Nevada: Photos, Posters, and Prints

Nevada means *snowcapped* in Spanish. Thanks to its unique geographic history, Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state in the nation. Nevada has 26 mountain ranges with peaks over 10,000 feet, the highest peak is Boundary Peak (13,140 feet) located in Esmeralda County. Nevada geography consists of the Great Basin and Mojave Desert. The Great Basin encompasses 75 percent of the land in the northern portion of the state. It was named the Great Basin in the mid-nineteenth century because of it's size and the absence of water leaving the area. Great variations in climate, geology and topography, plants and wildlife, scenery and recreation blend together to provide nature lovers and outdoor recreationists a treasure trove of adventure and discovery.

With the geographic and climatic variety in Nevada, from high alpine peaks and forests to low deserts and massive reservoirs, there are numerous and varied recreation opportunities in this state. Water-related activities are very popular year-round in the hot, desert portions of the state. Lake Mead National Recreation Area attracts more visitors than any other site. The low deserts of southern Nevada also offer excellent winter hiking, camping and sightseeing. The Reno-Tahoe Region as well as the other mountainous portions of the state offer excellent winter recreation opportunities in addition to fantastic summer hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing and more.

Explorer John C Fremont’s 1844 expedition with legendary scout Kit Carson opened up the region called Nevada, previously part of Mexico. The name ‘Nevada’, meaning ‘snow-capped’ in Spanish, was adopted in 1861 when the territory was established. The State has since been sectioned off into ‘territories’. The Cowboy Country, found along the I-80 corridor across northern Nevada, was once the main trail across the State, used by thousands of pioneers on horseback and in covered wagons. The Reno-Tahoe Territory, situated on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, contains many of Nevada’s most scenic and historic sights. The Pony Express Territory, named after the famous riders, offers one of the last opportunities to experience the Old West. In the Pioneer Territory, which encompasses south central Nevada, visitors can trace the story of Nevada’s rich mining history. Las Vegas, Nevada’s largest city, is one of the major gambling and entertainment centres of the world. Luxury hotels, casinos and show venues line The Strip, a section of Las Vegas Boulevard South; a lower-priced, smaller version is found at the Downtown Casino Center, which also features the Fremont Street Experience, a four-block canopied street mall with nightly light shows. Outdoor sports, top restaurants and nightclubs are also on offer. Las Vegas is probably the easiest place in the world in which to get married. Around 230 marriage licences are issued per day. Reno, another entertainment and casino city, is known for its quiet residential areas, and surrounding historic and natural attractions.