Discover eastern Nevada’s hidden spots to soak in the season. Ask anyone which state boasts the most stunning fall foliage and…they might not say Nevada. That’s okay, though! We prefer our aspen-laden canyons to be more on the down-low. The fact is, eastern Nevada positively bursts with autumn color—you just gotta know where to find it. Most of the spots on this list are a short drive from civilization with plenty of food and lodging options. Weekend trip, anyone?
RAINBOW CANYON
Caliente (151 miles from Las Vegas)
A day trip to Rainbow Canyon should be on every southern Nevada explorer’s to-do list. The out-and-back drive—about an hour total—takes visitors below dramatic, multihued cliffs that earn the area its name. Meanwhile, you’ll be enjoying autumn in all its glory, presented by the sinewy groves running along the canyon floor.
SUCCESS LOOP
Ely (243 miles from Las Vegas)
This byway brings you through the spectacularly scenic Schell Creek Range east of Ely. Over the course of this easy, 40-mile drive, you’ll wind up a ribbon-like road past green ranchland and babbling creeks on your way into remarkable, high-desert landscapes. Expect incredible mountain views, aspens exploding with color, and direct access to trailheads and mountain bike single track.
GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARK
Baker (291 miles from Las Vegas)
Great Basin remains one of the least visited national parks in America. Don’t make the mistake of skipping out on this remote destination, though: The foliage during the autumn months is simply out of this world. Plan your visit to this recreational wonderland—complete with alpine lakes, bristlecone pines, and a mighty impressive cave system—in September or early October (before the snow returns).
LAMOILLE CANYON
Elko (430 miles from Las Vegas)
The glacier-carved Lamoille Canyon ranks as one of the most famous drives in the state—and for good reason. The paved road is just 12 miles long, but if you’re there for the leaves turning, it’ll likely take you a few hours to get to the top of the canyon. At the end of the road, you’ll find a parking lot with restrooms, picnic tables, and plenty of trails to take you further into the autumn-laden wilderness.
COPPER BASIN
Jarbidge (525 miles from Las Vegas)
We won’t say we’ve saved the best for last, but if you’re looking for an adventure, take the Charleston-Jarbidge Road (a 50-mile, unpaved drive) to Jarbidge, a historic mining village set near the Idaho border. On the way, you’ll come upon Copper Basin, featuring fall colors with as much punch as a fireworks show. Each time you stop—which we suspect will be many—you’ll be treated to layers of mountain ranges extending out to the horizon and hundreds of acres of quaking aspen.
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