With a land area of 110,540 square miles, Nevada is the country's seventh-largest state. It includes approximately 314 mountain ranges, which run in a northeast to southwest direction. The U.S. government manages 87 percent of Nevada's land, leasing a portion of it to cattle ranchers and mineral extractors. The rest of the land is a recreational paradise. Less-outdoorsy types will find plenty of metropolitan thrills in cities like Las Vegas and Reno.
Nevada's arid conditions, coupled with its mountains and deserts, result in an incredibly diverse climate. While the low desert areas in the south experience searing heat in the summer, the mountains in the north can be bitterly cold in the winter. Extreme temperatures recorded in Nevada hit a high of 120 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of -50 degrees Fahrenheit. In the south, summer temperatures frequently surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit, an occasional occurrence throughout the rest of the state Daily temperature ranges are also exceptionally wide, varying an average of 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit between the highs and lows.
Sunshine abounds, and precipitation is generally light. However, snowfall is heavy in the mountains during winter, making Nevada an excellent place for all sorts of winter sports. Occasional dust storms and sand storms sweep through the state, particularly in the south during spring time. Summer sometimes brings cloudbursts, heavy thunderstorms which can result in more rainfall in a few hours than usually occurs over several months. These storms can be dangerous, causing flash floods which may take people by surprise. Floods also sometimes occur due to runoff of melting snow from the mountains.
Nevada's economy is largely tourist-driven, with more people employed in related industries (hotels, casinos, recreation facilities) than in any other. Mining is still important, too, with quite a few minerals, gemstones, and other substances contributing to the state's coffers. They include copper, zinc, tungsten, and uranium, among others. The only place on the continent where the state's official gemstone, Black Fire Opal, is found in large amounts is in Virgin Valley. These rare opals rival Australian opals in quality. Another important contributor to the economy is livestock raising, including cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, and poultry. Although some agricultural crops are grown, little of the state's land is suitable to farming due to the climate.
Native Americans were the first humans to settle the lands of Nevada, arriving about 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. Major tribes were the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washo (sometimes spelled Washoe), who still live there. In 1825, Peter Skene Ogden became the first white man to venture into the territory, during his expedition down the Snake River. More explorers followed, as well as pioneers heading to California. The discovery of gold in Nevada in 1849 prompted the settlement of its first towns, Dayton and Genoa. Beginning in 1860, the Pony Express rode through Nevada on its route from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. Several years later (in 1864), Nevada became the 36th state. Railroad construction began in the late 1860s. Another technological wonder, the Hoover Dam, supplied many people with jobs during the Depression. Finished in 1935, the giant dam supplies hydroelectric power to Nevada, California, Arizona, and Utah. The state's favorite pastime, gambling, was legalized in 1931. "Spirit Man," the continent's oldest mummified remains (dating back about 9,415 years) were unearthed in a cave near Fallon in 1940. And in 1951, the U.S. military began using Nevada as a testing ground, with atomic tests carried out at the Nevada Proving Ground. That same year, the giant waving cowboy Vegas Vic, was erected in downtown Las Vegas.
Vegas Vic still welcomes visitors to Las Vegas, a city of opulent casinos and non-stop fun. But gambling isn't the only recreation in Vegas. Many tourists enjoy seeing major entertainers perform on the city's stages. Amusement rides and other attractions, like the Luxor's recreation of an Egyptian tomb, provide fun for the whole family. Cuisine is an attraction to the area, too; from five-star restaurants to one of the city's renowned buffets. Reno boasts similar diversions, though on a smaller scale and with more natural attractions close by. Both cities are especially popular wedding locations.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the entire state is a playground. A wide range of activities are possible, including camping, hiking, biking, air sports, rock climbing, winter sports, golfing, and horseback riding. Wild horses and burros can be found in several areas across the state. Other wildlife includes desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and elk. You can even bird-watch in Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, a wetland area uncommon in the state.
There are other activities you wouldn't expect to find in Nevada, either. For instance, scuba divers can explore several lakes and rivers, including Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead. In the north, the winter freeze provides perfect conditions for ice fishing. Thrill-seeking skiers may wish to try heli-skiing, in which skiers are flown into remote areas of the Ruby Mountains by helicopter. Or go sandboarding down Sand Mountain.
Many other pursuits are available state-wide. Native American exhibits, archaeological sites, and events can be found all over, as well as historical sites. Although the larger cities are better known for their museums and galleries, other areas of the state have them, too. The same goes for shopping.
Nevada's different regions each offer some distinct attractions. Visitors to southern Nevada can get a feel for the bygone railroad days with a ride on a restored 1911 Pullman Coach. Tour the Hoover Dam, then spend some time on the beaches or waters of Lake Mead.
In the northwest, the Black Rock Desert hosts the annual Burning Man festival. Another annual event is Virginia City's camel and ostrich races. Or, have a relaxing soak in Genoa's mineral hot springs.
The north still bears the influence of the Old Western days. Cowboys, the Chinese, and Native Americans have all put their stamp on the area. But the most unexpected culture here is that of the Basque, who originally came to the area as sheepherders in the 1870s. Basque restaurants and traditions are still alive and well.
If you've ever wanted to take a ride on the Pony Express, north central Nevada is the place for you. Head down its original route, now Highway 50, called the "Loneliest Road in America." You'll also find historic old towns, a ghost train, and the Goshute Caves, where you can try your hand at spelunking.
Central Nevada is the heart of pioneer territory. It's home to many ghost towns, including Rhyolite, one of the most photographed ghost towns in the West. The town of Tonopah reputedly has the darkest skies in America, making it a prime star-gazing location. To try and catch a glimpse of a UFO, drive down the Extraterrestrial Highway, a hotbed of UFO sightings which runs near the infamous Area 51. For a throwback to the past, check out the fossil remains of an Ichthyosaur at Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park.
There's so much to do in this wild, beautiful state which you might not have known about. But whether you'd rather listen to tales around a crackling campfire, or play the slot machines, you're sure to get lucky with a trip to Nevada.
