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Top Ten Ghost Towns in Nevada

March 5, 2023 by Robert Ratliff

Top Ten Ghost Towns in Nevada Introduction

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Top Ten Ghost Towns in Nevada: If you’re a fan of history, architecture, or abandoned towns, Nevada is the place for you.

The Silver State is home to over 600 ghost towns, which would take you years, if not a lifetime, to explore.

During the 19th century, Nevada experienced a population boom because of the mineral rush out West, earning it the “ Silver State ” title.

However, most desert towns that sprung up during the rush were later deserted as business dwindled and miners departed.

Schools, houses, post offices, saloons, and mines were left standing, abandoned, and alone.

Fortunately, some of these structures have withstood the test of time, offering a unique travel experience for adventurous individuals willing to veer off the beaten path and explore the top ten ghost towns in Nevada.

Robert Ratliff March 5, 2023 7:57 pm

Nevada is known for its deserts, mountains, and casinos, but it’s also a treasure trove of ghost towns.

These derelict towns, abandoned in Nevada places, offer a unique window into Nevada’s past, from its mining boom to its Wild West days.

Exploring ghost towns can be a thrilling and educational experience for anyone interested in history, architecture, or the paranormal.

Welcome to our comprehensive top ten ghost towns in Nevada guide to Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park , a hidden gem in the heart of Nevada’s desert.

This guide will take you through the park’s rich history, unique geology, and diverse wildlife.

We aim to provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to the park and make the most of your time here.

Introduction Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is in central Nevada, about 150 miles southeast of Reno.

The park covers an area of 1,540 acres and has several unique features that make it a must-see destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and geology enthusiasts.

The park is named after two major attractions: the ghost town of Berlin and the Ichthyosaur fossils discovered here in the 1920s.

History Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park has a rich and fascinating history spanning millions of years.

The park’s major attraction, the ghost town of Berlin, was founded in 1863 during the height of the silver mining boom.

At its peak, the town had a population of over 300 and was home to several businesses, including a post office, school, and general store.

However, by the early 1900s, the town’s silver mines had been depleted, and its residents began to leave in search of better opportunities.

Today, one of Nevada’s top ten ghost towns is a well-preserved ghost town that provides a unique glimpse into Nevada’s mining history.

Visitors can explore the town’s many buildings, including the old blacksmith shop, the assay office, and the Berlin Cemetery.

Geology The park’s unique geology is another major attraction for visitors.

The park is in the Shoshone Mountains, part of the Basin and Range Province, covering much of the western United States.

The area is known for its fault-block mountains, formed by stretching and pulling the earth’s crust.

The park’s rock formations are mainly composed of limestone and dolomite, formed in a shallow sea that covered the area over 500 million years ago.

One of the park’s unique geological features is the Fossil House, which houses North America’s most extensive known collection of Ichthyosaur fossils.

These fossils were discovered in the park in the 1920s by a local rancher and were later excavated by paleontologists from the University of California.

The Ichthyosaurs were marine reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era, around 225 million years ago.

Wildlife The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include mule deer, jackrabbits, coyotes, and several species of snakes.

Birdwatchers will be delighted to know that the park is a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 80 species of birds recorded in the area.

Visiting Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park Now that you know more about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife, it’s time to plan your visit.

The park is open year-round and offers several hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground with 14 RV sites and 15 tent sites.

Welcome to our comprehensive top ten ghost towns in Nevada guide to Goldfield Ghost Town, a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the rich history and cultural significance of the American West.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the history of Goldfield’s top ten ghost towns in Nevada, exploring its origins as a bustling mining town in the late 1800s, its decline and abandonment in the early 1900s, and its subsequent restoration as a living history museum and tourist attraction in the modern era.

We’ll also highlight some top things to see and do in Goldfield Ghost Town, including its iconic attractions, thrilling activities, and fascinating events.

From its origins as a bustling mining town in the late 1800s to its decline and abandonment in the early 1900s, Goldfield’s top ten ghost towns in Nevada have transformed remarkably in the modern era to become a thriving tourist destination and living history museum.

Whether you’re interested in the history of the American West, seeking a thrilling adventure, or simply looking for a fun and unique destination, Goldfield Ghost Town is a must-visit destination.

With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and exciting attractions, Goldfield will surely captivate visitors’ imaginations worldwide.

So why wait?

Start planning your visit to Goldfield Ghost Town today and experience the magic of the American West for yourself!

Goldfield Ghost Town was originally established in 1893, during the height of the gold rush in the American West.

The town was founded by a prospector named George Young, who discovered gold in the nearby Superstition Mountains and built a mining camp to support the growing number of prospectors and miners in the area.

Over the next few years, Goldfield’s top ten ghost towns in Nevada increased, with a population of over 4,000 people at its peak.

The town boasted a post office, saloons, hotels, restaurants, and various other businesses and services that catered to the needs of the miners and prospectors who flocked to the area in search of fortune.

However, Goldfield’s fortunes were short-lived.

By the turn of the century, the gold reserves in the area had been largely exhausted, and the town began to decline rapidly.

