In Nevada, You Can Kayak in the Desert: Ten Unexpected Adventures on a Trip to the Silver State

Kayak in the desert, marvel at Earth’s oldest trees, discover Ice Age fossils and more.

On the world stage, Nevada may be best known for the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. But beyond the neon lights lies a state brimming with unexpected adventures that defy its arid desert landscape. From ancient fossils to alpine skiing, Nevada’s diverse terrain offers a wealth of activities that surprise even today's seasoned travelers. With 28 state and national parks, countless national monuments, and millions of acres of public lands, the Silver State is a treasure trove of natural wonders and thrilling experiences. Whether you’re kayaking in the desert, exploring the world’s oldest trees, or soaking in natural hot springs, Nevada is a destination that promises the unexpected at every turn. These ten experiences capture some of the state’s most fascinating—and surprising—adventures.

1. Explore One of the World’s Largest Concentration of Ice Age Fossils at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Just a short drive (around 20 miles) from the bustling city of Las Vegas, the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument offers a journey back to the distant Ice Age. Spanning over 22,650 acres, it’s the United States’ only national monument solely dedicated to Pleistocene Epoch fossils. Fossil fragments from the Columbian mammoth, American lion, and saber-toothed cat highlight a time when these prehistoric giants roamed the area before becoming entrapped in mud pits and fossilized. Visitors can explore the “Big Dig,” a site of major excavations in the 1960s, and wander the nearby Ice Age Fossils State Park, a sprawling 315-acre park where even more discoveries await.

2. Encounter Ancient Petroglyphs at Gold Butte National Monument

In Nevada, You Can Kayak in the Desert: Ten Unexpected Adventures on a Trip to the Silver State — Gold Butte National Monument. Travel Nevada

Venture into the remote beauty of Gold Butte National Monument, where the red sandstone landscape is adorned with thousands of ancient petroglyphs. These striking carvings, etched into the rock by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago, offer a window into the lives and beliefs of Nevada’s first habitants. The decorative carvings are incredible to behold, but remember: gaze, don’t touch. Key sites here include Whitney Pocket, home to prehistoric roasting pits and still more petroglyphs, and Little Finland, where wind-sculpted sandstone formations create a surreal, goblin-shaped landscape. Don’t miss Devil’s Throat, a 110-foot-deep sinkhole that adds a sense of mystery to this already otherworldly destination.

3. Kayak in the Desert at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

It may seem unlikely, but Nevada’s arid landscape is home to the largest man-made reservoir in the United States—Lake Mead. Formed by the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, Lake Mead spans 110 miles and offers a range of water-based adventures, including kayaking in the desert. In fact, it is the first designated national recreation area, creating a promise for outdoor adventure that it still lives up to today. Paddle through the stunning Black Canyon Water Trail, a 90-mile wilderness area where the turquoise waters of Emerald Cave contrast against the rugged canyon walls. Beneath the surface of Lake Mead lies the sunken B-29 Superfortress, a relic of World War II. For a deeper historical dive, the Lost City Museum explores the area’s rich Ancestral Puebloan heritage.

4. Get To Know Some of the World’s Oldest Trees at Great Basin National Park

The high mountains of Great Basin National Park are home to some of the world’s oldest living trees—the Bristlecone pines. Some of these ancient trees have been standing for more than 4,900 years, weathering millennia of harsh natural conditions. The Patriarch Grove is home to the largest of these trees, the Patriarch Tree—a testament to the resilience of life. Beyond the rugged pine forest, Great Basin National Park offers alpine lakes, towering peaks, and the only glacier in Nevada, along with ample opportunities for year-round stargazing. Visitors can also explore Lehman Caves, a dazzling underground world of stalactites and stalagmites that has captivated explorers long before the area was designated as a national park.

5. Experience Life as an Astronaut at Lunar Crater National Landmark

For those seeking a truly out-of-this-world experience, don’t miss the Lunar Crater National Landmark. The terrain in these parts, with its obsidian flows and primitive formations, closely resembles the surface of the moon. In fact, the landmark offers a landscape so alien that it was once used by NASA astronauts in the 1970s to train for their lunar mission. This remote area is home to 20 extinct volcanoes, ancient lava beds, and the largest natural crater in Nevada—a “maar” crater that was formed by an explosive eruption and later filled with groundwater. Today, visitors can explore the 430-foot-deep Lunar Crater and its surrounding environment, where the rugged beauty of Nevada’s desert landscape is on full display all year round.

