Nevada is more than just bright city lights and slot machines. Once you leave the highways behind, the state opens up into empty desert, deep canyons, and old mining towns that time mostly forgot.
These nine drives take you past crumbling ghost towns, red rock cliffs, and roads where you might not see another car for miles. If you love long open roads and history you can actually stop and touch, this list is worth saving.
Pack water, fill your tank, and get ready to explore the quieter side of the Silver State.
1. Extraterrestrial Highway (State Route 375)
Few roads in America come with their own alien reputation. State Route 375 earned the nickname Extraterrestrial Highway because it runs near the edge of the secretive Area 51 military zone.
The route stretches about 98 miles between Crystal Springs and Warm Springs, cutting through wide sagebrush valleys and quiet mountain passes. There are very few services along the way, so filling up your tank before you start is smart.
The small town of Rachel sits roughly in the middle and is the main stop for food and UFO-themed souvenirs. It is one of the only outposts for miles.
What makes this drive stand out is the emptiness. You get long straightaways, big skies, and a strong sense of being far from everything, which is exactly why so many road trippers seek it out.
2. Valley of Fire Road, Valley of Fire State Park
Bright red sandstone that seems to catch fire in the sunlight gives this park its name. Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest state park, located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas.
The road winds through towering rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and stops like Elephant Rock and the Fire Wave. Short trails branch off the main route so you can stretch your legs and get closer to the sandstone.
There is an entrance fee, and a visitor center offers maps and exhibits about the park’s geology and history.
Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit since summer temperatures climb very high. The dramatic color and easy access make it one of the most photographed drives in the state.
3. Lake Tahoe East Shore, State Route 28
Some drives trade desert for deep blue water, and this is one of them. State Route 28 hugs the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, offering big views of one of the clearest alpine lakes in the country.
The road passes Sand Harbor, a popular beach with turquoise water and smooth granite boulders. The East Shore Trail also runs nearby for walkers and cyclists who want to slow down.
Pine forests line much of the route, and pullouts give you plenty of chances to stop for photos.
Summer draws large crowds, so arriving early helps with parking, especially at Sand Harbor. It is a refreshing change of pace from the wide-open desert found in the rest of the state.
4. Rhyolite Ghost Town Road, near Beatty
Walls of an old bank still stand where a booming mining town once buzzed with thousands of people. Rhyolite grew fast during a gold rush in the early 1900s and emptied out just as quickly.
The site sits near Beatty, close to the eastern entrance of Death Valley. You can drive right up and wander among the ruins for free.
One of the most unusual features is the Bottle House, built from thousands of glass bottles, plus the nearby Goldwell Open Air Museum with its large outdoor sculptures.
Because it is unstaffed most of the time, bring water and watch your footing around the old structures. For anyone who likes history you can actually walk through, this stop delivers.
5. Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, near Elko
Nevada surprises a lot of people with real mountain scenery, and Lamoille Canyon proves the point. Carved by glaciers, this canyon in the Ruby Mountains sits near Elko in the northeastern part of the state.
The paved byway runs about 12 miles into the canyon, climbing past steep rock walls, waterfalls, and green meadows. Aspen groves turn gold in autumn, which is a favorite time to visit.
Trailheads at the end of the road lead deeper into the mountains for hikers who want more.
Wildlife like deer and mountain goats are sometimes spotted along the slopes. The lush, rugged setting feels a world away from the dusty flats most people picture when they think of Nevada.
6. Loneliest Road in America, U.S. Route 50
A magazine once called it the loneliest road in America, and Nevada leaned into the title instead of fighting it. U.S.
Route 50 crosses the middle of the state through a series of wide basins and mountain ranges.
The stretch between Fallon and Ely covers hundreds of miles with small towns like Austin and Eureka breaking up the drive. Each town has old buildings and mining history worth a short stop.
You can even pick up a survival guide and passport program that gets stamped along the way.
Services are spread far apart, so plan fuel stops carefully. The sheer scale and quiet make this one of the most memorable long-haul drives in the West.
7. Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop, near Las Vegas
Just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, the desert turns wild and colorful. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area protects striking sandstone cliffs streaked in red, tan, and gray.
The 13-mile one-way scenic loop takes you past overlooks, trailheads, and rock formations popular with climbers. A timed entry reservation is often required during busy seasons, so check ahead.
The visitor center has exhibits on desert plants, animals, and the area’s geology.
Bighorn sheep and wild burros sometimes appear near the road. Being so close to the city while feeling so remote is a big part of why this loop stays busy year-round.
8. Great Basin National Park, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
Way out near the Utah border sits one of the least crowded national parks in the country. Great Basin National Park is home to Wheeler Peak, ancient bristlecone pines, and the underground Lehman Caves.
The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive climbs to around 10,000 feet, offering big views and access to alpine trails. The upper section usually closes in winter due to snow.
Down below, guided tours of Lehman Caves reveal impressive rock formations for a small fee.
The park is also known for some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48, making it a favorite for stargazers. It is a rewarding destination for anyone willing to travel a little farther.
9. Goldfield and the Nevada State Route 266 Loop
Once one of the largest towns in Nevada, Goldfield still stands as a living reminder of the mining boom days. Historic brick buildings, including the old courthouse and hotel, line the main street.
The town sits along U.S. Route 95 in central Nevada, and side roads lead toward quiet desert country and old mining sites.
The nearby International Car Forest features cars planted upright in the ground as folk art.
Goldfield still has a small population, so a few shops and services remain open.
Old signs, weathered storefronts, and open desert make this a great stop for history fans and photographers. It pairs well with a longer central Nevada road trip through wide, empty terrain.
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