A series of devastating fires in the early 1900s further hastened Goldfield’s demise, and by 1926 the town was largely abandoned.

Goldfield, top ten ghost towns in Nevada, sat empty areas in Nevada abandoned in the following decades, slowly deteriorating in the harsh desert climate.

However, in the 1980s, investors and history enthusiasts began a restoration project to bring the town back to life as a living history museum and tourist attraction.

Today, Goldfield’s top ten ghost towns in Nevada are thriving tourist destinations, offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of the American West.

Goldfield Ghost Town is home to a variety of top-rated attractions, including:

The Goldfield Mine Tour

The Goldfield Mine Tour is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history of Goldfield and the American West.

The tour takes visitors deep into the heart of the Superstition Mountains, where they can explore the underground tunnels and shafts once home to the miners who worked there.

The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights into the history and culture of the region.

The Superstition Zipline

The Superstition Zipline is a must-try activity for those seeking a thrilling adventure.

The zipline takes visitors on a thrilling ride above the desert floor, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The Mystery Shack

The Mystery Shack is a fun and quirky attraction that challenges visitors’ perceptions of reality.

The shack creates optical illusions and sensory distortions that leave visitors scratching their heads and questioning what they see.

The Goldfield Gunfighters

The Goldfield Gunfighters are a popular attraction that provides visitors with a taste of the Wild West.

The gunfighters stage daily performances of shootouts and other Wild West antics, complete with period costumes and authentic firearms.

In conclusion, one of the top ten ghost towns in Nevada, Goldfield Ghost Town, is a truly unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of

We are thrilled to introduce you to Rhyolite, Nevada , a town with a rich history and exciting opportunities for exploration.

In the southwestern United States, Rhyolite offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance that cannot be found anywhere else.

Nevada’s top ten ghost towns were established in 1904 during the American West’s mining boom.

At its peak, Rhyolite was a bustling community with over 10,000 residents and all modern city amenities.

However, the boom was short-lived, and the 1920s abandoned the town.

Today, the top ten ghost towns in Nevada Rhyolite are a testament to the spirit of the American West and a reminder of the challenges faced by those who sought their fortune in the mines.

Despite its relative obscurity, Rhyolite is a hidden gem for travelers and history buffs alike.

Visitors can explore the ruins of the town’s buildings, including the bank, the train depot, and the schoolhouse.

The Bottle House, made entirely of glass bottles, is also a popular tourist attraction.

Visitors can also take a self-guided walking tour of the town and learn about its fascinating history.

For those looking for outdoor activities, Rhyolite is surrounded by some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the United States.

The nearby Death Valley National Park is a must-see destination for those interested in geology, ecology, and natural beauty.

Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, view the iconic salt flats, and witness the unique rock formations and wildlife that call the area home.

Besides its rich history and natural beauty, Rhyolite is also home to a vibrant arts community.

The town hosts an annual arts festival that brings together artists worldwide to showcase their work.

Visitors can browse various paintings, sculptures, and other works of art and enjoy live music and food vendors.

Overall, Rhyolite, Nevada, is a destination like no other.

Its combination of history, natural beauty, and cultural offerings makes it a must-visit for anyone traveling through the American Southwest.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the ruins of the town’s past, hiking through Death Valley, or experiencing the vibrant arts community, the top ten ghost towns in Nevada Rhyolite have something for everyone.

Rhyolite, Nevada, has a rich history that includes the ruins of buildings, which makes it an attractive place to explore for history buffs.

The top ten ghost towns in Nevada are surrounded by natural beauty, with Death Valley National Park being a must-visit destination for lovers of geology, ecology, and natural beauty.

Rhyolite also has a vibrant arts community, with an annual arts festival that showcases the work of artists from around the world.

Virginia City

Exploring Virginia City, the Wild West Ghost Town

Welcome to Virginia City , the historic mining town that once bustled with activity during the Wild West era.

Today, the town is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its restored buildings and rich history.

Founded in 1859, Virginia City quickly became a booming mining town after the discovery of the Comstock Lode, a large deposit of silver and gold.

The town increased as thousands of miners flocked to the area for riches.

The town was named after the “Virgin Queen,” Elizabeth I of England, and was one of the wealthiest cities in America during its peak.

However, Virginia City’s glory days were short-lived; by the turn of the century, the mines had dried up.

Many miners moved to other locations, leaving the town to become a ghost town.

Today, Virginia City is a testament to a community’s resilience that refused to let its history die.

Virginia City is home to numerous historical landmarks that have been preserved today.

Visitors can stroll along the town’s wooden sidewalks and visit restored buildings such as the Piper’s Opera House, which once hosted performances by Mark Twain and other famous personalities.

The Fourth Ward School Museum is another must-visit attraction that offers a glimpse into what life was like for the children who attended school in the late 1800s.

The museum has been beautifully restored and features an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that bring the past to life.

For those interested in the paranormal, the top ten ghost towns in Nevada, Virginia City, have a reputation for being haunted.

Visitors can take a ghost tour and explore the town’s many reportedly haunted buildings, including the Silver Queen Hotel and the Washoe Club.

