NEVADA
Travel Guides
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Nevada is located within a basin and range province that is characterized by sudden changes in elevation and alternates between narrow faulted mountain chains and flat arid valleys or basins.
The largest area in the state’s north is within a mild desert climate with high temperatures in summer and cold winters. Moreover this area has the most precipitation. Within this area you have are plenty of mountain ranges and peaks that are over 13,000 feet (4,000 m) high, e.g. Lake Tahoe within the Sierra Nevada Mountains. |
The southern part of the state is mainly a desert and has a hot-dry climate with low rainfalls. The Mojave Desert and Las Vegas are located in this part of the state.
Depending on your interests the best travel time differs. For those going to Las Vegas I recommend to visit the desert in winter, spring, and fall when the temperatures are warm but not hot.
In summer when the highs are around 105 F (~ 40.5 C) or more it can get uncomfy and you will breathe in hot air as soon as you step outside the shades. During that time the sun is really burning down on you.
If you are more into winter sports, skiing season starts usually at end of November and goes until late April or even the beginning of May, depending the amount of snow. On the other hand, Sierra Nevada offers a moderate but warm climate around Lake Tahoe in summer, making it a pleasant destination for hikers and mountain bikers.
No matter when you are traveling to Nevada, bring a lot of water. Going to the High Sierra you get dehydrated easily because of the elevation, staying in the desert even more because of the heat.
The Route
Most people combine their Nevada stay with a ski vacation in the Sierra or a gambling/party trip to Las Vegas.
During a road trip through the West Coast Nevada is accessible from all cardinal points.
Coming from San Francisco you reach Nevada over Yosemite National Park and its Tioaga Pass (closed from October – late May) and Death Valley. Alternatively you can cross the Sierra around Lake Tahoe, which Northern side is part of Nevada.
From the southwest, e.g. Los Angeles you just have to head north.
Coming from San Diego you can add a tour through Arizona, e.g. Phoenix, Sedona and Grand Canyon before you continue towards Nevada, e.g. Las Vegas.
Coming from Utah the route over the Arches National Parks brings you straight towards Nevada and Las Vegas.
Depending on your interests the best travel time differs. For those going to Las Vegas I recommend to visit the desert in winter, spring, and fall when the temperatures are warm but not hot.
In summer when the highs are around 105 F (~ 40.5 C) or more it can get uncomfy and you will breathe in hot air as soon as you step outside the shades. During that time the sun is really burning down on you.
If you are more into winter sports, skiing season starts usually at end of November and goes until late April or even the beginning of May, depending the amount of snow. On the other hand, Sierra Nevada offers a moderate but warm climate around Lake Tahoe in summer, making it a pleasant destination for hikers and mountain bikers.
No matter when you are traveling to Nevada, bring a lot of water. Going to the High Sierra you get dehydrated easily because of the elevation, staying in the desert even more because of the heat.
The Route
Most people combine their Nevada stay with a ski vacation in the Sierra or a gambling/party trip to Las Vegas.
During a road trip through the West Coast Nevada is accessible from all cardinal points.
Coming from San Francisco you reach Nevada over Yosemite National Park and its Tioaga Pass (closed from October – late May) and Death Valley. Alternatively you can cross the Sierra around Lake Tahoe, which Northern side is part of Nevada.
From the southwest, e.g. Los Angeles you just have to head north.
Coming from San Diego you can add a tour through Arizona, e.g. Phoenix, Sedona and Grand Canyon before you continue towards Nevada, e.g. Las Vegas.
Coming from Utah the route over the Arches National Parks brings you straight towards Nevada and Las Vegas.