Two of Alex Honnold’s New Discoveries in Nevada

Alex Honnold is on a mission to experience the wildness and wackiness of his home state of Nevada in his new five-part travel series, “Get a Little Out There with Alex Honnold.” There’s plenty of both in Episode 2, as Alex scouts the Wild Granites climbing area with longtime friend and climbing partner Tommy Caldwell. This little-known paradise of expert multi-pitch routes offers plenty of adventure, but with singing sand dunes, forests made of cars, and bar-loving burros, there’s lots of excitement off the rock, too. See where Alex traveled in this episode and find out how to visit for yourself.

The Wild Granites

Tucked on the south flank of Toiyabe Range Peak in central Nevada, the Wild Granites are a multi-pitch paradise. At this little-known area—which is still being developed—you’ll discover huge walls, expansive desert views, and the chance to have it all to yourself. Information on existing routes is sparse, so bring along a sense of adventure (and an expert skillset: most of the documented climbs here are multi-pitch trad routes between 5.10 and 5.12c).

Amargosa Big Dune Recreation Area

Even when the roar of dune buggy engines fall silent, the Amargosa Dunes still hum with sound. This otherworldly corner of the Mojave Desert is more than just an off-road mecca and favorite camping spot for locals; it’s also home to “singing sand.” This strange and rare phenomenon—often described as a low hum or vibration that can also boom like thunder—only occurs where a just-right grain size combines with very arid conditions. Rent an ATV or buggy to explore this unique natural wonder.

International Car Forest

The International Car Forest of the Last Church is the kind of place you’d expect to find deep in Nevada. This “forest” of vertical vehicles is made up of about 40 colorfully painted cars, vans, buses, and trucks sticking out of the desert sand or balanced atop each other. It’s the largest of its kind in the country and an essential stop on the Free-Range Art Highway, a 500-mile road trip between Reno and Las Vegas peppered with oddball open-air art galleries, funky shops, and historic haunts.

Santa Fe Saloon

There are hundreds of saloons across the Silver State, but only one where you’re likely to meet Honey the Burro, who was born in Goldfield in 2023 and has become the town’s unofficial mascot. It’s all part of the fun at the Santa Fe Saloon, which has been operating since 1905, when a gold boom made Goldfield the most populous city in the state.

The heart of Nevada shines through Travel Nevada, an organization that shares the experiences, landscapes, and living legends that make the Silver State a one-of-a-kind destination. Through community collaborations, we connect with locals and visitors, showcasing the sometimes-surprising, always-exciting treasures that keep people coming back. Discover more at travelnevada.com.