Nevada State Parks Open Their Gates For Free This Saturday
This Saturday, nature lovers in the Silver State have a great reason to rejoice. It’s Nevada Public Lands Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the vast and diverse landscapes that…
The night sky at Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada.
Ethan Miller via Getty ImagesThis Saturday, nature lovers in the Silver State have a great reason to rejoice. It's Nevada Public Lands Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the vast and diverse landscapes that define this western wonderland.
To make this occasion even more special, Nevada State Parks are offering a fantastic gift to outdoor enthusiasts: fee waivers. That's right, you can explore some of Nevada's most breathtaking natural wonders without reaching for your wallet, according to the state parks' website.
On this day, the state's parks come alive with the promise of adventure from the rugged terrains of the Mojave Desert to the serene beauty of alpine lakes. Nevada boasts a remarkable array of ecosystems, and there's no better time to immerse yourself in the great outdoors than on Nevada Public Lands Day.
Discovering Nevada State Parks
One of the best ways to make the most of this day is by exploring the state parks near Las Vegas, where residents and visitors can easily access these natural gems. Here are a few that should be on your radar:
Valley of Fire State Park: Just a short drive from Las Vegas, this park is a geological wonderland. The striking red rock formations, petroglyphs, and unique hiking trails make it a must-visit destination.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park: Nestled in the picturesque Red Rock Canyon, this historic ranch provides a glimpse into Nevada's past. Explore the ranch house, hike the trails, and enjoy a picnic amid the stunning scenery.
Ice Age Fossils State Park: Nestled just a short drive from Las Vegas, Ice Age Fossils State Park promises a remarkable journey into the distant past. While it's currently under development, this 315-acre park is set to become a treasure trove of natural and historical wonders.
Ice Age Fossils State Park was officially announced in January 2017 as part of Governor Brian Sandoval’s visionary "Explore Your Nevada Initiative." This ambitious project aims to provide residents and visitors with access to the state's natural and historical riches.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Park: In the heart of modern Downtown Las Vegas lies a hidden gem that transports visitors back in time to the city's humble beginnings. The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Park holds the distinction of being the first permanent non-native settlement in the Las Vegas Valley, and its story is as captivating as the city it now resides in.
Navigating Nevada's Natural Beauty with Outerspatial
This Nevada Public Lands Day, there's an exciting addition for outdoor enthusiasts: the Outerspatial app. Designed to enhance your park experience, this free app is your digital guide to Nevada's state parks. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, Outerspatial has you covered.
RELATED: Must Have Items For Your Camping Trip
So, as Nevada Public Lands Day approaches, don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories in the Silver State.
Nevada Lake Named One of the Most Beautiful in the U.S.
America is known for many good things, from fast food to NFL football to land as far as the eye can see. It's also known for having lots and lots of beautiful lakes, including one Nevada lake.
With so many lakes across the United States, you're probably within driving distance of a fantastic lake of some sort. So, which lakes are the absolutely best in America? It's a tough question. I mean, everyone looks for something different in a lake. Some people love large lakes that look almost like the ocean, while other thrive at small, inland lakes where you can always see the shore. But, there are some lakes that stand above the rest when it comes to beauty and popularity.
I've put together a list of the "11 Most Beautiful Lakes in America," offering a little bit of something for everyone. These lakes are found all across America, so wherever you live, one of these probably is relatively close to you. We're heading into the perfect season to visit a lake, too. For those who aren't lucky enough to live near the ocean, going to a lake is the next best thing. One famous Nevada lake is included in here. So, get your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and bikini or trunks and check out 11 beautiful lakes in America to visit.
11 Most Beautiful Lakes in America
I've put together a list of the 11 most beautiful lakes to visit in America. This tally includes lakes from coast to coast. Some fun activities, depending on the currents, include swimming, wind surfing, going on a boat on the lake, having a picnic at the shoreline and more. What's your favorite lake, and did I miss any? Reach out to me on social media and add to my list.
Blue lake with treeline.
Seneca Lake, New York
Seneca Lake is the biggest of the 11 glacial Finger Lakes. It's 38 miles long and more than 618 feet deep, making it one of the deepest lakes in America. What's extra cool is that the U.S. Navy even does some testing for submarines in this lake, because of its depth.
Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming
If you've ever been to Yellowstone Park, you've probably visited Yellowstone Lake. The massive lake is a part of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It's actually the biggest lake in the park and one of the biggest highly elevated freshwater lakes in North America.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
The famous Lake Tahoe is located right on the state line between California and Nevada. It's stunning, as it is surrounded by the glorious Sierra Nevada Mountains. This is the largest alpine lake in North America, making it a must-see lake.
Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina
Here's a special lake located within the Nantahala National Forest and surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. This is also a very pure lake, as its shoreline is mostly protected from development. It's a beautiful destination for fishing, jumping in a canoe or kayak or a picnic.
Hanging Lake, Colorado
Hanging Lake is so glorious. It's located in the middle of Glenwood Canyon in the White River National Forest, and it's actually part of the Southern Rocky Mountains. This lake "was formed by a geologic fault which caused the lake bed to drop away from the valley floor above," according to the USDA Forest Service, and is a designated National Natural Landmark.
Lake Superior, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan
The Great Lakes are, of course, some of the most famous lakes in the world. One that's often left of best-of lists is Lake Superior. It's the largest freshwater lake in the world and has a whopping 10% of the world's surface freshwater. Drink up.
Lake Michigan, Wisconsin/Michigan/Illinois
Lake Michigan is simply a landmark. It's actually the most deadly lake in America, due to the high volume of drownings. But, aside from the scary, it's a beautiful and large lake. The lake is spread over more than 307 miles, and there are many beach towns across those miles.
Lake Lanier, Georgia
Located in the northern part of Georgia, Lake Lanier runs nearly 40,000 acres. It stems from the construction of the Buford Dam. This lake is known for its super clear water. The water is actually crystal blue. How beautiful, right?
Lake Jocassee, South Carolina
Lake Jocassee is in the Appalachian Mountains, and it's actually a man-made reservoir. Its water flows from the mountains. This is another lake known for its very clear water, so you get to see all the fish and underwater creatures when you look down into the water flow.
Lake Okeechobee, Florida
Lake Okeechobee is the biggest freshwater lake in Florida. It's a very popular spot for largemouth bass fishing. Those who visit the lake get to learn the history and today's experience of the Seminole community at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, which is a bonus.
Lake Erie, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York
The Lake Erie shoreline touches Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York. The body of water offers some of the warmest waters you'll find in the Great Lakes. Lake Erie also offers some fantastic areas to swim, making it a popular vacation lake.
Listen to Ransom Garcia weekday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on 107.9 Coyote Country!
