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When most people think of Nevada, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas – from the flashing lights to the world-class shows, it’s generally the stop to include on most travel itineraries to the United States. I’m here to tell you that the silver state of Nevada has so much more to offer if you step off the beaten path and explore.

I was lucky enough to experience the best of Nevada on a top sellers trip hosted by the team at Travel Nevada.

Traveling in style with American Airlines in premium economy from Sydney to Reno. The first 2 nights were spent in style at the award-winning Peppermill Resort and Casino. On our first full day, we headed from Reno to explore the historic old town of Virginia City, where we enjoyed a guided city tour and underground adventure of Ponderosa Mine. In the afternoon we headed to Carson City, the capital of Nevada, and were greeted by High Sierra Pack Goats and our new furry friends joined us for a hike along the Prison Hill Trail.

Making new friends at High Sierra Pack Goats

We began our road trip from Reno along Route 50, voted the loneliest road in America. We made our way to the city of Fallon via Geona, the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada. Here we experienced ATV rides along the sand dunes of Sand Mountain. A giant 6-story mountain made entirely of sand which sits right in the middle of the Nevada desert landscape and is also one of the only singing sand dunes in the world. After breaking a sweat on the ATVs, we headed to Frey Ranch Distillery to wet our whiskers with their award-winning whiskeys and learn the distilling techniques that make Frey Ranch farmers one of the world’s premier grain-to-glass operations. Supporting the local community, we all made a few purchases to take home with us. After a big day on the road, we checked in to the Holiday Inn Express Fallon for a night of relaxation.

Whiskey tasting at Frey Ranch Distillery 

Time to hit the road again. From Fallon, we drove to the town of Lovelock to visit the Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary which provides rehabilitation and lifelong care for wild animals in need. Continuing to our overnight destination of the city of Elko, we stopped via the California Trail Interpretive Center to learn more about the pioneering history of Nevada and American Indian Heritage. Checking into our accommodation at the Ramada by Wyndham Elko, where we will spend the next two nights.

Lacing up your hiking boots, this morning we traveled to Lamoille Canyon situated in the largest valley in the Ruby Mountains.  Known as the “Grand Canyon” of Nevada, the scenery was stunning and we had an unexpected snow fight. Returning to the Elko to recharge for the evening.

Lamoille Canyon – The Grand Canyon of Nevada                                                                                              

This morning, we made our way to Angel Lake. Located in the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest and flanked by glacial cirques, Angel Lake is well worth the detour for the more adventurous traveler. Continuing on our road trip arriving in West Wendover, a border city located on the state line of Nevada and Utah. Here we visited the historic Airfield Museum, offering an extraordinary inside into the events of World War II, preserving the past and educating the future. It’s the location set where many famous movies like Independence Day and Con Air were filmed. The museum has a collection of artifacts, and photographs and maintains original building features along with a full-scale replica of the “Little Boy” atomic bomb. The perfect place to learn more about our aviation and military history. Celebrating our road trip and final night together at the Wendover Nugget Hotel and Casino.

The prestige views of Angel Lake 

Making our way to Salt Lake City, we stopped en route at the famous Nevada salt flats before checking in at the airport for our international flight back to Australia.

Rich in history, diverse culture, and home to a variety of natural wonders. From desert landscapes, casinos and adventure-packed experiences. These are some of the reasons why road-tripping through Nevada offers unlimited experiences and is well worth the adventure.

Planning your next road trip through the United States? Be sure to chat to me, your local Personal Travel Manager for first hand knowledge, travel tips and a tailor-made itinerary perfect for you and your family.