Exploring Nevada by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Just a short drive northeast of Las Vegas, the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad invites travelers to step back into the golden age of steam. Departing from the charming town of Virginia City, about 35 miles away, this heritage railway traces the route once used during Nevada’s mining boom. As the vintage train chugs through the rugged Carson River Canyon, passengers can watch the stark desert hills roll by, dotted with sagebrush and remnants of old mining operations. The ride offers narrated glimpses into the region’s rich history, including tales of silver strikes and frontier life, making it a uniquely immersive way to explore Nevada’s past. Spring and fall present the best conditions here—mild temperatures and crisp, clear skies enhance the canyon’s dramatic colors and keep the experience comfortable.
Further north, near Reno and about a 45-minute drive into the stunning Tahoe National Forest, Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters create a playground for boaters and paddlers alike. Emerald Bay State Park, perched on the lake’s southwestern shore, offers not only pristine launch points for kayaks and sailboats but also a breathtaking vista from the Vikingsholm Castle overlook. The trail down to Vikingsholm is moderate, about a mile steep descent, revealing a Scandinavian-style mansion built in 1929, nestled beside the water’s edge. Boating here lets visitors glide past towering pine forests and jagged granite cliffs, a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers. Summer is peak season on Lake Tahoe, when the water is warm enough for swimming and the surrounding forests burst with wildflowers, making it an unbeatable spot for on-the-water adventure and lakeside tranquility.
In the heart of the Black Rock Desert, approximately 120 miles north of Reno, the annual hot air balloon gatherings near Gerlach provide a surreal way to view Nevada’s vast, otherworldly landscape. Even outside event times, balloon rides launch here to offer a serene drift over the flat, alkali flats and distant mountain ranges. Floating silently above the desert, travelers can appreciate the scale and solitude that define this part of Nevada unlike from any ground-based vantage. The wide-open skies and cool, stable air of early morning or late afternoon create perfect conditions for ballooning, where sunrises and sunsets paint the playa in soft pastels. This experience is truly unique for those seeking a peaceful perspective on Nevada’s expansive wild lands.
Heading back to the southern part of the state, the Colorado River near Laughlin, about 90 miles south of Las Vegas, invites visitors to explore by boat or jet ski. The river carves a lush corridor through the desert, with opportunities to cruise past dramatic red-rock canyons and sandy beaches. A popular route includes visiting the nearby Laughlin Riverwalk, where boaters can dock and enjoy riverside dining or casinos. This stretch of the Colorado is known for its warm winter weather, making it an ideal escape for water-based recreation during the cooler months. Evening cruises offer stunning views as the sun dips behind the Black Mountains, turning the water into a shimmering ribbon of gold.
For a more intimate glimpse of Nevada’s heritage, the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City, just 30 minutes south of Reno, tells the story of the region’s railroads through an impressive collection of locomotives and artifacts. Visitors can explore restored engines and vintage railcars, learning about the critical role trains played in connecting Nevada’s mining towns and fostering growth. The museum often offers short train rides on historic equipment, giving a tactile sense of rail travel bygone eras. Spring and fall are especially pleasant times to visit, when the high desert climate is less harsh, and the nearby trails in the Sierra Nevada foothills become vibrant with seasonal blooms and colorful foliage.
Near Ely, in eastern Nevada about a four-hour drive northeast of Las Vegas, the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and industrial archaeology. Here, visitors can hike the 1.5-mile Charcoal Oven Loop Trail, an easy circuit that circles six towering beehive-shaped charcoal ovens built in the 1870s. These ovens were used to produce charcoal for local smelters, a rare and well-preserved example of 19th-century mining infrastructure. The park’s quiet, high-desert setting beneath the Egan Range features black bears, mule deer, and rare wildflowers, especially in late spring. Exploring these ovens on foot, visitors can appreciate the scale of Nevada’s mining history set against a striking mountain backdrop.
For those who want to blend their exploration of Nevada’s waterways with cultural history, the Truckee River Walk in Reno offers a tranquil urban boating experience. Located in downtown Reno, just a few minutes from the airport, the river walk features calm stretches of water perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. Floating along the river, paddlers pass under historic bridges and alongside public art installations that reflect Reno’s transformation from a rough-and-tumble mining town to a vibrant cultural hub. The walk itself, lined with cafes and boutiques, invites breaks to explore. Early summer is an ideal time to visit, when the river flow is moderate and the city’s outdoor festivals bring the area to life.
Finally, a hot air balloon flight over the Ruby Mountains, about 3.5 hours east of Reno near Elko, offers a less-traveled but breathtaking perspective of Nevada’s “Swiss Alps.” Rising above the rugged peaks and alpine meadows, balloonists can spot wild horses, mountain goats, and the vast, open valleys below. The Ruby Mountains Wilderness, known for its jagged ridges and sparkling mountain lakes, is especially vivid in late summer when wildflowers add bursts of color to the rocky slopes. This experience combines the adventure of flight with the serenity of one of Nevada’s most spectacular and remote mountain ranges.