10 Awesome Nevada Destinations You Should Visit in 2022

January 8, 2022 Kevin

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With 2021 over and done with, 2022 brings the hope of a return to normalcy and the great state of Nevada is eager to welcome visitors back to its many great destinations.

While everyone has heard of the state’s most famous places like Las Vegas, Valley of Fire, and the Hoover Dam, the ones on this list are mostly known to locals and passerbys.

With no shortage of quirky, out-of-the-way attractions to explore, Nevada is more than worthy of your vacation time and effort. Here is our list of ten awesome Nevada destinations to visit in 2022.

1) Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park

Located 20 miles up the road from the small town of Gabbs, the abandoned ghost town of Berlin gives visitors a glance of what life was like in Nevada’s gold rush era. Many of the original buildings, including the mill, still remain.

The other awesome feature of the park is the large concentration of Ichthyosaur fossils on display inside the fossil house. The fossils were first discovered in 1928 and excavations continued until the mid-60’s. All told, 40 near complete fossils were found here.

2) Wilson Canyon

At first glance, Wilson Canyon may seem like it offers nothing more than a beautiful section of Walker River to gaze at. That couldn’t be further from the truth as the canyon offers hiking, camping, fishing, and motor bike opportunities.

Wilson Canyon can be found roughly 12 miles from the town of Yerington. There are plenty of pull outs for you to use and towards the end of the canyon just before and after the bridge are large dirt lots. Coming from Yerington, the left side of the canyon is for hikers while the right side is where you can use your motorbikes and ATV’s.

3) Ward Charcoal Ovens

Ward Charcoal Ovens at night. Photo credit: Richard Massey

These beehive shaped ovens were built back in the 1870’s to process silver ore that was mined in the area. Once mining ended, they were used as shelter by people traveling through and were rumored to be used by stagecoach bandits as hideouts.

Today, 6 of these ovens still stand and are located on Nevada State Park land about 16 miles southeast of Ely. Visitors are welcomed to come out and see these amazing pieces of mining history for themselves. If you’re a photographer, you’ll enjoy getting creative with dark sky photos.

4) Pyramid Lake

If you’re an avid fisherman, chances are good that you’ve at least heard of Pyramid Lake. Located on Paiute Tribe land and not too far from Reno, this beautiful desert lake is home to some of the best fishing in the state.

It’s gorgeous landscapes and amazing sunsets will captivate and leave you wanting to return again and again. The Paiute Tribe have recently re-opened the lake to the public after a long closure due to covid precautions.

5) Sand Mountain Recreation Area

Just outside of Fallon on the north side of highway 50, a just under 4,800 acre recreation site called, “Sand Mountain”, can be found. It’s not exactly unknown but outside of summer months, you’ll typically be able to visit with minimal to no crowds.

The main activity here is riding ATV’s, dirt bikes, and the like, but you’re also free to explore the area on foot. Photography buffs, can capture great photos during golden hour here.

Sand Mountain is on BLM land and is a designated fee site. Prices are $40 for 1-7 days or you can opt for the annual pass for $90.

6) Rhyolite & Goldwell Open Air Museum

Becoming a boomtown after the discovery of high grade ore in 1905, Rhyolite stood out among the rest of the mining camps of the time. Even attracting the attention and money of Charles M. Schwab in 1907. Despite its success, the town’s quick decline was just as impressive as it’s rise. By 1920, all but 14 people had moved on.

The Goldwell Open Air Museum was established in the 1980’s as a direct result of the increase in tourism at nearby Death Valley. Artist Albert Szukalski created the museum’s most famous sculpture, a ghostly take on the, “The Last Supper”, painting. The museum is located at the southern entrance of the town and is a must see.

7) Tonopah Historic Mining Park

This park located in Tonopah is teething with history and is worth a stop either on your way to Vegas or as a destination on its own. It’s located on the original mining claims that led to the rush in the area.

The park is over 100 acres in size and features portions of the original four major companies that once operated in the area.

Historic and preserved equipment, buildings, exhibits, and more can be found along the self guided tour. If you wish, you could also partake in a tour led by highly knowledgeable guides.

8) Lovelock Cave

While not big and expansive by any means, the cave near the tiny town of Lovelock is both easy to get to and rich in history.

It was once home to Northern Paiute American Indians and during an archaeological dig in 1912, ancient skeletal remains and artifacts were discovered making this cave popular with historians, scientists, and explorers alike.

9) King’s Canyon Falls

A quick drive outside the city limits of Carson City and a (very) short hike from the parking lot is where you can find this relatively well hidden waterfall. To see it at its best, you’ll want to come during spring. If you’re up to it, scramble up over the falls to see some additional cascades.

10) Dayton State Park

As you can see in the image above, visiting this beautiful park during the fall is a must! The park is rated as one of the top 10 places in the state for fall colors and if you see it for yourself, you’ll no doubt agree. The park makes for an excellent day outing with the family or events such as reunions, birthdays, etc (post covid, of course).

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There you have it! Our list of 10 little known places in Nevada that you should visit in 2021. Have you been to any of these or did we leave your favorite off the list? Let us know in the comments below!

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