The Roads Less Traveled
The scenic backroads of Nevada are usually the roads less traveled!
The Roads Less Traveled are Filled with Bumps, Potholes and Possibilities
Get ready for the past weekend’s round up of the roads less traveled. I’ve been MIA for a while now. So back to sharing. We recently took a little trip into the Nevada mountains with some great friends all in our ATVs.
We adventured with some hardcore off-the- main-road exploring. Our adventure took us into some very remote locations, and then into the small town of Jarbidge, Nevada.
Canyon Arch
Tucked away in the Nevada desert is this remote canyon that holds a bit of a special surprise. A canyon arch! If you look at sideways it looks heart-shaped, with the heart laying on its side.
It’s amazing what you can find when you know where to look! All you have to do sometimes is take the roads less traveled. Mind you… there is a bit of a hike down to this canyon arch, so wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing. Oh, yes be prepared for the hike back to the top. If it’s hot take some water with you.
Rock Carvings
Much to our surprise, we weren’t the first explorers to discover this canyon arch. Just kidding…we had a great guide. He knew of this hidden gem. On a huge slab of fallen rock were the names of many other back-road adventurers. The carvings included names and drawings.
Mind you, these carvings took a little time and work!
Someone left us an inspiration rock. “Be joyful always.” I thought this was a great message to leave for desert adventurers. The road to get this canyon arch is rocky! Beware! Definitely an easier traveling road for the ATVs.
Another Bend in the Road
As we got to the top and closer to the town of Jarbidge groves of pine trees appear. Nevada does have small forests full of trees. Still part of the great Nevada landscape. The scenic backroads of Nevada are usually the roads less traveled!
Travel smart – this backcountry byway allows vehicles on designated roads only and, as always, prepare for the outdoor elements. Sometimes as far as you can see there are often no other travelers.
The Roads Less Traveled
Nevada offers some of the most stunning natural backdrops not only in the country but in the world! To better explore the tranquility and scenic Nevada landscape, consider traveling the fantastic backcountry roads in an ATV. Steer into remote and wild places as your ATV transports you to other worlds.
Rock cairns are human-made stacks, mounds or piles of rocks. Cairns have been built by cultures around the world for many different purposes. Cairns may serve as monuments, burial sites, and/or navigational aids. Not sure of this one’s purpose. I just thought it was interesting against the blue Nevada sky.
Explore deep canyons! Due to the remote nature of some of these locations, please be prepared for Nevada’s climate and desert landscape. Many of these byways have little to no service.
Mountain Creeks
From the high desert to amazing mountain streams.
Sheepherder’s Camp
The above picture is of a sheepherder’s camp. Difficult to see are the sheep off to the left grazing on the next slope. Sheep herding has been a part of Nevada’s history for over a century. Nevada’s rugged terrain provide a healthy environment for sheep to graze.
Mountain Flora
Always a favorite subject for me… Wildflowers!
The Golden Shrubs of Nevada
This is the season when Rabbitbrush is in full bloom-late summer to mid fall. A favorite time of the year – fall.
Despite aridity and rugged terrain, Nevada shows considerable variety in vegetation. This may be what lures me first out into the backcountry. The names of the flora that I have provided are not the genus/species names. Just a binomial name at best. Even the dried thistle is beautiful in the desert landscape. Growing up as a native Nevadan, I’m certainly fond of the blooming Rabbitbrush. I think its golden glow is beautiful. Those with allergies, like my husband, not so much!
On Top
It felt like you were on top of the world looking out from this mountain pass. Definitely where earth meets the sky!
It was a beautiful scenic trip. I feel very blessed and invigorated to be able to experience the beauty of the backcountry of Nevada. “Taking the roads less traveled suggests that we consider taking the alternative routes in life, which is metaphorically filled with bumps, potholes, and possibilities for getting lost. By taking the roads less traveled instead of the easier ones, we can become more spiritually enlightened and grow in ways that we can’t imagine.” ~Morgan Scott Peck
I can’t speak for others in the group, but I can say that the roads less traveled do lead you…
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.” ~Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”
I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the Nevada backcountry adventures. For additional mountain adventures on roads less traveled and see here. Thanks for stopping by Rustic and Refound. I hope you have a beautiful week!