Virginia City is in the western part of Nevada, about 20 miles southeast of Reno.

Visitors can get to Virginia City by car via Route 341, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Virginia City is a living reminder of the Wild West era and the mining boom that fueled the growth of America.

Its rich history and restored buildings make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of the United States.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s many historical landmarks, taking a ghost tour, or simply taking in the stunning views, the top ten ghost towns in Nevada and Virginia City will surely be a memorable experience.

Discover the History and Charm of Unionville, Nevada: A Hidden Gem in the Wild West Nestled in the foothills of the Humboldt Mountains in Pershing County, Nevada, lies the charming and top ten ghost towns in Nevada’s historic village of Unionville.

Founded in 1861 during the height of the Wild West era, Unionville has a rich history and is filled with stories of gold rushes, cowboys, and outlaws.

Originally known as Buena Vista, Unionville was renamed in honor of the Union Army during the Civil War.

The town quickly became a bustling center of mining activity, with prospectors flocking to the area in search of gold and silver.

At its peak, Unionville was home to over 1,500 residents, several saloons, a school, and a newspaper.

One of the most famous residents of Unionville was Mark Twain , who lived in the town in the early 1860s and used it as an inspiration for some of his most famous works, including “Roughing It.”

The top ten ghost towns in Nevada town also played a significant role in the Pony’s history Express, serving as a relay station on the route between Sacramento, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Unionville is a small but thriving community with just over 20 people.

The town has preserved much of its historic charm, with many of its original buildings still standing, including the Old Pioneer Garden Cemetery, which contains the graves of some of its earliest residents.

For visitors to Unionville, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including exploring the town’s historic buildings and landmarks, hiking in the surrounding hills, and fishing in the nearby Rye Patch Reservoir .

The town also hosts several annual events, including the Unionville Chili Cook-Off and the Independence Day Parade.

Another popular attraction in Unionville is the Unionville Cemetery, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who died in the town during the 1800s.

Visitors can take a top ten ghost town in Nevada self-guided tour of the cemetery and learn about the town’s history and the stories of its residents.

Unionville, Nevada, maybe a small town but rich in history and charm.

Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Unionville is a hidden gem worth visiting.

So pack your bags and head to Unionville to experience the magic of the Wild West for yourself!

Belmont, Nevada: The Hidden Gem of the Old West

Belmont, Nevada, is a small, unincorporated town in Nye County, Nevada, United States.

This historic town has a rich history and is known for its fascinating stories, mining heritage, and stunning scenery.

This article will explore everything you need to know about Belmont, Nevada.

Belmont, Nevada , was founded in 1865 as a silver mining town.

The town was named after August Belmont, a prominent banker and financier who invested heavily in the mines.

Belmont quickly grew into a thriving community with over 15,000 people.

In the late 19th century, the town’s population declined because of the depletion of silver mines.

However, Belmont remained an essential hub for transportation and agriculture in the region.

Today, Belmont is a small, quiet town with just a few dozen people.

The town’s historic buildings and artifacts still stand, providing visitors a glimpse into its rich past.

Nevada Belmont’s top ten ghost towns are home to several historical attractions.

The Belmont Courthouse State Historic Site is one such attraction.

The courthouse was built in 1876 and served as the seat of Nye County until 1905.

Today, a museum houses several artifacts, and exhibits related to the town’s history.

Another must-see attraction in Belmont is the Belmont Mill.

The mill was built in 1906 and was the primary power source for the town’s mining operations.

The mill is now a museum showcasing the area’s mining history.

For nature enthusiasts, Belmont is surrounded by stunning scenery.

The Toquima Mountains to the West and the Monitor Range to the east offer breathtaking views and provide outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing.

Top ten ghost towns in Nevada Belmont, Nevada, is a hidden gem of the Old West worth visiting.

Its rich history, historic buildings, and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.

With its rich history and unique landscape, Cherry Creek Ghost Town is a must-visit location for anyone looking to explore the forgotten remnants of the Wild West.

History Cherry Creek Ghost Town dates back to the mid-19th century when it was first established as a mining camp during the Nevada gold rush.

Nevada’s top ten ghost towns quickly grew and flourished as miners from all over the country flocked to the area in search of their fortunes.

At its peak, the town boasted a population of over 6,000 residents, making it one of the largest settlements in the region.

Unfortunately, as the gold rush waned, so did the town’s prosperity.

By the early 20th century, most of the mines had been depleted, and the population had dwindled to just a few hundred residents.

Today, the top ten ghost towns in Nevada Cherry Creek Ghost Town are a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the early settlers who once called this place home.

Attractions Despite its remote location, Cherry Creek Ghost Town offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the most popular destinations in the area is the town’s historic cemetery, which features ornate gravestones and monuments dating back to the town’s earliest days.

Other popular attractions include the old mine shafts and abandoned buildings, which provide a glimpse into the town’s past and the challenges faced by its residents.

Cherry Creek’s top ten ghost towns in Nevada offer several hiking trails and scenic vistas for those looking to get outside and explore the surrounding wilderness.

