Nevada State Maps
These maps show Nevada State's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.

The Counties of Nevada and Their Name Origins
- Carson City: Named after the mountain man Kit Carson.
- Churchill County: Named after Fort Churchill, which was named in honor of Sylvester Churchill, a U.S. Army inspector general.
- Clark County: Named for William A. Clark, a U.S. Senator and railroad magnate.
- Douglas County: Named in honor of Stephen A. Douglas, a U.S. Senator.
- Elko County: Likely named from a Paiute word meaning “white woman.”
- Esmeralda County: Possibly named for the character from Victor Hugo’s novel "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" or from the Spanish word for emerald.
- Eureka County: Named after the Greek word meaning "I have found it!" referring to the discovery of silver ore.
- Humboldt County: Named after the Humboldt River, which in turn was named for German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.
- Lander County: Named after Frederick W. Lander, an explorer and road builder.
- Lincoln County: Named after Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.
- Lyon County: Named after Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general to be killed in the American Civil War.
- Mineral County: Named for its abundance of mineral deposits.
- Nye County: Named after James W. Nye, the first governor of the Nevada Territory.
- Pershing County: Named after General John J. Pershing, a U.S. Army general who commanded the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.
- Storey County: Named in honor of Captain Edward Farris Storey, a military leader during the Paiute War.
- Washoe County: Named after the Washoe people, a Native American tribe that lives in the area.
- White Pine County: Named after the white pine tree, which is native to the area.

Nevada State County Sizes Map
Smallest County in Nevada State
Storey County: 263 sq miles
Largest County in Nevada State
Nye County: 18,155 sq miles
Mean and Median Area of Counties in Nevada State
Mean Area: 4,687 sq miles
Median Area: 3,962 sq miles

Major Cities of Nevada State and Their Locations
In Nevada State, most major cities are located near historic transportation routes or significant geographic features.
1. Las Vegas:
The largest city in Nevada, Las Vegas is known worldwide for its entertainment industry and is situated in the Mojave Desert.
2. Reno:
Located near the Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno is often referred to as "The Biggest Little City in the World."
3. Carson City:
The capital of Nevada, Carson City is located near the Sierra Nevada mountain range and is known for its historic architecture and proximity to Lake Tahoe.
4. Henderson:
Located just southeast of Las Vegas, Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada and is known for its residential communities and outdoor recreation.

Topographic Tour of Nevada
Nevada's topography is defined by its diverse landscapes, including the Basin and Range Province and the Sierra Nevada. Nevada has vast deserts, mountain ranges, and flat valleys, with more mountain ranges than any other state in the U.S.
1. Basin and Range Province
This region consists of alternating mountain ranges and valleys, shaped by tectonic stretching of the Earth’s crust. It includes the Great Basin and the Mojave Desert.
2. Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada mountain range forms part of Nevada’s western border, with Lake Tahoe and numerous ski resorts located in this region.
3. Columbia Plateau
In northeastern Nevada, the Columbia Plateau extends into parts of the state, characterized by volcanic formations and flatlands.

Physiographic Regions of Nevada
Basin And Range, Great Basin
This section occupies much of Nevada, characterized by alternating mountain ranges and desert basins. The Great Basin is known for its arid climate and isolated mountain ranges.
Basin And Range, Mexican Highland
This area extends into southern Nevada and features high desert landscapes, marked by mesas and plateaus. The region is known for its sparse vegetation and dramatic geological formations.
Basin And Range, Sonoran Desert
Found in the far southeastern part of the state, this region is part of the larger Sonoran Desert that spans into Arizona and Mexico. It features unique desert vegetation such as saguaros and yuccas.
Cascade-Sierra Mountains, Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada range runs along the western edge of Nevada, with its towering peaks and alpine climate. This region is known for Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, and world-renowned ski resorts.
Columbia Plateau, Payette
This region includes volcanic landscapes and floodplains in the northeastern corner of Nevada. It is known for its flat terrain and rich agricultural lands, shaped by ancient volcanic activity.
Columbia Plateau, Snake River Plain
The Snake River Plain stretches from Idaho into northeastern Nevada, featuring wide plains, river valleys, and remnants of volcanic lava flows. It’s a fertile region that supports extensive agriculture.

Notable Federal Lands in Nevada: Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations
1. Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is located near the Utah border and features stunning landscapes, including the Lehman Caves and Wheeler Peak. The park is known for its remote location and lack of light pollution, making it one of the best places for stargazing in the U.S.
2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Located just outside Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. The area's unique red sandstone formations are a highlight for visitors.
3. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead, formed by the Hoover Dam, is one of the largest reservoirs in the U.S. and offers numerous recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.
4. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
As the largest national forest in the contiguous United States, Humboldt-Toiyabe stretches across much of Nevada and into parts of California. The forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Ecoregions of Nevada
Bonneville Basin Section
Located in the northeastern part of Nevada, the Bonneville Basin is characterized by its arid climate and salt flats, remnants of ancient Lake Bonneville.
Central Great Basin Mountains Section
This section includes the high-elevation mountain ranges in central Nevada, which are part of the Great Basin region. The area features diverse flora and fauna, adapted to both dry valleys and alpine environments.
Lahontan Basin Section
Located in northwestern Nevada, this region was once covered by ancient Lake Lahontan. Today, the area is marked by its dry lake beds, including the Black Rock Desert.
Mojave Desert Section
The Mojave Desert occupies the southern portion of Nevada and is characterized by its dry climate, Joshua trees, and expansive desert plains. Las Vegas is situated in this section.
Northwestern Basin and Range Section
Located in northwestern Nevada, this section is part of the larger Basin and Range Province and features a combination of high desert valleys and mountain ranges.
Sierra Nevada Section
This section encompasses the Sierra Nevada mountain range, known for its alpine environment, lakes, and forests. Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, is located in this region.