Nevada
Nevada is a state located in the western United States, known for its sprawling deserts, vibrant nightlife, and world-renowned entertainment. The state is home to many famous cities, including Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City, and offers visitors and residents alike a unique blend of natural beauty and man-made spectacle. With its arid climate, stunning mountain ranges, and vast expanses of sand dunes, Nevada is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, and other recreational activities. At the same time, the state is known for its luxurious casinos, high-end shopping centers, and exciting entertainment venues, making it a prime destination for those seeking a bit of glitz and glamour. Despite its reputation as a hub of hedonism and excess, Nevada also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historic sites, museums, and art galleries spread throughout the state.
Nevada is not typically associated with forests, as the state is primarily known for its arid climate and expansive deserts. However, there are some areas of Nevada that do contain forested land, particularly in the northern and eastern regions of the state. These forests are typically comprised of coniferous trees such as pines, firs, and spruces, and are home to a variety of wildlife including deer, elk, and black bears. While the forests of Nevada are not as dense or expansive as those found in other parts of the country, they do offer visitors a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of the state. Popular activities in Nevada’s forests include hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is the largest national forest in the contiguous United States, covering over six million acres across Nevada and California. The forest is named after two prominent mountain ranges within its borders: the Humboldt Range and the Toiyabe Range. The forest offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing, as well as scenic drives and historic sites. Visitors to the forest can explore diverse ecosystems, from high alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks to sagebrush-covered valleys and riparian areas. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest also provides important habitat for threatened and endangered species, such as the Lahontan cutthroat trout and the sage grouse. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/htnf
Austin-Tonopah Ranger District (Austin Office)
100 Midas Canyon Rd., P.O. Box 130, Austin, NV 89310
(775) 482-6286
Vehicle Use Maps: (Austin- Tonopah), (Austin, Northeast), (Austin, Northwest), (Austin- Tonopah, Southwest), (Austin- Tonopah, Southeast)
Austin-Tonopah Ranger District (Tonopah Office)
1400 S. Erie Main St., P.O. Box 3940, Tonopah, NV 89049
(775) 482-6286
Vehicle Use Maps: (Austin- Tonopah), (Austin- Tonopah, Southwest), (Austin- Tonopah, Southeast), (Tonopah, South)
Bridgeport Ranger District
75694 US-395 HC 62 Box 1000, Bridgeport, CA 93517
(760) 932-7070
Vehicle Use Maps: (Bridgeport, Sonora Junction), (Bridgeport, Hoover Canyons), (Bridgeport, Pine Grove Hills), (Bridgeport, Lower East Walker), (Bridgeport, Desert Creek & Mason), (Bridgeport, Excelsior & Wassuk)
Carson Ranger District
1536 South Carson St. Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 882-2766
Vehicle Use Maps: (Carson & Bridgeport), (Peavine & Dog Valley), (Mt.Rose, Franktown & Spooner Summit), (Upper Carson)
Ely Ranger District
825 Avenue E , Ely, NV 89301
(775) 289-3031
Vehicle Use Maps: (Ely), (White Pine Range, Grant Range & Quinn Canyon), (North Schell, Ward Mountain, South Schell), (Mount Moriah)
Santa Rosa Ranger District
3275 Fountain Way , Winnemucca, NV 89445
(775) 623-5025 ext. 4
The Eldorado National Forest is located in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is a lush and wild area, featuring mountains, rivers, lakes, peaks and deep valleys. Within its 1.2 million acres, visitors can explore alpine meadows, rugged mountain trails, crystal clear rivers and lakes, and ancient forests of pine and fir trees. There are over three hundred miles of maintained trails and roads. Popular outdoor activities include camping, fishing, mountain biking, backpacking, rafting, kayaking, skiing, horseback riding and birdwatching. Find out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado
Placerville Ranger District
4260 Eight Mile Road Camino, CA 95709
(530)644-2324
Vehicle Use Maps: (Placerville, Front), (Placerville, Back)
Georgetown Ranger District
7600 Wentworth Springs Road Georgetown, CA 95634
(530)721-6647
Vehicle Use Maps: (Georgetown, Front), (Georgetown, Back)
Amador Ranger District
26820 Silver Drive Pioneer, CA 95666
(209)259-3774
Vehicle Use Maps: (Amador, Front), (Amador, Back)
Pacific Ranger District
7887 Highway 50 Pollock Pines, CA 95726
(530)644-2349
Vehicle Use Maps: (Pacific, Front), (Pacific, Back)
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is a large area encompassing all of the watershed that drains directly into Lake Tahoe, as well as a few other nearby areas. The LTBMU is a picturesque region, boasting pristine mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, dense forests, crystal-clear alpine lakes and meadows, and sandy beaches. It is an extremely popular and desirable area for both recreation and making a home. The LTBMU is managed through a partnership between the US Forest Service, State of California, Nevada Division of State Lands, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Washoe County, and local governments and community organizations. The LTBMU is dedicated to protecting the unique and sensitive resources within its boundaries while providing outstanding recreational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment. Find out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
35 College Drive, So. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 543-2600
Vehicle Use Maps: (Lake Tahoe Basin, South), (Lake Tahoe Basin, North)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 67% of Nevada’s land, which totals around 48 million acres. This land is primarily used for multiple uses, including grazing, mining, recreation, and conservation. The BLM ensures
that the land is utilized sustainably while protecting the unique natural and cultural resources present in the area. Some popular recreational activities on BLM land in Nevada include camping, hiking, hunting, and off-road
vehicle use. Additionally, BLM land in Nevada contains important habitats for wildlife such as desert bighorn sheep, sage-grouse, and pronghorn antelope.
