This Unexpected State Has The Most Named Mountain Ranges In America (And It's Not Colorado Or Alaska)

Nevada might be best known for its massive casinos with luxe shopping experiences and desert beauty, but the desert state quietly holds the crown for the most named mountain ranges in the country, beating even Colorado and Alaska. If you're already blinking in disbelief, it's true — beyond the glitter of Las Vegas, Nevada is home to the most named mountain ranges in the contiguous United States, and it isn't just a single line of mountains hogging the skyline.

Nevada's ranges are scattered across the state like a winning hand fanned out on green felt. The Ruby Mountains boast remarkably underrated remote alpine lakes and wildflower meadows. The Schell Creek Range offers jagged drama, and the Snake Range contains Wheeler Peak — the state's second-highest point, with dramatic views that make you feel like the whole West is beneath your feet. You'll even stumble upon a piece of the Sierra here, just south of Reno. Nevada surprises even the most seasoned hikers with the endless opportunities for getting out on the trail. While in between the mountainous offerings, you'll find backcountry canyons and ghost towns, thermal springs and switchback trails, and the region's layered past means every day trip can become a history lesson.

In Nevada, the mountains don't just dot the map — they dominate it. They make you pull over, breathe it in, and realize the best parts weren't on the itinerary anyway. This isn't just a state with mountains. It's a state made of mountains. And it's more than ready to out-climb your expectations.

The Great Basin defines much of Nevada's rocky landscape, making up roughly 95% of the state. There are more than 300 named ranges here, which means your "must-see list" only gets longer the deeper you wander into Nevada's mountains. Boundary Peak, the highest point in the state at 13,147 feet, crowns the White Mountains right on the state line. Down south, the land dips to its lowest point at 479 feet above sea level along the Colorado River, proving that Nevada's topography is a game of extremes. The best way to dive into this vertical wonderland? Touch down at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and have the northern and central ranges ready for your first trek. Carson Valley sits at 4,700 feet in elevation just 45 minutes away. 

Whether you're chasing peaks in the Ruby Mountains, visiting Vegas' nearby Spring Mountains, or tracing trails along the Sierra Crest, Nevada has accommodations to match every alpine adventure. Hotel Nevada in Ely is a historic option, established in 1929, with easy access to Schell Creek trails. Ruby 360 Lodge puts you right at the Rubies' doorstep for morning hikes. Near Reno, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino gives you plush luxury just a short drive from the Pah Rah Range. No matter which mountain calls, these spots give you the perfect mix of charm, comfort, and location. You'll wake up ready for whatever peaks or passes the day brings. When your Nevada mountain story winds down, the peaks may blur together, but the feelings stick, full of crisp air, wild silence, heart-thumping climbs. That's the jackpot here, not neon lights or rolling dice. Just you, the ranges, and the kind of memories that outshine any casino win.