8 Things Nevadans Do Every Winter That Surprise People Who Think It’s All Desert

Winter storms can frost the Spring Mountains, within an hour’s drive of most of the Las Vegas Valley.

Nevadans head out to enjoy it while visitors are still picturing sand.

Here’s what Nevadans do every winter that surprises people who think it’s all desert.

Note: This is general information, not legal advice. Road rules, chain requirements and snow tire dates are subject to change, so confirm current conditions with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT).

1. Ice Fishing at Wild Horse

Ice fishing at Wild Horse State Recreation Area is popular in the winter months.

You should be prepared for extreme cold and harsh winter conditions on the ice.

Cold winters also make the lake a good spot for skating, snowmobiling and skiing, and the park lists sledding among its winter activities too.

2. Snowshoeing Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive

In winter, the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive at Great Basin National Park closes to vehicles, and you can ski or snowshoe it instead.

The winter route runs from Upper Lehman Creek Campground to the Bristlecone Parking Lot.

That’s up to 20 miles round trip, with 2,500 feet of elevation gain.

The trails aren’t groomed, and snow conditions range from wet or hard-packed to fresh dry powder.

You can borrow snowshoes for free at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, though the number of pairs each day is limited.

3. Cowboy Poetry in January

Winter in Elko means the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and the 2027 edition runs Jan. 25-30.

Travel Nevada says the Gathering has been happening in Elko for 42 years.

If you go, expect plenty to do, since the 2026 edition hosted more than 175 activities.

4. Fishing From Ladders

The trout season at Pyramid Lake covers the whole winter, running from Oct. 1 through June 30.

Shore anglers there stand on ladders in 3 to 4 feet of water along the shoreline.

The lake's fisheries site calls it the only lake where shore anglers use ladders.

You need a tribal fishing permit to fish there, and only artificial lures are allowed.

Shore water stays in the 40s Fahrenheit from January into March.

5. Snow Trips From Las Vegas

The Spring Mountains lie within an hour's drive of most of the Las Vegas Valley, and winter storms can frost them with snow.

Last winter, Clark County said Foxtail, a snow play area in the Spring Mountains, operates on weekends and holidays when there are at least 12 inches of snow.

Check current alerts before you go.

The county calls waterproof boots and traction devices essential.

If you start a warming fire, keep it small and attended, and fill your tank first, since there are no gas stations on the mountain.

Some winters don't leave enough snow, and a January 2026 Clark County release said the recreation area lacked enough snow for safe winter activities.

6. Cross-Country Skiing at Spooner Lake

At Spooner Lake, part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, you can cross-country ski or snowshoe in winter.

The park has a partnership with Nevada Nordic, a nonprofit group, and the community ski trail grooming is free to the public and paid for by donations.

Groomed trails are on the south side of the lake, in Spooner Meadow.

Snow permitting, you can head up North Canyon to Marlette Lake.

The park asks you to be careful not to damage the skiing surface or tracks.

7. Christmas on the Comstock

Virginia City's winter event series, Christmas on the Comstock, lasts all of December.

You can catch the official Christmas tree lighting, live music, historic train rides and local craft fairs.

December also has a fireworks show and a drone show.

Meet Santa and snap a photo with him at the Virginia City Visitor Center, then ride the Candy Cane Express or the Electric Holiday Train O'Lights.

The listing puts costs at free to $40, depending on the event.

8. Carrying Tire Chains

NDOT says to always carry tire chains in winter, especially in mountain passes or typically snowy areas.

Three Tahoe-area highways add a rule: Mount Rose Highway, Kingsbury Grade and U.S. 50 between Glenbrook and Carson City.

During winter chain restrictions there, you need approved tire chains unless you drive a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle with snow tires.

Snowpack and Cloud Seeding in the Mountains

A federal climate summary for the state projects that rising temperatures will reduce late winter and spring snowpack.

At the Mt. Rose snow survey site, April 1 snow water equivalent varies widely from year to year.

The summary says recent years have seen some of the lowest and highest levels in snowpack depth.

If you're planning a mountain trip, it helps to check current snow conditions first.

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) runs winter cloud seeding in ranges that include the Lake Tahoe Basin, the Spring Mountains, the Ruby Mountains and the Santa Rosa Mountains.

In a FAQ about the 2022-23 winter, DRI said it pauses all cloud seeding when the snowpack reaches 150% of the historical average.