Nevada isn’t exactly known for turning into a frosty wonderland as the winter season makes its arrival. There seems to be a widespread belief among non-Nevadans that our state is solely comprised of warm desert landscapes. However, that’s simply not true. In fact, there are plenty of regions in our state where you can experience “real” winter, and there’s one place in particular you’ll want to be sure to visit this season. Wild Horse State Recreation Area consistenly boasts some of the most stunning winter scenery that our state has to offer, and it’s well worth seeing for yourself as the cold weather settles in!
Treat yourself to some of the most glorious winter scenery the West has to offer when you visit Wild Horse State Recreation Area in Northern Nevada. This idyllic landscape is stunning all year long, but it’s especially known for its winter beauty.
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Located near the town of Elko, Wild Horse is situated at an incredible 6,200-feet above sea level. That’s around the same elevation as Lake Tahoe, and that means the winters are just as good. In fact, Wild Horse regularly touts the lowest winter temperatures in all of Nevada.
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As a result of its freezing cold temps, Wild Horse has become a beloved destination for all sorts of winter recreation opportunities. Ice fishing is an especially popular activity since Wild Horse Reservoir commonly freezes quicker than other surrounding lakes.
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Other common winter activities at Wild Horse include ice skating on the frozen reservoir, sledding down the surrounding hills, and snowmobiling or skiing across the backcountry. There’s a ton of frosty fun just waiting to be had here, but be sure to bundle up!
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Wild Horse is the high desert escape that you could only dream of. It’s here that you can surround yourself with some of the most inspiring Nevada countryside, without all the noise and rowdiness of destinations that are a bit closer to home.
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Boasting 2,830-acres, you’ll have plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the landscape for yourself when you visit. Although wild horses are actually NOT commonly found in this area, you may come across regional animals like Pronghorn Antelope, Desert Bighorn Sheep, and Rocky Mountain Elk.
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Wild Horse State Recreation Area offers up unforgettable winter adventures and those who love snowy scenery will definitely want to pay it a visit. The park is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information about Wild Horse and how you can find it, visit the Nevada State Parks site here.
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What’s your favorite place to see winter scenery in our state? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! For more frosty destinations, check out this list of 10 Places In Nevada Everyone Must Visit This Winter.
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Address: Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area, Elko, NV 89801, USA
