There is nothing in this old world of ours that beats chilly morning air, dry, sunny, and calm. But wait! There is something better: add basin-and-range scenery with snowy mountain tops and snow-free lowlands.
That is what I am experiencing right now on this early spring trip through Nevada. In the past I think I underestimated this state because the north-south mountain ranges are steep with poor road access. That makes for poor camping and mountain biking, if you like biking on land where you get to use lots of gears.
So just use the mountain ranges for eye-candy, and then camp and bike on the lowlands, which can be flattish. Maybe this should have been obvious, but if you make the mistake of staying in the Southwest too long into spring, the lowlands (4500 feet altitude) of Nevada are too hot by the time you get to them.
Prices are confiscatory away from the handful of Walmart towns. So far, I haven't figured out how to beat the system in that regard. Perhaps it is best to avoid the west side of the state because of economic spillover from California.
There is an appeal to basin-and-range country. A harsh romance.
Comments
It is not just economic spillover it is cultural spillover as well.
The northeast part of the state is buckaroo country and continues to stave off that influence.You might try the Ruby Mountains before leaving the state; higher country and will stay cool when the lowlands get too hot.