Nevada Travel Tips and Maps

Nevada Travel Tips and Maps

Traveling through Nevada means covering wide-open spaces, scenic highways, desert valleys, and mountain passes. Whether you’re road-tripping through national parks, visiting small towns, or navigating Las Vegas, a bit of planning goes a long way. This guide offers essential tips and reliable map resources for exploring the Silver State.

Getting Around

• Driving: Nevada is a road-trip state. Most parks, small towns, and outdoor attractions require a vehicle. Highways are well-maintained, but distances between services can be long—especially in central and eastern Nevada. Always fuel up before heading into rural areas.

• Speed limits: On many rural highways, speed limits reach up to 80 mph. Watch for sudden drops near towns or construction zones.

• Navigation: GPS is helpful, but not always reliable in remote areas. It's a good idea to download offline maps or carry a printed atlas for rural travel.

• Scenic Byways: Nevada offers beautiful roadways like the Extraterrestrial Highway (SR 375), the Loneliest Road in America (US 50), and the Ruby Valley Scenic Drive.

Weather & Seasons

• Summer (June–August): Expect extreme heat, especially in southern and central desert areas. Plan outdoor activities early in the morning and carry plenty of water. Temperatures in Las Vegas can exceed 110°F (43°C).

• Winter (December–February): Northern Nevada and high-elevation areas (like Mount Charleston and Lake Tahoe) receive snow. Chains may be required on mountain passes. In contrast, Las Vegas remains relatively mild.

• Spring & Fall are the most comfortable seasons for hiking, camping, and road trips statewide. Wildflowers bloom in spring, and fall colors appear in places like the Ruby Mountains.

• Flash floods: Sudden storms can cause flash flooding in canyons and washes. Always check weather alerts before venturing out into remote areas.

Lodging & Camping

• Hotels & Motels: Available in all major cities and most small towns. Casinos often have hotel rooms, even in rural areas like Ely and Tonopah.

• Campgrounds: Nevada State Parks, National Forests, and BLM lands offer both developed and primitive camping options. Many sites are first-come, first-served.

• Dispersed camping: Allowed on most Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land unless posted otherwise. Pack out all waste and stay on durable surfaces.

Travel Safety Tips

• Carry extra water, snacks, and a spare tire when exploring remote areas.
• Cell service is limited in many parts of the state—let someone know your travel plans.
• Watch for wildlife, especially deer and wild horses, during dusk and dawn driving.
• Respect land use signage—some hot springs and trails cross private property.

Maps & Resources

• Nevada State Highway Map: Free printed copies available at visitor centers, rest areas, and NDOT offices. Also downloadable at:

 https://www.nevadadot.com/travel-info/maps

• BLM Nevada Public Lands Map: Useful for identifying dispersed camping zones and backroads. Available from BLM district offices or online:

 https://www.blm.gov/nevada

• Recreation Maps & Topos:

 * U.S. Forest Service Maps: https://www.fs.usda.gov
 * National Park Maps: https://www.nps.gov/state/nv
 * Nevada State Parks Brochures: https://parks.nv.gov

• Offline Map Apps: Gaia GPS, Avenza, and AllTrails are popular with hikers and off-roaders. Be sure to download your route ahead of time.

See Also

• Nevada State & National Parks
• Outdoor Adventures
• Hot Springs & Wellness