6. The World’s Tallest Artificial Climbing Wall in Reno

Nevada’s rugged landscape makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly climbers. In Reno, adventurers can warm up for the state’s natural rock faces by tackling the world’s largest artificial climbing wall. This 164-foot structure, which clings to the side of the Whitney Peak Hotel, holds the record as the tallest artificial climbing wall on the planet. After conquering this vertical challenge, climbers can head to Red Rock Canyon or Mount Charleston Wilderness Area to take on southern Nevada’s mountains, which offer some of the most dramatic and diverse climbing experiences in the country.

7. Explore Old West History with a Mine Tour in Virginia City

Step back in time and experience the wild and untamed history of the Old West with a visit to Virginia City, one of Nevada’s most storied towns. Once a booming mining town during the Comstock Lode silver rush, Virginia City still retains much of its 19th-century charm. Visitors to the Ponderosa Saloon & Mine Tour can descend into the depths of the Ponderosa Mine on a guided tour, exploring the tunnels where silver ore was once extracted, and view over 300 pieces of real mining equipment. The town’s historic main street is lined with museums, saloons, and landmarks that celebrate its mining heritage, making it one of the top historic destinations in the state.

8. Meander Through the Glacier-Carved Lamoille Canyon

Lamoille Canyon is a stunning example of the state’s natural beauty. Carved by glaciers over thousands of years, this scenic canyon is part of the Ruby Mountains and is accessible via the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway. Open from May to October, the byway winds through 12 miles of breathtaking scenery, offering numerous photo opportunities—particularly along the postcard-worthy Rubies Route that traverses Lamoille, exquisite Jarbidge and spirited Elko. For fishing enthusiasts, the stunning Jarbidge Wilderness area provides some of the best places in the state to cast a line, with pristine streams that are brimming with native trout. Although remote, the area’s rugged beauty and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit for nature lovers of all kinds.

9. Soak in Nevada’s Naturally Occurring Hot Springs

Amid Nevada’s vast deserts and rugged mountains lie numerous naturally occurring hot springs, offering a perfect way to relax after a day of adventure. Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs, part of a natural oasis in the middle of the desert, attracts an abundance of wildlife and offers a serene soaking experience. For those seeking a more remote and adventurous experience, Soldier Meadows Hot Springs and Black Rock Hot Springs provide secluded retreats surrounded by the stark beauty of the desert. History buffs might prefer Steamboat Hot Springs—the first hot spring resort in the state, where Mark Twain himself once soaked. This historic site near Virginia City combines relaxation with a sense of the past.

10. Après-Ski Under an Hour from Las Vegas

It may seem surprising for a state known for its desertscapes, but world-class skiing and snowboarding await just 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Of note, Lee Canyon Ski Resort, located in the Spring Mountains, offers a winter wonderland with three chair lifts that ascend to a peak elevation of 9,310 feet. The resort’s 445 acres of terrain are perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. For those willing to venture further afield, the Lake Tahoe area offers over 15 ski resorts, including Heavenly Mountain Resort, which straddles the California-Nevada border. Nearby, local favorite Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe boasts the highest base in the area, coupled with a low-key and family-friendly vibe. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner seeking lessons, Nevada’s ski resorts provide an unexpected winter escape in the desert.

Journey Beyond the Expected in Nevada

Nevada is truly a land of contrasts, where the unexpected awaits at every turn. From ancient fossils to otherworldly landscapes to alpine peaks and more, the Silver State offers a diverse array of adventures that challenge the traditional image of the desert. Whether you’re kayaking on Lake Mead, exploring the historic streets of Virginia City, or soaking in a hot spring under the stars, Nevada’s hidden gems promise an unforgettable journey through one of America’s most surprising and captivating states. Pack your bags and prepare to discover the many wonders that make Nevada a destination like no other. The only question that remains is how fast can you get there.