The nearby Cherry Creek Canyon is popular among hikers, offering breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife.

Getting There While Cherry Creek Ghost Town is undoubtedly remote, it is not impossible to reach.

The town is located roughly 75 miles northeast of Elko, Nevada, and is accessible via a network of unpaved roads that wind through the surrounding hills and valleys.

Visitors should know that the roads can be rough and uneven and plan accordingly.

Conclusion Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a unique adventure, vacant communities in Nevada Cherry Creek Ghost Town are a destination worth exploring.

With its rich history, stunning vistas, and remote location, this hidden gem of the Nevada wilderness offers something for everyone.

So why not plan your trip today and experience the wonder and mystery of Cherry Creek for yourself?

Travel to the Heart of the Wild West: Exploring Jarbidge, Nevada

Welcome to our ultimate top ten ghost towns in Nevada guide to exploring Jarbidge, Nevada – the hidden gem of the Wild West!

With its rugged terrain, stunning vistas, and fascinating history, Jarbidge offers an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers.

Whether you’re seeking a scenic road trip, a thrilling hiking expedition, or a glimpse into the Wild West’s past, Jarbidge has something to offer.

Nestled in the heart of the Jarbidge Mountains, Jarbidge is a remote and off-the-beaten-path destination.

The journey to Jarbidge is an adventure, with scenic drives and challenging terrain.

The most popular route is via the Jarbidge Canyon Road, a 24-mile stretch of unpaved road that winds through the mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.

Please note that this road is only accessible during summer and requires a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Jarbidge is a hiker’s paradise, with miles of scenic trails that traverse the rugged mountain terrain.

Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or a casual day hiker, you’ll find a trail that suits your level of expertise.

Some of the most popular trails in the area include the Jarbidge River Trail, which follows the scenic Jarbidge River and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the scenic Mary’s River Trail, which leads through a picturesque canyon and past several historic mining sites.

The most famous of these ghost towns are Jarbidge itself, which was founded in the late 1800s as a mining town and later became a hub for logging and ranching.

Today, visitors can explore the town’s historic buildings and learn about its colorful past at the Jarbidge Historical Museum.

Other nearby ghost towns include Charleston, which was once a thriving mining town but is now a ghost town with several well-preserved buildings, and Copper Basin, which was once home to a bustling copper mine but is now a ghost town with several ruins and abandoned buildings.

Jarbidge is also a popular destination for camping and fishing, with several campsites and fishing spots in the area.

The Jarbidge River is a popular destination for fly-fishing, with several species of trout and other fish in its waters.

The Jarbidge Wilderness also offers several primitive camping areas where visitors can enjoy an authentic wilderness experience.

Jarbidge, Nevada, is the perfect destination if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

With its rugged mountain terrain, historic ghost towns, and stunning natural beauty, Jarbidge offers something for everyone.

So pack your bags and hit the road – adventure awaits!

Metropolis, Nevada: A Hidden Gem in the Desert

Are you tired of the crowded and overpriced tourist destinations in Nevada?

Do you crave a more authentic and peaceful experience in the desert?

Look no further than the top ten ghost towns in Nevada Metropolis, a small village in the northern part of the state with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings.

Metropolis is in Elko County, Nevada, about 50 miles east of Wells and 120 miles west of Salt Lake City, Utah.

The town can be easily reached via Interstate 80 and State Route 233, which intersect nearby.

Visitors can also fly into the Elko Regional Airport, about 60 miles south of Metropolis, and rent a car or take a shuttle.

The top ten ghost towns in Nevada Metropolis were founded in the late 19th century as a mining camp for gold and silver and later for copper and tungsten.

The town reached its peak population of over 1,000 in the 1940s but declined after the closure of the mines in the 1960s.

Today, Metropolis has a population of around 100.

It is known for its historic buildings, such as the Metropolis Club, built in 1904 and served as a community center and saloon, and the Metropolis Schoolhouse, built in 1911 and still hosts events and events meetings.

Metropolis also has a rich cultural heritage, in the traditional lands of the Western Shoshone and Northern Paiute tribes.

The town has established relationships with these tribes and promotes its history and art through various events and initiatives.

Breathtaking landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities surround Metropolis.

To the east, you can explore the Ruby Mountains , a range of peaks and valleys that offer hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing.

To the West, you can visit the Jarbidge Wilderness Area , a rugged and remote landscape of canyons and streams that is ideal for backpacking and wildlife watching.

In between, you can find the South Fork Reservoir, a popular spot for boating, swimming, and picnicking.

The top ten ghost towns in Nevada Metropolis may be small, but it has a thriving community of entrepreneurs and artists who offer unique products and services.

For example, you can taste delicious homemade pies and jams at the Metropolis Market; a farm stand selling fresh produce and crafts.

You can also admire the handcrafted jewelry and pottery at the Metropolis Gallery, a cooperative of local artists.

And if you need a place to stay, you can rent a cozy cabin or a vintage trailer at the Metropolis Motel, a family-owned business that has been operating since the 1950s.

