Where is Nevada Located in the United States?

Nevada is located in the western United States, known for its vast deserts, mountain ranges, and the vibrant city of Las Vegas. It is the seventh-largest state by area and is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The state is also home to rich mining history and vast areas of federally owned land, which contribute to its distinct geographical and cultural identity.

State Name: Nevada
Postal Abbreviation: NV
Population: 3.25 million (2023 estimate)
Area: 110,577 square miles
Capital: Carson City
Largest City: Las Vegas
Statehood Year: 1864 (36th state)
Time Zones: Pacific Time Zone (most of the state) and Mountain Time Zone (small portion in eastern Elko County)

Bordering States of Nevada

California

Nevada shares its western border with California, a state known for its diverse geography, ranging from the Pacific coast to the Sierra Nevada mountains. The two states are connected by major highways like Interstate 80 and Interstate 15, with cities like Reno and Las Vegas serving as key transit hubs. The Sierra Nevada mountain range forms a natural boundary between the two states, with Lake Tahoe, a major tourist destination, straddling the border. Southern Nevada’s proximity to Los Angeles influences its economy, particularly in tourism and entertainment. Nevada and California also share access to the Mojave Desert in their southern regions.

Oregon

To the north, Nevada borders Oregon, with a more remote and rural connection. The northeastern corner of Nevada touches Oregon, where the landscape transitions from Nevada’s Great Basin desert to Oregon’s high desert plateaus. The region is sparsely populated, with small towns like Denio serving as some of the few settlements near the border. There is minimal urban development in this area, and it is known for outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, and ranching.

Idaho

The northeastern border of Nevada touches Idaho. This boundary is characterized by vast, open landscapes with desert terrain in the south transitioning into high desert and mountainous regions toward Idaho. The Snake River Plain in Idaho is relatively close to this border. The towns of Wells, NV, and Twin Falls, ID, are some of the nearest population centers, and agriculture, ranching, and outdoor recreation are common economic activities in this area.

Utah

Nevada shares its eastern border with Utah, with major connections between the states via Interstate 80 and Interstate 15. Utah’s Salt Lake City is relatively close to Nevada’s border, influencing trade and travel between the two states. The landscapes along the border include salt flats, desert plains, and the mountainous regions that form part of the Great Basin. Both states are part of the larger Mormon Corridor, and they share cultural and economic ties, particularly in mining, energy production, and tourism.

Arizona

Nevada’s southern border touches Arizona, with the Colorado River acting as a natural boundary between the two states. The Hoover Dam, a major engineering marvel, spans the border, creating Lake Mead, a large reservoir that supplies water to both states. Las Vegas is located near this border, and the region is known for its tourism, outdoor recreation, and connections to Phoenix. The desert terrain of southern Nevada continues into Arizona, with both states sharing parts of the Mojave Desert.

GPS Coordinates of Nevada

Nevada, located in the western United States, covers a wide area of deserts, mountains, and valleys. Its general GPS coordinates are approximately 39.0° N latitude and 117.0° W longitude, placing it primarily in the Pacific Time Zone, with a small portion in the Mountain Time Zone.

• Northern Coordinates: Nevada’s northernmost point is close to 42.0000° N, right at the border with Oregon and Idaho. This region of the state is remote, with a landscape dominated by high desert plateaus and rugged mountains. The Santa Rosa Range lies near this northern boundary, offering scenic vistas and wildlife habitats.
• Southern Coordinates: Nevada’s southernmost point is approximately 35.0019° N, near the state’s border with Arizona and California. This area includes the Mojave Desert and is home to Laughlin, a small city on the Colorado River. The southern part of Nevada is known for its arid climate and proximity to the Las Vegas metropolitan area, one of the most visited regions in the world.
• Eastern Coordinates: The eastern boundary of Nevada is located around 114.0405° W, bordering Utah. The landscape here includes the Great Basin Desert and salt flats near Wendover, a city that straddles the Nevada-Utah border. This part of the state is known for its isolated mountain ranges and large expanses of desert.
• Western Coordinates: Nevada’s westernmost point is near 120.0057° W, close to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which forms a natural border with California. This region is famous for Lake Tahoe, a popular year-round destination known for its clear waters, ski resorts, and hiking trails. The western part of Nevada also includes Reno and the Carson Valley.

Nevada’s coordinates place it in a region that encompasses diverse landscapes, from the alpine terrain of the Sierra Nevada in the west to the expansive desert plains and mountain ranges in the east.

Levels of Elevation in Nevada

Nevada’s elevation varies significantly, with the state being home to both towering mountain ranges and expansive desert basins. The state’s elevation is defined by its position within the Basin and Range Province, where mountain ranges alternate with lower, flat valleys.

