Things to do in Nevada, United States: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

May 31, 2021 Brandee Mangan

Las Vegas is the place to go for the best nightlife, gambling, live shows and dining in the U.S.  But there's plenty to do in Nevada for all types of travelers. The state boasts more than 100 beautiful golf courses, and water lovers can relax on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Set your sights on the mountainous landscape, perfect for hiking, or tour the famous Hoover Dam. World class resorts with top of the line spas are located throughout the state's major cities and tourist locales.
Restaurants in Nevada

1. Jarbidge Wilderness

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Located along the Idaho border, this wilderness area offers mountains, meadows and streams.

2. Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary

9605 State Route 400, Imlay, NV 89418-8112 +1 775-538-7093 [email protected] http://www.safehavenwildlife.com
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary

Safe Haven is accredited with GFAS, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, providing lifelong care to abandoned, surrendered and confiscated exotics and non releasable native Nevada wildlife.

Reviewed By 436judithb - Auburn, United States

Went to the Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary on a Sunday - given a tour - my group of 5 adults with intellectual disabilities - they all loved the sanctuary and greatly appreciated seeing the animals there - most are wild cats - tigers, lions, Bob cats, serval cats, foxes, black bear and coyotes - all look happy and well cared for - there are macaws in the visitor’s room - happy and screeching! A wonderful place run by caring, informative and knowledgeable staff - each animal’s history, background and how the animal came to be there were narrated to us - it’s a ‘no touch’ sanctuary and a place for the animals to be safe and well cared for - highly recommend to everyone to take a tour and visit - tour costs $15 per person and any donations greatly appreciated by the sanctuary - check it out - all who visit will appreciate the work that goes into the place for the care and well being of the wild animals there. Big Thank You to all the staff there.

3. Veteran's Memorial Park

1900 Buchanan Blvd, Boulder City, NV 89005-3668 +1 702-293-9256 http://bcnv.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Veterans-Memorial-Park-15
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

Veteran's Memorial Park

Reviewed By sharrongeg - Henderson, United States

I would have killed to have lived close to an awesome park like this when my kids were little. Just huge - with tons of free parking. We saw: BMX track, 2 skate parks, duck ponds, water spouts for small kids, dog park, jungle gym, baseball fields, picnic tables, volleyball courts and I think a soccer field. All beautifully maintained. Tons of natural grass and beautiful trees. Way to go Boulder City!

4. Little Finland

New Gold Butte Road, Mesquite, NV http://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/nevada/gold-butte
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

Little Finland

Reviewed By StevenP3559 - Pueblo, United States

This is a neat spot that experiences little in the way of visitors. There are access spots on both the east and west sides with the west my preference if you only have time for one. Little Finland is located 115 miles from Las Vegas and the round trip driving time is just over 5 hours.

5. River Fork Ranch

Genoa Lane, Genoa, NV 89411 http://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/river-fork-ranch/
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

River Fork Ranch

Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States

We went to River Fork Ranch, which is a conservacy. Its fairly new in the Genoa area. This is an amazing area for walking trails, bird watching. Around the building area, there is a series of wonderful signs that describe the views and purpose of the conservacy. There are sometmes special events held there. Its worth a visit if you like taking a walk with beauiful views of the mountains in the Carson Valley Area. Parking is free. In the past it was a cattle ranch, They also grew sustainablle agricultural products.

6. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161 +1 702-515-5350 http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/
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4.5 based on 26,046 reviews

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Visitors can admire colorful rock formations on several hiking trails or on a 13-mile scenic drive.

Reviewed By JerriAL1 - Johnston, United States

Spent half a day in this park in January when we wanted to get out of Vegas and do some hiking and exploring. The park fee for a vehicle day pass is $15 and well worth the time spent here. It was just over 60 degrees so plenty comfortable for us northerners and we wore shorts with a long sleeve top, had on sunscreen and carried water on our hikes. There is a 13 mile one way scenic loop which you can drive through and see plenty just stopping at the overlooks. There are also many hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate to difficult with a variety of elevation rises and lengths that you can choose from to see petroglyphs, hidden falls, scenic views and nature’s beauty more close up. The guide which you can access online or pick up in paper form has a map and very good descriptions of all scenic views, overlooks and hiking trails. Be aware that if you plan to rely on your phone, service is not reliable throughout the park. I recommend arriving early to beat the crowds especially on weekends or when the weather is more inviting. There is a visitor and information building with bathrooms and some information on the park and animals and land but stop on your way in because with a one-way route you won’t have another opportunity. We spent about 4 hours in the park and hit a few of the highlights, stopped at the scenic overlooks and hiked 4 different trails. Check park hours as well because they vary with the seasons. We will be back to explore the area more but the time we spent gave us time to explore the park and hit the highlights.

7. Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Ruby Valley, NV +1 702-779-2237 http://www.fws.gov/Refuge/Ruby_Lake
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4.5 based on 12 reviews

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Located at an elevation of 6,000 feet along the rugged Ruby Mountains, this recreation area offers many outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, bird watching and migratory bird hunting.

8. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

610 E Spring Meadows Rd, Amargosa Valley, NV 89020-1524 +1 775-372-5435 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash_meadows
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4.5 based on 201 reviews

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

A favorite spot for landscape and wildlife photographers, this refuge provides recreational facilities such as boating, hiking, camping and viewing historical sites.

Reviewed By socal586 - Lakewood, United States

Came here in Dec. and was very nice area. Great for learning about endangered species in the area. Nice boardwalk around the visitor center. Visitor center was closed due to co-vid.

9. Lake Mead National Recreation Area

10 Lakeshore Rd, NV 89005 +1 702-293-8990 http://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm
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4.5 based on 720 reviews

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Swim, boat, hike, cycle, camp and fish at America’s first and largest national recreation area. With striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters, this year-round playground spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast lakes. See the Hoover Dam from the waters of Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, or find solitude in one of the park's nine wilderness areas. Approximately 30 miles from Las Vegas. Entrance fees charged.

Reviewed By 985charc - Henderson, United States

I suggest research the many hikes here online. Owl Canyon, Railroad Tunnels, Calville Summit, The Bluffs, Wetlands Trail and more. There is a nice cafe ON the water at Las Vegas Bay Marina. A nice shaded with GRASS picnic area at Calville Bay. The three marina offers all kinds of water craft rentals too.

10. Spring Mountains National Recreational Area

800 W. Blue Diamond Road, Blue Diamond, NV 89004 +1 702-875-4141 http://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_026404.pdf
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4.5 based on 49 reviews

Spring Mountains National Recreational Area

An isolated mountain range in southern Nevada that ranks high among western U.S. mountain ranges in terms of wildlife and plant diversity.

Reviewed By 125debraj

A must for anyone that loves nature. An easy and scenic drive from the Vegas Strip. Before heading out to hike, stop at the Visitor Gateway. There is an amazing memorial to the Cold War hero's. The staff at the facility are very helpful and knowledgeable. Pick up a map and suggestions for trails to hike based on your skill level. If time permits when you leave the Visitor Gateway, stop at the Mt. Charleston Lodge Restaurant. Great view, good food, pleasant wait staff, and good live entertainment. Now for the hiking. Hint, don't eat too much before hiking and bring water. If you are not used to higher altitudes take your time. I live at sea level, 7-8,000 feet was a challenge. We started at the Cathedral Rock & Mt. Charleston Trail head. We hiked to the waterfall. It is worth the trek. The temperature difference between the Vegas Strip and the Spring Mountains, amazing.

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