The Nevada you never knew existed

Off the beaten track experiences in the ‘Silver State’

With 27 per cent more Brits planning to visit ‘alternative destinations’ in 2018*, Nevada offers a whole host of off-the-beaten-track experiences to appeal to savvy travellers looking to explore the US away from the tourist trail. Holidaymakers heading to the State can take a trip along the loneliest road in America, discover relics from the silver mining boom, visit tiny wild-west towns and be blown away by the breath-taking scenery in the Great Basin National Park.

Visit the loneliest road in America: Why not take a trip along America’s loneliest road, Route 50, stretching for 287 miles across the desert. This is the ultimate off-the-beaten track adventure, as you won’t see another soul for miles, only breath-taking views and an empty road. Don’t miss the Grand Basin National Park with 18 separate mountain ranges, the ghosts of old mining towns and the Hickson Petroglyph Recreation Area with 10,000-year-old rock carvings. A stop definitely not to miss along the route is the iconic Shoe Tree of Middlegate where generations of passers-by have strung up their shoes.

Visit Ely, the perfect basecamp to explore Nevada’s beauty spots: Ely lies on Route 50 and is in the heart of the Golden West. It is the perfect base to get away from the crowds and explore the stunning natural beauty of the Great Basin National Park, Cave Lake State Park and the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic park (pictured right), a relic of the silver mining past. The stunning Lehman Caves are only an hour’s drive away, so be sure to reserve a place on the excellent guided tour.  Don’t miss the Cellblock Steakhouse where you can eat a rib eye steak in an old jail cell or Garnet Hill where the volcanic rocks are embedded with thousands of precious stones.

Visit Virginia City and discover the Wild West: Virginia City is more than 150 years old and is a relic of the silver and gold mining boom. Just half an hour away from Reno, the city is steeped in history and has a real Wild West vibe. The quiet town only has a population of 855 people and feels like a real step back in time.  Don’t forget to download the handy mobile app that gives an audio tour to discover the history of the buildings throughout the town.

Take a trip to Pyramid Lake, a stunning lake with a rich history: Pyramid Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the state of Nevada, a little-known spot only a short drive from the bustling crowds of Reno. The area has played a significant role in the Paiute Indian tribe’s history, as it was the site of the 19th Century Paiute War between the native American tribes and the settlers entering the area. This is all explained in the excellent Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum. It is well worth a visit for the stunning views of the pyramid shaped rock that the lake is named for and interesting insight into Native American history.

Experience the excitement of Downtown Las Vegas: Downtown Las Vegas is located just five miles north of the Strip and is the historic centre of Las Vegas. It has seen a massive regeneration in the past few years and is a great alternative to the glitz and glam of the famous Strip. The Fremont East district is home to quirky bars, small nightclubs and modern eateries. Don’t miss Atomic Liquors, Vegas’ oldest freestanding bar named after a time when customers would watch atomic blasts taking place in the desert from the roof. Another must see is the Neon Museum, a fascinating look into the history of Vegas through a “Boneyard” of old signs from days gone by (pictured left).

For more information visit: www.travelnevada.com