The Battle Mountain District is a region located in north-central Nevada that encompasses approximately 10 million acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The district includes vast stretches of open range, rugged mountain ranges, and desert valleys, as well as several important rivers and streams that provide crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The Battle Mountain District is known for its extensive mining operations, which include gold, silver, and copper mines that have been active since the mid-1800s. In addition to mining, the district also supports a thriving ranching industry, with many ranchers grazing their livestock on BLM-managed lands. Recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and off-road vehicle use are also popular in the district. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/battle-mountain-district-office
Mount Lewis Field Office
50 Bastian Road Battle Mountain, NV 89820
(775)635-4000
Tonopah Field Office
1553 South Main Street, P.O. Box 911 Tonopah, NV 89049
(775)482-7800
The Carson City District is located in western Nevada and encompasses approximately 4.8 million acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The district is known for its diverse landscape, which includes high desert terrain, mountain ranges, and scenic river canyons. The district’s Carson River is a vital water source for the region and supports important fish and wildlife habitats. The district is also home to several historic sites, including the Pony Express Trail and the Virginia City National Historic Landmark. The BLM manages the district’s land for multiple uses, including grazing, mining, recreation, and conservation. Popular recreational activities in the district include hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/carson-city-district-office
Sierra Front/Stillwater Field Office
5665 Morgan Mill Road Carson City, NV 89701
(775)885-6000
The Elko City District is located in northeastern Nevada and encompasses over 12 million acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The district includes a diverse landscape, including high-desert terrain, rugged mountain ranges, and scenic river canyons. The area is known for its rich mining history, with several active gold mines in operation. The district also supports a thriving ranching industry, with many ranchers utilizing BLM-managed lands for grazing their livestock. The BLM manages the district’s land for multiple uses, including energy development, recreation, conservation, and mining. Popular recreational activities in the district include hunting, fishing, camping, and off-road vehicle use. The BLM works to balance the needs of these various uses while ensuring that the land remains healthy and accessible for future generations. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/elko-district-office
Tuscarora/Wells Field Office
3900 Idaho Street Elko, NV 89801
(775)753-0200
The Ely City District is located in eastern Nevada and encompasses over 11 million acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The district includes a diverse landscape, including mountain ranges, high deserts, and forests, and is known for its stunning natural beauty. The district’s land is used for a variety of purposes, including mining, ranching, and recreation. The BLM works to manage the land in a sustainable way that balances these different uses while protecting the area’s unique natural resources. The district is home to several important wildlife species, including the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout and the Greater sage-grouse, which rely on the area’s sagebrush habitat. The district also includes several popular recreational sites, including the Lehman Caves National Monument, which features spectacular limestone caverns, and the Ward Mountain Recreation Area, which offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/ely-district-office
Bristlecone Field Office
702 North Industrial Way Ely, NV 89301
(775)289-1800
Caliente Field Office
P.O. Box 237 Caliente, NV 89008
(775)726-8100
The Southern Nevada District is located in the southern part of the state and encompasses approximately 3.3 million acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The district includes a diverse range of landscapes, including desert terrain, mountain ranges, and scenic river canyons. The district’s land is used for a variety of purposes, including mining, renewable energy development, recreation, and conservation. The district is home to several important wildlife habitats, including the endangered desert tortoise and the bighorn sheep, and the BLM works to manage the land in a way that balances the needs of these habitats with the needs of other uses. The district includes several popular recreational areas, including the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. The district is also home to several important cultural sites, including several Native American archaeological sites and the historic Old Spanish Trail. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/southern-nevada-district-office
Las Vegas/Pahrump Field Office
4701 North Torrey Pines Drive Las Vegas, NV 89130
(702)515-5000
Red Rock/Sloan Field Office
1000 Scenic Loop Drive Las Vegas, NV 89161
(702)515-5350
The Winnemucca District is located in northwestern Nevada and encompasses approximately 11 million acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The district is known for its diverse landscape, which includes high-desert terrain, rugged mountain ranges, and scenic river canyons. The district is also home to several important wildlife habitats, including critical habitat for the threatened sage-grouse, and the BLM works to manage the land in a way that balances the needs of these habitats with the needs of other uses, such as mining, grazing, and recreation. The district includes several popular recreational areas, including the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area, which offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Winnemucca District also includes several important cultural sites, including several Native American archaeological sites and historic trails used by early settlers and explorers. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/winnemucca-district-office
Black Rock/Humboldt Field Office
5100 East Winnemucca Blvd. Winnemucca, NV 89445
(775)623-1500
Black Rock Station
200 Transfer Road Gerlach, NV 89412
(775)557-2503
There aren’t any grasslands in Nevada!
tips and tricks
Nevada is a desert state and temperatures can be extremely hot during the summer months. It is important to bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water when traveling through the state.
Nevada is home to several national parks, including Great Basin National Park and Death Valley National Park. Consider visiting these parks to see some of the state’s natural beauty.
Nevada is known for its casinos and many visitors enjoy trying their luck while in the state. However, it is important to gamble responsibly and set a budget for yourself before entering a casino.
do’s and dont’s
From Red Rock Canyon to Lake Tahoe, Nevada is home to some stunning natural sights. Take the time to explore and appreciate the state’s unique landscapes.
The infamous Area 51 is located in Nevada, but it is not accessible to the public. Visitors should not attempt to enter the area, as it is restricted by the military.
Don’t underestimate the distances- Nevada is a large state, and driving times can be longer than you might expect. Make sure to factor this into your travel plans.