Snakes in Nevada: identification guide and best places to start
Yes, snakes live across Nevada. Your best bet to see them is near rocky slopes, desert washes, and water sources like the Colorado River or Lake Mead. Most are harmless, but the rattlesnake is venomous. This guide gives you where and when to look, plus simple ID cues to tell them apart.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Panamint Rattlesnake 路 Matt Berger CC BY
Utah Mountain Kingsnake 路 technoendo CC BY
Ground Snake 路 Public domain CC0
- 8
- species recorded
- 3
- GBIF records
- May, June, April
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
25 types of snakes recorded in Nevada
25 snake species have a verified observation record in Nevada across snakes (suborder Serpentes), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Also recorded in Nevada
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Long-nosed SnakeRhinocheilus lecontei | Rhinocheilus lecontei | 132 |
| 14 | North American RacerColuber constrictor | Coluber constrictor | 130 |
| 15 | Ground SnakeSonora semiannulata | Sonora semiannulata | 122 |
| 16 | Desert NightsnakeHypsiglena chlorophaea | Hypsiglena chlorophaea | 83 |
| 17 | Western Glossy SnakeArizona occidentalis | Arizona occidentalis | 51 |
| 18 | Sierra Garter SnakeThamnophis couchii | Thamnophis couchii | 44 |
| 19 | Common Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalis | Thamnophis sirtalis | 38 |
| 20 | Western Leaf-nosed SnakePhyllorhynchus decurtatus | Phyllorhynchus decurtatus | 37 |
| 21 | Western Diamond-backed RattlesnakeCrotalus atrox | Crotalus atrox | 33 |
| 22 | Mojave Shovelnose SnakeSonora occipitalis | Sonora occipitalis | 29 |
| 23 | Sonoran Lyre SnakeTrimorphodon lambda | Trimorphodon lambda | 26 |
| 24 | Southwestern Blackhead SnakeTantilla hobartsmithi | Tantilla hobartsmithi | 12 |
| 25 | Arizona Mountain KingsnakeLampropeltis pyromelana | Lampropeltis pyromelana | 12 |
Plus 2 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
5,688 verified observations on iNaturalist of snake have been recorded in Nevada, most often in May, June, April.
When snake are recorded in Nevada
Yes, snakes live across Nevada. Your best bet to see them is near rocky slopes, desert washes, and water sources like the Colorado River or Lake Mead. Most are harmless, but the rattlesnake is venomous. This guide gives you where and when to look, plus simple ID cues to tell them apart.
Where are snakes most likely to be seen in Nevada?
Snakes in Nevada favor places with cover and prey. Look along rocky outcrops, canyon bottoms, and desert scrub. Riparian areas along the Colorado River, Virgin River, and around Lake Mead are hotspots. In the high desert, check near rodent burrows and rock piles. Urban edges, like the Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas, also see them often.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
What seasons and weather patterns increase snake activity?
Snakes are most active from April through October. Spring and early summer (April to June) give the best daytime sightings as they warm up. On cooler mornings, they bask on rocks. After summer monsoons (July to September), evening activity spikes. In the hottest part of summer, they shift to dawn and dusk. Winter brings brumation, so December through February are quiet.
See ourSnakes guidefor the next step.
How to identify common Nevada snakes?
Start with the head shape. Pit vipers (like rattlesnakes) have a wide, diamond-shaped head and a distinct neck. Colubrids (like gopher snakes) have a narrow head. Pattern helps: rattlesnakes have blotches or diamonds, while gopher snakes have dark blotches on a lighter background. Look at the tail: rattlesnakes have a rattle, but sometimes it breaks off. Eye pupil is another clue: pit vipers have vertical pupils, non-venomous snakes have round pupils.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What are the most common snake species in Nevada?
The Great Basin rattlesnake is the most widespread venomous snake. Also watch for the Mojave rattlesnake in southern Nevada. Non-venomous species include the gopher snake, coachwhip, striped whipsnake, and night snake. The Sonoran sidewinder lives in sandy dunes in the south. On the eastern side, you may find the rubber boa in higher elevations.
Are there venomous snakes in Nevada?
Yes. The six species of rattlesnake are the only venomous ones. The most common are the Great Basin rattlesnake and the Mojave rattlesnake. The sidewinder, speckled rattlesnake, and western diamondback are in the south. The prairie rattlesnake occurs in the northeast. All have a rattle, but stay cautious. No other venomous snakes exist in the state.
How to stay safe while hiking in snake country?
Watch where you step and sit. Keep to clear trails. Wear thick boots and long pants. If you see a snake, stop and back away slowly. Do not try to handle it. Most bites occur when people try to move or kill the snake. Carry a snakebite kit and know the nearest hospital. For dogs, keep them leashed and away from brush.
Best gear for snake spotting and a fun way to show your interest
Carry a good pair of binoculars to view from a distance. A field guide specific to the region helps with identification. A walking stick can help clear brush ahead. And when you head out, wear something that reflects your interest in snakes. Oursnake t-shirtsmake a great choice for the trail or backyard.
Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt
A bold design for anyone who respects the desert's most famous snake. Perfect for layering under a field vest.Check Price and Availability
Green Viper Snake T-Shirt
A striking viper print that catches the eye. Lightweight and comfortable for warm Nevada days.Check Price and Availability
Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt
A playful take on snakes, great for kids or casual wear. Soft cotton that holds up to repeated washes.Check Price and Availability
Frequently asked questions about snakes in Nevada
**What time of day are snakes most active?** During late spring and summer, early morning and late evening. In cooler months, midday.
**Do snakes in Nevada climb trees?** Yes, some like the gopher snake will climb bushes and fences to hunt birds.
**Are there water snakes in Nevada?** No true water snakes, but the greenish neonate garter snake can be found near water.
**How can I tell a rattlesnake from a gopher snake?** Gopher snakes have a narrow head, round pupils, and no rattle. They hiss loudly and flatten their heads to mimic rattlers, so check the tail.
**What should I do if bitten by a rattlesnake?** Stay calm, remove jewelry, immobilize the limb, and get to a hospital. Do not cut or suck the bite.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see snake in Nevada: May, June, April
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your snake sighting in Nevada
3 verified snake records have been logged in Nevada. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Nevada
- Death Valley National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Great Basin National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area 路 Wildlife Watching 路 Find hotels
- Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- California National Historic Trail 路 Find hotels
- Old Spanish National Historic Trail 路 Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What snake species live in Nevada?+
Snakes in Nevada favor places with cover and prey. Look along rocky outcrops, canyon bottoms, and desert scrub. Riparian areas along the Colorado River, Virgin River, and around Lake Mead are hotspots. In the high desert, check near rodent burrows and rock piles. Urban edges, like the Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas, also see them often. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Where can you see snakes in Nevada?+
Snakes in Nevada favor places with cover and prey. Look along rocky outcrops, canyon bottoms, and desert scrub. Riparian areas along the Colorado River, Virgin River, and around Lake Mead are hotspots. In the high desert, check near rodent burrows and rock piles. Urban edges, like the Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas, also see them often. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
When is the best time to see snakes in Nevada?+
Snakes in Nevada favor places with cover and prey. Look along rocky outcrops, canyon bottoms, and desert scrub. Riparian areas along the Colorado River, Virgin River, and around Lake Mead are hotspots. In the high desert, check near rodent burrows and rock piles. Urban edges, like the Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas, also see them often. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see snake
More wildlife in Nevada