Nevada Library Cards Now Providing Free State Park Entry

If you don't already have a library card in the state of Nevada, now is the time to get one!

Those who have a library card now have free access to all Nevada State Parks. According to Fox 5, Nevada State Parks has made the Library Park Pass pilot program "available at public libraries throughout the state."

The ultimate goal of the Library Park Pass pilot program is to make all of Nevada's beautiful and captivating state parks “as accessible as possible by providing an opportunity for all populations to access and experience a state park at no cost.”

Those with library cards can check out the pass for a one-week period at their local public library through the end of 2023, and the pass will cover "the day-use entrance fee for one passenger vehicle with a capacity of 8 people or less."

PLEASE NOTE - While the Library Park Pass offers free entry to Nevada State Parks, it does not include entry into federal, regional or other public lands in Nevada are not included in the Nevada State Park system. For visitors using the Library Park Pass who are wanting to pursue boating, camping, or other attractions, such as park programs or tours, park fees may apply.

To learn more on the Library Park Pass pilot program, click here.

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A Nevada State Park was just voted for having one of the best colorful backgrounds in the world.

Pantone, a company that specializes in providing color categorization, released its "color of the year," which is Viva Magenta. Travel Experts at Planet Cruise created a list of must-see destinations based on Pantone's color of the year. These places are perfect for your next photo opportunity or travel wish list.

At the top of the list ranks Nevada's very own Valley of Fire State Park.

According to a press release from Planet Cruise, the state park covers nearly 40,000 acres in Overton, Nevada. The bright red Aztec sandstone wedged between layers of grey and tan limestone create an environment that radiates "viva magenta." The team at Planet Cruise said in their press release that this park has one of the best colorful backgrounds in the world.

The travel experts at Planet Cruise have rightfully picked Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park as the top location when it comes to the real-life emulation of this color. From the fiery stone, the everlasting memories made at that park for locals, and the enduring nature of the tock, Valley of Fire is truly the perfect example of viva magenta.

"Viva Magenta’s organic origins hail from the cochineal beetle. This insect produces carmine dye, one of the most precious, strongest, and brightest of the natural dye family. The red tone of Viva Magenta connects us to original matter, imbibing us with a primordial signal of strength," Pantone's website states.

The website further states, "Viva Magenta offers us the assurance and motivation we need to weather long-term disruptive events. Three years deep into a pandemic, facing a war, an unstable economy, social unrest, supply chain breakdowns, and mounting climate change, we need to heal. And still, we need to find the motivation to continue."

The other destinations that made the list include other jaw-dropping locations across the globe. From flower fields to copper-colored beaches, these places will leave you wanting to hop on a plane!

If you're interested in seeing the entire list of must-see travel spots for the most beautiful viva-magenta-inspired backgrounds then scroll down below.

Valley of Fire's bright and vibrant red rocks makes this a no brainer when it comes to must-see destinations of Pantone's color of the year. Located in Overton, Nevada, this park is a great escape for Vegas locals who want to get away from the city for a little bit. The national park is open all year round and can be reached by car on all designated driving routes.

This destination is a bucket-list item for many people. Rainbow Mountain is located in Peru's Andes Mountains, and it's often part of a Machu Picchu escapade. A sedimentary deposit of minerals created the rainbow-colored rocks that have become the location's main attraction point. This is one of National Geographic's “Top 100 Places To Visit Before You Die." The vibrant rocks have slivers of viva magenta within the huge mountains. Beautifully breath-taking, this destination is something from a storybook. 

Often called one of the most "beautiful" gardens in the world, Keukenhof Gardens is only open for the tulip season. The season starts on Marc 24 and ends on May 14. Attendees can see crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and early tulips flower at the start of the season. The plethora of bright and vibrant colors makes this garden a top destination for this year's color of the year travel list!

Possibly one of the most distinguishable wetlands in the world, Panjin Red Beach in China's Dawa County. The bright red plant Suaeda salsa is all over the area. According to TravelandLeisure.com, the seepweed species soaks the saltwater from the sea, which then turns the group of plants into a bright red color. The sea of red is the epitome of viva magenta. This destination can be reached by bus or train; then, visitors can take the designated walkway throughout the wetlands to view the beautiful scenery, according to Planet Cruise. 

The beautiful bright, almost pink, colored water in Australia is a trip that's truly worth it. Hutt Lagoon is located in the Indian Ocean's mid-west region of West Australia. The carotenoid-producing algae Dunaliella salina is what gives the water a red color. The fact that this lagoon looks "fake" is what makes this natural occurrence the perfect destination for those who want to visit "viva magenta" destinations. Planet Cruise says the best time to visit Hutt Lagoon is during the summer. According to WesternAustralia.com, the water can vary in color from bubble gum pink, lilac and even dark red.

You occasionally hear the saying "the pictures don't do it justice" in regards to something or somewhere beautiful. Kanarra Falls, just north of St. George, Utah, is one of those places.

It was actually the pictures that drew me to the spot many years ago. This low-to-moderately challenging hike that had stunning views, gorgeous waterfalls and promises to make your boots slightly muddy.

Lets start with booking, because you'll need to pay $12 to be one of 150 permitted guests to the hike per day. The falls were becoming so well-traveled that the community decided to institute a permitting system. When you take the trip, you'll greatly appreciate the beauty of the trail being unmarred by countless spectators. It's quiet, calm and peaceful.

I began my journey around 11am. The four-mile round trip hike starts with a "dry mile" or so. Up an incline, down and around until you eventually come across the water you've been hearing. While you aren't in the water for much of this, I considered it the more difficult of the two miles due to the elevation changes. Doable by nearly all, though.

The second mile is the "damp" mile. You'll be dipping in and out of sometimes ankle-deep water. Eventually you'll turn a corner and stare down a slot canyon. This is where the fun begins and the jaws drop. You'll see pictures below, but know that as beautiful as they and the video above are, they do not hold a candle to being there.

Despite it being high-noon, the shadows were plenty in between these towering rocks, water under my feet. As I continued into the mountain, I could hear the distant rumbling of a waterfall. This is the picture I have seen and wanted to experience in person. Around the corner I went and... there it was. Water is incredibly powerful and majestic and seeing it rush past me was awe-inspiring.

The way past the waterfall has gotten an upgrade recently. Formerly a piece of lumber and some metal "steps" with a support rope, the climb is as simple as a step up a metal staircase. If that seems a little too boring, don't worry. A little further down you'll pass "the boulder", which is a quasi-second waterfall. That climb requires stepping on knotty tree trunks to maneuver your way upwards.

Walk a little further and you'll get to an absolutely stunning amphitheater-like finish point for most. Trees, places to sit down and have yourself a picnic, and all the serenity you could ask for. I planted myself down here for 30 minutes, took pictures (for you to see) and munched on a granola bar, all while taking in the view I had just earned.

There is a second "falls" behind a slot canyon with deeper waters just beyond this point that I didn't catch but... there's always next time.

While I wouldn't suggest this for younger kids (1st grade or below), it is not a treacherous rapid. It's the loose or slick rock you may step on that will get you. I had a couple near misses, but mainly due to not paying attention. Otherwise, wow. You've got to find a way to see this.

I would gladly take the trip up again this weekend to do it again. If you find yourself with a free day and a sense of adventure, book your required permit and get ready to head west on Interstate 15. It will be one of those experiences you think of fondly for years to come.

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