshone Mine

Ah, the Montgomery-Shoshone Mine of Nye County, Nevada! It's not just any old mine - it's a piece of history that's worth exploring. Operating from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, it produced enough gold and silver to make Scrooge McDuck envious. But what really catches my attention is the mine's fascinating ownership history. It was owned by a mishmash of characters, including a dentist, a lawyer, and one of the founding fathers of Las Vegas.

Oasis Valley

Nestled amidst the sprawling mountains and scorching desert of Nye County, lies the charming town of Oasis Valley. Known for its serene natural beauty and vibrant community, this place is truly a hidden gem. With picturesque hiking trails, cozy cafes, and quirky art galleries, Oasis Valley has something for everyone. Despite its small size, this town packs a punch with its rich history and unique character.

Railroad Valley

Railroad Valley, is a charming pocket of desert that's home to just over 1,000 people. This unique area is largely known for its historic railroad line, which once transported ore from surrounding mines. Railroad Valley is known for its unparalleled desert landscapes, with red sandstone formations and sweeping vistas that seem to go on forever. One thing that always strikes me while visiting is the sheer silence of the valley, making it the perfect place to get away.

Sedan Crater

Sedan Crater, is a unique testament to human curiosity and, well, questionable decision-making. Back in the late 1960s during the height of the Cold War, the US government decided to put on a show of strength by detonating a nuclear bomb beneath the desert sands. The result? A massive crater over 300 feet deep and 1,200 feet wide. While the science behind the test was undoubtedly fascinating, one has to wonder about the sanity of detonating a nuke in our own backyard.

Titus Canyon Road.

This road is no ordinary route; it's a 27-mile gravel narrow road that winds its way through the rugged and beautiful backcountry of Death Valley National Park. Along the way, you'll find yourself in awe of the stunning scenery that surrounds you - towering cliffs, colorful rock formations, and endless vistas. But fair warning, this road is not for the faint of heart. It's narrow, with steep turns and the occasional drop-off, so you'll want to keep your hands at ten and two.

Toiyabe Dome

The majestic Toiyabe Dome,with its breathtaking height of 11,361 feet, this towering natural wonder is not for the faint of heart. But fear not, friends- for those of us who lack the fortitude to scale its steep inclines, the Dome can still be enjoyed from the comfort of our cars. Yes, you read that right. There is indeed a road that winds all the way up to the top. But beware- the winding road is not for the faint of heart and definitely not for those who suffer from motion sickness.

Tonopah Historic Mining Park

Tonopah Historic Mining Park in Nye County, Nevada is a must-visit destination. This park offers a window into the state's rich mining history, complete with guided tours of the mineshafts and equipment used in the heyday of silver and gold mining. But let's be real - the real draw of this park is the opportunity to dress up in mining gear and clamber around like a wild west prospector. Don't miss the chance to snap a selfie in a hard hat and overalls!

Map of Outdoors- Other to explore in Nye County