Nevada road trip: Death Valley to Lake Tahoe, 35 stops

Explore Nevada's diverse landscapes across 8,347 km, from the dramatic red rocks of Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park to the alpine beauty of Lake Tahoe. Visit iconic Las Vegas attractions like the Bellagio Fountains and Las Vegas Sphere, then venture to natural wonders including Death Valley National Park, Hoover Dam, and historic sites like Virginia City and Nelson Ghost Town.

Distance
8347.5 km
Mode
route
Start
Death Valley National Park
End
St. Thomas
Stops
35
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Death Valley National Park — Vast desert wilderness with extreme landscapes and ancestral Shoshoni homelands
  2. Red Rock Canyon — Dramatic cliffs and rugged trails, perfect for hiking and photography enthusiasts
  3. Valley of Fire State Park — Ancient petroglyphs carved into crimson rocks thousands of years ago
  4. Lake Tahoe — Year-round paradise for skiing, boating, and pristine mountain views straddling Nevada-California border
  5. Cave Rock — Volcanic andesite formation rising 250 ft with tunnel on US Route 50, culturally significant landmark
  6. Reno — Lively city combining entertainment with outdoor recreation near Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe
  7. Reno Riverwalk — Urban riverside corridor featuring restaurants, craft beer halls, live music, and water activities
  8. Las Vegas — Dazzling city of entertainment, luxury, and endless nightlife
  9. Hoover Dam — Historic dam controlling Colorado River, creating Lake Mead reservoir
  10. Lake Topaz
  11. Mount Charleston — Peak 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas within Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
  12. Elephant Rock — Distinctive granite formation resembling an elephant's head, located in the Valley of Fire and renowned among hikers and photographers.
  13. Bellagio Fountains — Choreographed water fountain system on the Las Vegas Strip featuring synchronized performances set to music and lighting effects nightly.
  14. Las Vegas Sphere — Massive LED-covered spherical entertainment venue near the Strip displaying immersive visual content and hosting live performances.
  15. Fannette Island — Lake Tahoe's only island, a small rocky outcrop accessible by boat offering scenic views and historical stone structures.
  16. Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge — Modern bypass bridge spanning the Hoover Dam, providing dramatic views of the Colorado River canyon and dam infrastructure.
  17. Virginia City — Historic mining town with 19th-century heritage
  18. Nelson Ghost Town — Abandoned mining settlement with remnants of frontier life
  19. Seven Magic Mountains — Colorful stacked rock formations in the desert near Las Vegas
  20. Calico Basin — Red rock canyon area near Las Vegas featuring hiking trails, stunning geological formations, and views of the Strip.
  21. The Lakes * — Upscale residential development west of Las Vegas with man-made lakes, golf courses, and planned community amenities.
  22. Incline Village
  23. Black Rock City — Temporary art community in the Black Rock Desert hosting the annual Burning Man festival celebrating art, culture, and self-expression.
  24. High Roller — World's tallest observation wheel in Las Vegas, offering 360-degree views of the city from rotating cabins.
  25. Venetian Hotel — Grand canal-themed luxury casino resort on the Strip featuring indoor gondola rides and opulent Venetian-inspired architecture.
  26. Stratosphere Tower — Iconic tall observation tower on the Strip with viewing decks and thrill rides offering panoramic views of Las Vegas.
  27. Paris Las Vegas — Strip casino resort featuring a half-scale Eiffel Tower replica and French-themed dining and entertainment venues.
  28. Caesars Palace — Iconic Roman-themed casino resort on the Strip known for elaborate architecture, world-class entertainment, and historical significance.
  29. Silver Legacy Casino Reno — Downtown Reno casino featuring Victorian-era mining theme and connected to other casinos via an elevated sky bridge system.
  30. Summerlin Residential Neighborhood — Planned master-planned community in western Las Vegas featuring homes, golf courses, and shopping centers near Red Rock Canyon.
  31. Tahoe National Forest
  32. Fremont Street — Historic downtown Las Vegas thoroughfare featuring vintage casinos, neon signs, and the Viva Vision LED canopy overhead.
  33. Lake Mead — Massive reservoir supplying water to 20 million people, straddling Nevada and Arizona borders
  34. Boulder City — Gateway town providing easy access to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam
  35. St. Thomas — Ghost town ruins submerged then reappeared due to declining Lake Mead water levels

Useful for your trip

Transport
Drive about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas to reach Lake Mead. Boulder City provides easy access, sitting only 6 miles from Lake Mead and 8 miles from Hoover Dam.
Transport
Red Rock Canyon is located just 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, making it an easily accessible day trip from Las Vegas.
Tip
Red Rock Canyon features more than 30 miles of hiking trails and a 13-mile scenic drive showcasing striking sandstone cliffs and diverse geology.
Tip
Valley of Fire State Park is located about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas and offers a dozen short trails, most between 1 and 2 miles long.
Avoid
Valley of Fire experiences extremely hot summers where temperatures often exceed 115°F. Plan visits during cooler months or early morning hours.
Tip
In Valley of Fire State Park, camping is limited to designated sites only, fires are only allowed in grills, and motor vehicles are restricted to roads.
Tip
Lake Tahoe offers year-round activities including skiing, boating, and pristine mountain views. The lake reaches an impressive depth of 1,645 feet.
Tip
Red Rock Canyon welcomes over 3 million annual visitors and offers horseback riding, picnicking, and world-class rock climbing in addition to hiking.
Avoid
When horseback riding at Red Rock Canyon, exercise caution regarding water supplies and potential hazards during excursions.
Tip
Lake Mead offers over 1.5 million acres of landscapes with 900 campsites for relaxing with lake and desert views, plus fishing, swimming, and water sports.
Where to stay
Pets are welcome at Valley of Fire State Park but must remain leashed and kept out of visitor centers.

Video on this route

Wonders of Nevada | What's the REAL Nevada that Tourists Miss? | Travel Video 4K

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