Need a sunny escape filled with desert beauty and hidden history? Head to Overton! Nestled in the Moapa Valley, Overton offers access to stunning natural parks, ancient petroglyphs, and a quiet small-town feel. Whether you’re into hiking, history, or scenic drives, Overton is your desert basecamp to adventure.
🌤 When I like to visit
The best time to visit Overton is in spring or fall (March to May and September to November). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures ideal for exploring nearby parks and trails without the intense summer heat.
🗺 My tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Overton is located along NV-169, about 65 miles northeast of Las Vegas and easily accessible via I-15 and Exit 93 (Logandale/Overton).
- By Bus: There are no direct bus lines to Overton; driving is recommended.
- By Air: Fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, then rent a car for the scenic 1-hour drive.
🏬 Where I like to stay
- North Shore Inn at Lake Mead – Comfortable local lodging with pool and continental breakfast, located right in Overton.
- Camping at Valley of Fire – Stay under the stars in one of Nevada’s most scenic parks just 10 minutes away.
- Hotels in Mesquite – About 40 minutes northeast, Mesquite offers more hotel options, golf resorts, and casinos.
Top Attractions
1. Marvel at the Fiery Landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park
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"Explore 46,000 acres of vibrant red Aztec sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and scenic trails in Nevada's oldest state park."
The amazing Valley of Fire State Park covers over 45,000 acres, just south of Overton. Here it provides a vast outdoor recreational area, against the backdrop of some remarkable red sandstone rock formations. The park was named for these stunning rock formations which are at their most beautiful when bathed in sunlight. This is an ideal destination for getting back to nature with your family – you can visit for a day and enjoy hiking, biking and a picnic or check into the campground and spend a night under the wide Nevada star-scape. If you are a petrogylphs fan you should head to the Mouse’s Tank and Atlati Rock areas to see some of the best examples in the park.
Valley of Fire State Park, 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, Phone: 702-397-2088
2. Uncover Ancient Histories at the Lost City Museum
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"Delve into the rich heritage of the Ancestral Puebloans through artifacts and exhibits at this museum built on an actual prehistoric site."
When the mighty Colorado River was dammed to form Lake Mead, a wealth of local prehistoric archaeological excavation sites were buried under the waters. In order to save as many objects and relics as possible, the Lost City Museum was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. The museum was originally called the Boulder Dam Park Museum. The museum’s collections are housed in the original adobe brick structure and are made up of many historic materials found at the original Pueblo Grande de Nevada (Lost City) archaeological site. Visitors are encouraged to watch a short video presentation to learn some of the background history before they tour the museum.
Lost City Museum, 721 S. Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV 89040, Phone: 701-397-2193
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Walk Through Time in the St. Thomas Ghost Town
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"Visit the remnants of a once-thriving town submerged by Lake Mead in the 1930s and now revealed due to receding waters."
Located close to the confluence of the Muddy River and the Colorado River, Saint Thomas is a ghost town in Clark County. The town, which was a Mormon settlement prior to 1930, was abandoned and submerged by the rising waters of Lake Mead. Miraculously, when the waters of the lake began to recede in the 2000’s, (due to severe drought) the ruins of the old town resurfaced. They are now protected as a national monument and are located in the Lake Mead Recreational Area. Visitors are welcome to explore the old ruins, which accurately depict an old Wild West town. As you walk through the ruins you can marvel at the thought that they were once buried under more than 60 feet of water.
St. Thomas Ghost Town, Overton, NV 89040
4. Experience Monumental Land Art at Double Negative
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"Witness Michael Heizer's massive earthwork sculpture, featuring two vast trenches carved into the Mormon Mesa, challenging perceptions of art and nature."
If you are into art in all its forms you should not miss the chance to visit Double Negative, which is a unique piece of land art, carved into the Moapa Valley by artist Michael Heizer. To explain the work in the simplest terms, Double Negative consists of an enormous trench which has been cut into the earth of the valley. The trench is 1500 feet long, 30 feet wide and 50 feet deep and necessitated the excavation of 244,000 tons of rock. The title of the work refers to the negative space caused by the removal of the rock. Although the art work belongs to the LA Museum of Contemporary Art, it is free to view by anyone who is interested – provided you have a 4 x 4 vehicle or a motorcycle to get you there.
Double Negative, Carp Elgin Road, Overton, NV 89040
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area – Boating, swimming, and fishing on the Colorado River-fed reservoir.
- Mormon Mesa – A remote and scenic plateau perfect for off-road driving and expansive views.
- Overton Wildlife Management Area – Birdwatching, nature walks, and peaceful desert wetlands.
🥗 Where I Like to Eat
- La Fonda Mexican Restaurant – Casual local favorite for hearty Mexican meals and friendly service.
- Inside Scoop – Homey eatery for burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream treats in a nostalgic setting.
- Sugar's Home Plate – Diner-style American fare with a sports bar twist and relaxed atmosphere.
🎟 My favorite local events:
- Moapa Valley Corn Maze (Fall) – Family-friendly fun with corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin patches.
- Overton Car Show (Spring) – Annual gathering of classic and custom cars in downtown Overton.
- 4th of July Fireworks – Community celebration with a small-town parade and fireworks at the fairgrounds.
🚙 My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Overton, Nevada:
- Valley of Fire State Park (10–15 min) – Hike to the Fire Wave, see petroglyphs, and drive scenic roads.
- Echo Bay (20–25 min) – Lake Mead access point for boating, fishing, and launching kayaks.
- Logandale Trails System (10–15 min) – Ideal for off-roading, hiking, and desert photography.
- Mormon Mesa (15–20 min) – Wide-open desert views perfect for solitude and off-the-grid exploration.
- Warm Springs Natural Area (30 min) – A lush oasis and spring-fed wetland with scenic walking trails and birdlife.
- Mesquite (40 min) – For golfing, casino fun, and spas (just a little beyond the 30-minute mark but worth the drive).
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Where is Overton located?
- Located 56 miles from Las Vegas, Overton is an interesting day trip destination that provides an excellent break from the glitz of 'Vegas.
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What is a must-see natural attraction in Overton?
- At the top of your list of things to see and do in Overton, the Valley of Fire State Park provides a beautiful natural backdrop for hikers and bikers to explore.
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What historical site can visitors explore near Lake Mead?
- Next up, you can visit the Lake Mead Recreational Area, where you can see the ruins of the “drowned” town of Saint Thomas.
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Where can visitors learn about what lies beneath Lake Mead?
- If you would like to find out more about what could lie beneath the waters of Lake Mead, you can stop by the Lost City Museum.
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What unique artwork can be found in the Moapa Valley?
- Finally, if you have a suitable vehicle, you can visit Double Negative, an extraordinary piece of “land art” carved from the floor of the Moapa Valley.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and desert wildflowers, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions.
North Shore Inn at Lake Mead – A comfortable and convenient stay near major sites.
Visit Valley of Fire State Park – Hike among stunning red sandstone formations.
Summer (June-August) – Hot temperatures, best for early morning or late evening outdoor activities.
Nearby hotels in Mesquite or Las Vegas – More accommodation options with casinos and entertainment.
Explore Lake Mead National Recreation Area – Enjoy boating, fishing, and scenic views.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler weather and fewer crowds, great for hiking and photography.
North Shore Inn at Lake Mead – A locally preferred lodging option.
Discover the Lost City Museum – Learn about Native American history and archaeological discoveries.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and quiet, great for sightseeing and desert landscapes.
Nearby accommodations in Moapa Valley – A good base for exploring the region.
Take a scenic drive through the Moapa Valley – Experience breathtaking desert views and wildlife.
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