• Highest Elevation: The highest point in Nevada is Boundary Peak, located in the White Mountains near the Nevada-California border. Boundary Peak rises to 13,140 feet (4,005 meters) above sea level, making it the tallest peak in the state. The mountain is part of the Inyo National Forest, and while it is technically part of the White Mountains, it stands as the highest point within Nevada’s borders.
• Lowest Elevation: The lowest point in Nevada is found along the Colorado River, near the southern tip of the state, at an elevation of 479 feet (146 meters) above sea level. This area, near Laughlin, marks the state’s lowest elevation, where the river flows into Lake Mead.
• Average Elevation: The average elevation of Nevada is about 5,500 feet (1,676 meters) above sea level, making it one of the higher-elevation states in the U.S. Much of the state consists of mountain ranges separated by lower valleys, creating a rugged and varied terrain. The Great Basin in northern Nevada and the southern desert regions contrast with the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges.

Nevada’s elevation contributes to its distinct landscapes, from the high desert plateaus to the snow-capped peaks of its western mountain ranges.

Most Extreme Points of Nevada

Nevada, with its vast and varied geography, has several extreme points marking the northern, southern, eastern, and western edges of the state.

• Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of Nevada is near West Wendover, located at approximately 114.0405° W. This small town lies along the border with Utah and is known for its casinos and proximity to the Bonneville Salt Flats. The landscape here is dominated by desert and salt flats, with little vegetation but stunning open views.
• Westernmost Point: The westernmost point is near Crystal Bay on Lake Tahoe, located at about 120.0057° W. Lake Tahoe is one of the most scenic areas in Nevada, with clear blue waters surrounded by the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The region is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including boating, hiking, and skiing.
• Southernmost Point: The southernmost point of Nevada is near Laughlin, close to the point where Nevada, California, and Arizona meet. This point, around 35.0019° N, lies along the Colorado River. Laughlin is a resort town known for its casinos and proximity to the Colorado River, where water-based activities like boating and fishing are popular.
• Northernmost Point: The northernmost point is located near the town of McDermitt, close to the Nevada-Oregon border at approximately 42.0000° N. This area is characterized by its high desert landscape, with expansive open spaces, mountain ranges, and ranching as a primary economic activity.

These extreme points highlight Nevada’s geographic diversity, from its desert plains and salt flats to its alpine lakes and towering mountains.

Major Mountains in Nevada

Nevada is one of the most mountainous states in the U.S., with hundreds of named mountain ranges, many of which are part of the Basin and Range Province. These ranges are characterized by alternating high mountain ridges and low desert valleys.

• Sierra Nevada: The Sierra Nevada mountain range forms Nevada’s western boundary, with the highest peaks located near Lake Tahoe. While most of the range is in California, the Nevada side includes areas like Mount Rose, which rises to 10,776 feet and is a popular destination for skiing and hiking. The Sierra Nevada offers alpine scenery, dense forests, and clear mountain lakes.
• Ruby Mountains: The Ruby Mountains, located in northeastern Nevada, are known for their rugged beauty and alpine environment. The highest peak in this range is Ruby Dome, which stands at 11,387 feet. The range is often referred to as the “Swiss Alps of Nevada” due to its dramatic peaks, valleys, and glacial lakes. The Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
• Toiyabe Range: Located in central Nevada, the Toiyabe Range is one of the longest mountain ranges in the state. Its highest point is Arc Dome, which reaches 11,788 feet. The range is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and is known for its remoteness, offering opportunities for backcountry hiking and wilderness exploration.
• Spring Mountains: The Spring Mountains are located just west of Las Vegas and include Mount Charleston, which rises to 11,916 feet. This range provides a dramatic contrast to the surrounding desert and offers a cooler retreat from the summer heat of southern Nevada. The Spring Mountains are popular for hiking, skiing, and camping.

Major Rivers and Lakes in Nevada

Nevada’s arid climate and desert landscapes mean that water sources are scarce but vital for the state’s agriculture, recreation, and economy. The major rivers and lakes in Nevada are primarily fed by snowmelt from the mountains and serve as critical resources for the region.

• Colorado River: The Colorado River forms part of Nevada’s southern boundary and is the primary source of water for much of the state. The river is dammed at Hoover Dam, creating Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S. by volume. The Colorado River provides water for agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power to Nevada, Arizona, and California.
• Truckee River: The Truckee River flows from Lake Tahoe in California through Nevada, eventually emptying into Pyramid Lake. The river is vital for the cities of Reno and Sparks, providing water for irrigation and municipal use. Pyramid Lake, located in the western desert, is a remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan and is one of Nevada’s largest natural lakes.
• Humboldt River: The Humboldt River is Nevada’s longest river, flowing for approximately 330 miles through northern Nevada. It is primarily fed by snowmelt from the Ruby Mountains and provides irrigation water for agriculture in the state’s northern valleys. The river ends in the Humboldt Sink, a dry lakebed in western Nevada.
• Lake Mead: Formed by the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is one of Nevada’s most important water sources and recreational areas. The lake supports boating, fishing, and tourism, and it provides water to southern Nevada, including Las Vegas. It is also part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, attracting millions of visitors each year.
• Lake Tahoe: Straddling the Nevada-California border, Lake Tahoe is one of the most famous and scenic lakes in the U.S. Known for its clear waters and alpine setting, Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for skiing, hiking, and water sports. The lake is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains and serves as a year-round tourist destination.

Nevada’s rivers and lakes, though few in number, are essential for sustaining life in the state’s arid environment, supporting agriculture, energy production, and recreation.