If you are looking for a hidden top ten ghost towns in Nevada gem in the desert that combines history, culture, nature, and local charm, Metropolis, Nevada, is the place to be.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this unique top-ten ghost town in Nevada destination and support its thriving community.

Hamilton, Nevada – An Abandoned Mining Town in White Pine County

Hamilton, Nevada, is a ghost town in White Pine County, Nevada, United States.

It was once a thriving mining town, but today it is a relic, offering visitors a glimpse into Nevada’s mining history.

In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the top ten ghost towns in Nevada Hamilton and explore what remains of the city today.

Hamilton was established in 1868 after silver was discovered in the area.

The town increased, and by the 1870s, it was one of Nevada’s most prominent and wealthiest mining towns.

The town was named after the Hamilton Mining Company, which handled much of the silver production in the area.

The town’s population peaked in the 1880s, with over 5,000 residents.

The top ten ghost towns in Nevada Hamilton were a vibrant community with many businesses, including saloons, hotels, and mercantile stores.

The town was also home to several newspapers and a school.

However, as silver prices declined, the town fell, and by the early 20th century, the population had dwindled to just a few hundred.

The town was officially one of the top ten ghost towns in Nevada, abandoned in the 1930s, and only a few buildings remain.

Hamilton is in White Pine County, Nevada, approximately 50 miles west of Ely.

The town is in a remote desert area surrounded by rugged mountains.

The town’s elevation is approximately 6,000 feet, and the climate is arid, with hot summers and cold winters.

Although being the top ten ghost towns in Nevada that have been abandoned for decades, Hamilton has several notable features that make it a popular tourist destination .

These include:

Hamilton Ghost Town – The Hamilton Ghost Town is a collection of buildings that have been preserved to give visitors a sense of what life was like in the town during its heyday.

The Hamilton Cemetery – The Hamilton Cemetery is the last resting place of many of the town’s former residents. Visitors can explore the cemetery and view the various gravestones.

The Hamilton Stagecoach Stop – The Hamilton Stagecoach Stop was a popular stopover for travelers passing through the area. Today, the building has been preserved and is open to visitors.

Hamilton, Nevada , is a fascinating and historically significant town that offers visitors a glimpse into Nevada’s mining past.

Despite being abandoned for decades, the town’s ghost town, cemetery, and stagecoach stop remain popular tourist destinations.

We hope this has given you a comprehensive top ten ghost towns in Nevada understanding of Hamilton’s history, geography, and notable features.

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9 of the Coolest Nevada Ghost Towns to Explore

Looking to get spooked? These Nevada ghost towns are the coolest in the state. Learn where to go & what to do with these Nevada Ghost Town travel tips.

Did you know there are more ghost towns in Nevada than actual towns occupied by the living? Nevada is home to more than 600 ghost towns – by that count, it would take you years, if not a lifetime, to explore all the ghost towns in the state. During the 19th century, Nevada’s population boomed under the mineral rush out West, earning the state title of the “Silver State”. Unfortunately, most of the desert towns that popped up during the rush were later abandoned as business dried up and miners moved out of town. Buildings such as schools, houses, post offices, saloons, and mines were left behind. Luckily, some of those buildings survived, and now offer a unique travel experience for those willing to get off the beaten path.

From abandoned mines to quirky art installations to dusty saloons, Nevada is the perfect place to explore these abandoned towns with rich history and spooky undertones. Nevada is already full of hidden hot springs and cute small towns – why not add a few ghost towns to your Nevada road trip itinerary ?

Looking for the best spooky ghost towns to explore in Nevada? Check out our top picks below!

Map of the Coolest Nevada Ghost Towns

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Nelson (Southern Nevada)

Located just 45 minutes away from the Las Vegas strip, this is a great day trip spot to explore one the best ghost towns in Nevada. Originally called Eldorado by the Spanish inhibitors in 1775, gold was found and Eldorado Canyon became a hub for mining. A hundred years later, the town was populated by Civil War deserters and renamed Nelson, leading to an interesting (and scandalous) population full of wild characters. The Techatticup Mine was established during the mineral rush with gold, silver, copper – this area had one of the biggest booms in the entire state! Unfortunately the drama of the townspeople, including land disputes and fights that ended in murder, lead to its early demise and abandonment.

Now, this ghost town is home to an abandoned Texaco station, gift shop, mine tours, and old cars scattered throughout the property. You can book a mine tour over the phone by calling 702-291-0026 – these tours are $15/person and a minimum of 4 people are needed. Even if you don’t take a tour, Nelson is a must-visit just to walk around the abandoned buildings. The town has been a backdrop for many photoshoots, music videos, and even movies (you’ll notice a seemingly crashed small plane in Nelson – this is leftover from the movie set for 3000 Miles to Graceland ).

Find it: 10 miles down NV 95, look for turnoff at road marker #165

Berlin (Central Nevada)

The remote town of Berlin has more than one type of resident ghost. Long before it was occupied by miners in the late 1800s, Berlin was home to a sharp-toothed carnivorous marine reptile who roamed the warm ocean waters inundating Nevada 225 million years ago. Berlin’s first ichthyosaur fossils were discovered in the 1950s, and excavations revealed giant remains of these ancient animals that reached lengths of 50 feet. Since the initial findings, approximately 40 ichthyosaurs have been uncovered in the hills above Berlin.

