Are you planning a road trip from Las Vegas? Try this five- to eight-day itinerary from Las Vegas to Reno! Spanning about 450 miles, it’ll take you through the Silver State, with tons of historical landmarks, quirky roadside attractions, and everything in between.
Stop 1: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Starting at the Red Rock Canyon, take in the sights of the beautiful red sandstone formations punctuated by scenic drives and hiking trails. The 13-mile Scenic Drive in particular gives amazing views in one loop.
Stop 2: Pahrump
An hour or so drive will take you to Pahrump, where you can enjoy some of the best wineries in the country. Pahrump Valley Winery invites you to enjoy a tasting session while basking in the small-town vibe.
Stop 3: Death Valley Junction
Death Valley Junction is a slight detour, but worth it. Visit the historic Amargosa Opera House and Hotel, where you can learn about the area’s artistic and cultural heritage. The hotel is open year-round to tourists, but beware: the surrounding area is almost a ghost town, with no gas stations and only one restaurant!
Stop 4: Beatty
Beatty is a gateway to the hottest place on Earth, with a classic small-town vibe. The Beatty Museum and Historical Society is a great spot to visit, where you can learn about the area’s mining history. You can also visit the Goldwell Open Air Museum to see a collection of outdoor sculptures.
Stop 5: Tonopah
Tonopah is your halfway point between Vegas and Reno. Take a rest here and check out the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, where you can enjoy an immersive experience of the mining past, with restored equipment and buildings. The Clown Motel is also worth a visit – this quirky (or creepy, depending on your outlook) roadside motel collects clown memorabilia! And if you’re staying overnight, Tonopah is a great place to go stargazing, thanks to its minimal light pollution.
Stop 6: Walker Lake
Walker Lake is the perfect peaceful retreat for your Las Vegas to Reno road trip. A remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, this is an excellent place for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Bring a nice picnic lunch to relax after an adventure on the water!
Stop 7: Schurz
Stopping at Schurz allows you to visit the Walker River Paiute Tribe‘s land, where you can learn about native American history, along with the Paiute culture and heritage. There’s a recreation area, vineyard, historic park, and lots more to see and do here.
Stop 8: Yerington
Yerington might be a small town, but it’s a worthwhile stop. The Lyon County Museum teaches you about the local history, while the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area is the perfect space for hikers and birdwatchers. You can enjoy a break from the desert here, with lush, green landscapes – perfect for nature photography.
Stop 9: Fort Churchill State Historic Park
Are you a history buff? Then, make sure to stop at Fort Churchill State Historic Park. The fort was built in 1860 as protection for early settlers and is a preserved ruin. Today, you can see the fort up close and learn about its place in Nevada’s history. You can also find a 2.2-mile hiking trail, picnic areas, and campgrounds if you’d like to sleep under the stars.
Stop 10: Dayton
This mining town is one of Nevada’s oldest settlements, with several historical sites open to visitors. The Rock Point Mill and Dayton Museum are top spots to visit – and if you’d rather relax, there are lots of places to hang out along the Carson River.
Stop 11: Virginia City
Virginia City is a preserved 19th-century mining town that everyone with an interest in American history should visit! It’s well known for its historic buildings and wooden boardwalks, with tons of special events throughout the year, plus quaint inns, mine and gold mill tours, saloon crawls, railroad rides and tours, and much more.
Stop 12: Carson City
Your road trip is nearly over, so make sure you stop at Nevada’s capital, Carson City. The Nevada State Museum makes for a great visit if you want to know more about the state’s cultural and natural history. Don’t forget to visit the Nevada State Capitol, which has guided tours every Saturday. You’re not too far from Lake Tahoe either – definitely a stop if you want to see one of the most beautiful places in the whole country.
Stop 13: Reno
You’ve made it to Reno! Enjoy the many casinos, outdoor activities, and thriving arts scene – there’s something for everyone in Reno. Take a visit to the Nevada Museum of Art or head down the Truckee River Walk for hiking, biking, and other outdoor fun. And of course, check out MidTown for street art, unique shops, and delicious cafes and restaurants.
Start Planning Your Las Vegas Road Trip Today!
Now that you have your itinerary, it’s time to bring your trip to life – starting with a campervan. Hiring a campervan from a company like Travellers Autobarn allows you to travel comfortably at affordable prices that suit any budget. Reach out to Travellers Autobarn for campervan rental in Las Vegas and start your road trip today.
Featured image by Grant Cai on Unsplash
Frayed Passport is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also may share links to other affiliates and sponsors in articles across our website. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us.