National Parks in Nevada are few and far between. In fact, there are only two national parks, one national monument, and one national recreation area in this state. A surprising fact considering Nevada has more federally-owned land (80%) than any other state.
Nonetheless, these NPS administered sites are some of the most remarkable in the United States.
In the Silver State you can visit one of the largest national parks in the country, stand at the lowest point in North America, and see the oldest trees on the planet! On top of that, Nevada’s national parks are crowdless!! A far cry from the neon-lit chaos of Las Vegas.
Here are the four national park sites in Nevada that you’ll need to tick off your bucket list. National parks have been listed first, followed by national recreation area, and then the national monument. The list is in alphabetical order.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park straddles the border of California and Nevada protecting the northwest corner of the Mojave Desert. This national park is the largest national park in the lower 48 states and is home to vast salt flats, sand dunes, colorful canyons, and towering mountains. The park is also home to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park in central Nevada derives its name from the Great Basin; a dry and mountainous region between the Sierra Nevada and Wasatch Mountain Ranges. This national park is significant because it is one of the only places where ancient bristlecone pine trees grow — the oldest living trees in the world!
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area in southern Nevada is where three of the four desert ecosystems found in the United States meet; the Mojave Desert, Great Basin Desert, and the Sonoran Desert. The park provides endless outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, swimming, cliff-jumping, boating, waterskiing, and some of the best bass fishing in the southwest! This glimmering desert jewel is the largest manmade lake in America, and the best place to escape the southern Nevada heat!!
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument near Las Vegas in southern Nevada was established to protect Ice Age paleontological discoveries. These discoveries include the bones of a Columbian mammoth, a saber-toothed cat, ground sloths, and more. The parks also protects part of Tule Springs, as well as a wash area where critically-endangered Las Vegas Bearpoppies grow.
View other national parks and monuments in neighboring states: National Parks in Arizona, National Parks in Idaho