And the town itself? In 1897, in the post-dinosaur era, Berlin was founded as a small mining camp with a peak population of 300. A couple of local watering holes, a stagecoach station, a stamp mill, a school, and two blacksmith shops helped make up the 20-building town. Its downfall began shortly after, in 1907, when the miners demanded higher wages and were refused. Today, 13 old wooden buildings still stand and have been incorporated into Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, which has an extensive trail system and hosts guided tours to see ichthyosaur fossils.

The park also has camping spots and, since Berlin is a Nevada ghost town in the truest sense, these are the coziest accommodations you’re going to find. There are no restaurants, lodging, or services of any kind.

*Note: Berlins’ Ichthyosaur State Park is slated to be closed in Spring and Summer of 2021 for road repairs. Check for updated information before heading out.

Find it : 23 miles east of Gabbs, off NV-844.

Rhyolite (Southwest Nevada)

Rhyolite, located just outside Death Valley National Park, experienced an incredibly short-lived boom. Established in 1905 as a silver and gold town, its population quickly grew to 6,000 residents, but unfortunately for investors the value of Rhyolite’s ore was grossly miscalculated. During the initial frenzy three railroad lines were built, along with a handful of banks, a red-light district, and a stock exchange — all at a cost that far exceeded the value that was extracted from the ground over the town’s lifetime. In less than five years, Rhyolite was nearly abandoned with just a few hundred residents left.

In its heyday, there were over 53 saloons to choose from across the few blocks of town, and this sparked local resident Tom Kelly’s creative genius: Rather than chuck all those empty beer bottles into a landfill, why not use them to build a house? Over five and a half months, it’s estimated Kelly collected over 30,000 Adolphus Busch (now known as Budweiser) bottles and plastered them together with adobe mud. The result was the foundation of a three-bedroom house that Kelly eventually raffled off.

In 1925, Paramount Pictures took over the town, featuring the bottle house in two flicks — The Air Mail and Wanderers of the Wasteland. Following that, the house was lived in for many decades, but eventually fell into disrepair until it was acquired by the Bureau of Land Management and restored in 2005. While you can’t go inside the bottle house today, a visit to the site provides a glimpse into Rhyolite’s quirky past.

These days, though, Rhyolite is most famous for the Goldwell Open Air Museum, where art and history meet. In the 1980s, a group of artists led by Belgian sculptor Albert Szukalski traveled to the Amargosa Desert and created what could be considered one of the spookiest art installations in the American West. “The Last Supper,” Szukalski’s centerpiece, consists of a series of eerie ghost-like plaster figures draped in flowing white robes. The Goldwell Open Air Museum now hosts a diverse outdoor sculpture garden, which is free and open to the public 24 hours a day; for some freaky starlit photography opportunities, visit in the wee hours of the night.

Find it : 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, near the intersection of US-95 and NV-374.

Jarbidge (Northeast Nevada)

Set in a canyon that the Shoshone Indians believed to be patronized by an evil man-eating giant, this remote Nevada ghost town along the Idaho border is located over 20 miles from the nearest paved road. Founded by prospectors around 1910, Jarbidge drew in over 1,500 residents over the course of a 30-year boom that saw the town produce over $10 million in gold. Its growth wasn’t without hardship, though. In 1919, a basement whiskey distilling operation erupted in flames, burning 20 businesses and homes to the ground.

When you roll up to the main drag today, look out for the bar, trading post, and a B&B among the wooden shopfronts. You can also see the remnants of the jail, former brothels, and an old hotel. For an authentic look at modern-day Jarbidge, visit for the Halloween pig roast or for Jarbidge Days — the town’s largest annual celebration takes place every August, and features a parade, live music, local food, and a cowboy church service.

Sitting 8,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by the peaks of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the Jarbidge area offers everything from horseback riding and fishing in the summer to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. There are also five riverside campgrounds near town for those who want to sleep under the stars.

Find it : 18 miles north of Jackpot on Highway 93.

Belmont (South Central Nevada)

Back in the 1870s, Belmont’s Cosmopolitan Saloon — a two-story watering hole and dance hall — was the place to be after a hard day’s work. Frequented by miners and controversial female entertainers known as hurdy gurdy girls, the bar stayed in operation through the 1930s before falling into disrepair as the mines closed and the town’s 2,000 residents moved on. Destroyed by vandals in the late 1980s, these days the Cosmopolitan is hardly recognizable.

However, there’s a new place to mingle in town — Dirty Dick’s Saloon. One of the few businesses in operation in Belmont, this Old Western bar is known for its strong Bloody Marys — recipe courtesy of Dirty Dick himself — and its 4th of July celebration that sees hundreds of bikers cruise into town.

Home to less than a few dozen residents, Belmont today is completely off the grid, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to see. Once the Nye County seat, the town has an impressive courthouse that was recently renovated, along with the 150-year-old remains of mill sites, a school, cemetery, and a church that’s an exact replica of the original from 1872. It’s also said that murderer Charles Manson once hid out in the courthouse — look closely and you’ll see his name etched into one of the door frames.

