Your Silver State Summer
Four Nevada road trips pair scenic landscapes and cultural treasures.
The Loneliest Road in America
There’s no doubt that famed Highway 50 takes you out there. But there’s plenty to see and do, too. Tackle the high desert terrain around Ely during Fears, Tears & Beers (June 14, 2025), the oldest enduro mountain bike race in the country. At the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair (Aug. 22-24, 2025), get a taste of the award-winning Hearts of Gold melon, grown practically around the corner from this annual event.
The Lake Tahoe Loop
Find hidden gems around the "Jewel of the Sierra Nevada." In the Biggest Little City, summer begins with the Reno River Festival (May 30-June 1, 2025). A half-hour down the road, historic Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum showcases tradition at the annual Stewart Father’s Day Powwow (June 13-15, 2025). The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (July 5-Aug. 24, 2025) brings the Bard to Big Blue’s shores.
Cowboy Corridor
From Basques and buckaroos to Ruby Mountain views, this drive is rich with Western heritage, family feasts and adventure. At the Winnemucca Basque Festival (June 14-15, 2025) and Elko’s National Basque Festival (July 5-6, 2025), days are full of culinary tradition, street dances, music and competitions like wood chopping and weight lifting. Picon Punches—Nevada’s unofficial state drink—will be flowing.
The Free-Range Art Highway
Roam among one-of-a-kind art installations, ghost towns and legendary lodging like The Clown Motel and the haunted Mizpah Hotel. Rockhounders, jewelers, and antique enthusiasts should beeline it to the Tonopah Rock & Bottle Show (July 18-20, 2025). The Goldfield Days Celebration & Land Auction (Aug. 1-3, 2025) sparks Wild West-style revelry: period costumes, historical tours, a liars contest, stargazing parties and more.
In Nevada, travelers go home with more stories than souvenirs. Visit Travel Nevada today and plan your next trip.