Find it : 46 miles northeast of Tonopah off State Route 376.

Metropolis (Northeast Nevada)

Most Nevada ghost towns experienced their boom and bust through mining, but not so in Metropolis. In 1910, the Pacific Reclamation Company had a vision for a utopian 40,000-acre farming community in the middle of the vast Nevada desert. Over the next two years, a Salt Lake City contractor was hired to build a 100-foot-tall dam, and Mormons from nearby Utah flocked to this visionary town. Soon after, Metropolis was a flourishing commercial center with a hotel, a school, and even an amusement park.

The glory didn’t last long, however. First, the town faced a serious drought thanks to a water rights lawsuit with the downstream town of Lovelock. Jackrabbits destroyed crops, Mormon crickets invaded by the millions, and a devastating fire raged through town. Then there was a little thing called typhoid. By 1950, Metropolis was completely abandoned.

All that remains today are the mysterious remnants of the Lincoln School, the foundation of the Hotel Metropolis, and a cemetery where many of the pioneer settlers are buried. Driving through Wells, where the nearest services are located, make sure to stop by Bella’s Restaurant & Espresso and order up a hearty plate of her famous chicken fried steak.

Find it : 14 miles northwest of Wells along County Road 754.

Goodsprings (Southern Nevada)

When you get to the 200-person town of Goodsprings, go straight to the Pioneer Saloon, the longest-standing bar in Clark County. Order a beverage, chat up the bartender, and get to know the local watering hole. Built in 1913, it’s the social hub of this desert town, and rife with history and ghost tales. This is the perfect spot to stop after a day of hiking or climbing at Red Rock Canyon!

The saloon’s most famous event took place in 1915, when a dealer caught a miner with a cheating hand. The dealer pulled out his gun and shot the miner three times, and those bullet holes are still visible in the wall. Some bar patrons even report seeing the miner’s ghost hanging out in the back of the bar, but we won’t comment on whether those tales have anything to do with imbibing one too many… The ghoulish stories have given rise to something beautiful: the secret spicy sauce slathered over Pioneer’s Ghost Burger, which has been featured on the Food Network.

Named after Joseph Good, a cattle rancher whose livestock once roamed the foothills of the Spring Mountains that sit above town, Goodsprings was a hub for zinc and lead mining and produced a total of $24 million in ore in the early 1900s. The mines continued production well into the 1960s, and thus the town was never completely abandoned. In addition to the saloon, other walkable sites include the Good Springs School, which is still in use today, the Mercantile Store, and the remnants of the Fayle Hotel, which burned down in 1966.

Find it : 34 miles southwest of the Las Vegas Strip along I-15.

Gold Point (Western Nevada)

Gold Point (also known as Lime Point and Hornsilver throughout history) is a history buff’s dream spot as a silver mining town originally settled in the 1860s, which successfully ran through the Great Depression until World War II. Mining operations then shut down due to a government order that stated all businesses non-essential to the war could no longer operate. From this point, the town cleared out and became abandoned.

The town had a second chance to come back to life after Herb Robbins, a Las Vegas local, decided to buy up homes in Gold Point in the late 1970s after winning the jackpot gambling. He and his friend purchased almost every building and overhauled the town, all while simultaneously acting as fire chief and sheriff.

Today, Gold Point includes buildings along Main St, a saloon, and even a functioning bed & breakfast (you can stay in an original miner’s cabin!). Located on the Nevada/California border, this ghost town is also one of the darkest sky areas in the state.

Find it: 175 miles north of Las Vegas on NV 95, off SR 266/774

Pine Grove (West Central Nevada)

The smallest ghost town on our list (and the most remote!) is Pine Grove – this abandoned mining town was established in 1866 by William Wilson. The area included 2 mills and was mined for gold and silver, although not much silver was ever found here. By the 1870s, the town population was close to 600 residents and included three hotels, a general store, several saloons, and a dance hall. Unfortunately after the passing of the Sherman Silver Act in in 1893 and the financial uncertainty that followed, the mines became unprofitable and shuttered. There was a small resurgence in the early 1900s, but by 1918 the town was once again abandoned.

Not many buildings remain in Pine Grove – a partial stamp mill, remnants of a hotel, and crumbling stone walls – but the real draw to visit Pine Grove is to be able to camp on the nearby public lands. How cool would it be to say you’ve camped at a real ghost town? There is stream-side camping available at the nearby Wilson Canyon Rest Area or you can stay on BLM land on Pine Grove Road. The road leading to this ghost town is dirt and requires a vehicle with decent clearance. Be sure to pack the car camping essentials and leave no trace if camping here.

Find it: 11 miles south of Yerington, on SR 208

Which of these ghost towns would you like to visit? Have you ever visited a ghost town? Leave us a comment below!

In 2014, I quit my Washington DC job to start Bearfoot Theory, and for the past 9 years I’ve been sharing my experiences here on this blog. I’m a hiking obsessed, half-time van lifer who is happiest in the mountains. My team and I are here to show you it’s never too late to get your start and accomplish your goals in the outdoors.

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16 Comments

Can’t wait to visit these ghost towns! Awesome article and pictures!

We would be interested in visiting these Nevada Ghost Towns. Although some at quite a distance from our home in Hurricane, Ut

Thank you for this great post. I am planning a Southern California road trip for next late September-early October 2019. We will definitely get by Rhyolite. Also on the itinerary: Death Valley National Park (2 nights); Palm Desert (7 nights) and Joshua Tree National Park one full day; 1 night Las Vegas area. Thanks again for the interesting post.

Hi Mel, hopefully, you saw that we have blog posts on Death Valley & Joshua Tree! Feel free to reach out to us if you have any additional questions. We look forward to hearing about your trip, sounds incredible!

Wonder few of us are trying to see how or where to start on 6 days paranormal ghost towns trip. Don’t know to start in Vegas go up towards North or start Reno and go South. 5 of us going 2 Oregon, 3 California (Sacramento/Fresno). Trying find info. Thank you for information n pics. Toni Rafter

Hi Toni – starting in either Reno or Las Vegas are great options since many of the ghost towns lie in between. If you want to end your trip closer to Oregon and northern California, then starting in Las Vegas would make the most sense.

The Rhyolite Mercantile building is gone, struck by lightning several years back caught fire and burned to the ground since Beatty is about 20 minutes away it was too far to get fire crews in there in time to save the building

Hi Larry, thanks for letting us know!

Many thanks for your blog Kristen! The three of us, my husband Jan, myself, and our dog Reba recently took a drive from Henderson to Rhyolite, a fantastic ghost town worth a visit! I am a professional photographer who is planning to coer a good portion of these ghost towns in Nevada. I am also intending to take a look at some more of them, especially in Utah. We’ve also been to Nelson’s Landing, a very funky ghost town full of great buildings, abandoned cars, trailers, and airplanes! However, there is an admission fee, so check whether they are open in advance. These once booming ghost town can teach us much about our history and culture!

Hey Kristen,

We were becoming seriously indecisive on what we wanted to do this summer, except we knew “road trip.” I found your website and decided to basically follow your footsteps for our two-week trek across Nevada. Wish us luck. I’ll keep you posted.

That sounds amazing, good luck! You’ll have a blast 🙂

I have been to Jarbidge and Metropolis many times. Jarbidge has a small cafe where they make homemade ice cream. Coming in from the Idaho side you will see some of the most beautiful rock formations. For me Metropolis has a spiritual feeling. As the winds blow across the landscape you can almost feel and hear Metropolis come alive again.

Rhyolite was pretty amazing, surreal. Yet beautiful. Just crazy to see old homesteads and settlements from back in the day. Part of history. And gives my heart a tug to see a part of what these humans before us went through.

Hi Stefidawn, glad to hear you enjoyed it! Rhyolite is a pretty surreal place.

thank you for these very informative pages. what i need to know though, can any or all of the ghost towns and hot spring pools be reached by a paved road ? our car rental company does not allow driving on unpaved roads.

Hi Erika, it’s been several years since we’ve done this roadtrip so unfortunately my memory isn’t the best on road conditions. None of them required 4×4 or high clearance (I could make it in a sedan/SUV), however most natural hot springs are going to be found on unpaved roads, unfortunately. Nelson, Rhyolite, and Goodsprings towns are paved. Enjoy your trip!

These 11 Terrifying Places In Nevada Will Haunt Your Dreams Tonight

Jennifer Young

More by this Author

In Nevada, there are several haunted places where very strange, and even scary, things occur. Let’s take a look at 11 haunted places in Nevada that will either leave you terrified or completely baffled.

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Have you been to any of these haunted places? Is there a haunted place I missed? Let me know in the comments below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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What are the creepiest cemeteries in Nevada?

Two of Nevada's creepiest graveyards are still standing to this day. The Bullfrog-Rhyolite Cemetery is an old ghost town burial ground, and stories of paranormal activity here make it a favorite spot for ghost hunters. While the town of Goldfield itself isn't completely abandoned, it's considered a "living ghost town", and its creepy cemetery is a great place to visit if you love to linger with spirits.

Are there any ghost towns in Nevada?

There certainly are ghost towns in Nevada! If you'd like to visit a few of our most famous, take this eerie Ghost Town Road Trip through the Silver State . Aurora, Goldfield, Berlin, and Gold Point are a few of our favorites worth visiting.

What haunted hiking trails can I take in Nevada?

The creepiest haunted hike in Nevada has to be the hike from the Gold Hill Hotel to the abandoned Yellow Jacket Mine. The Mine was the site of the worst disaster in Nevada's industrial history when 39 miners perished in a fire and tunnel collapse. Local fire brigades responded quickly to the fire, but water pressure issues meant the fire ranged on until it collapsed. It continued to burn for three weeks. You can hike around the area, and many people have seen orbs or experienced other paranormal activity here.

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9 Spooky Towns in the USA That Belong on Your Bucket List

Put a scary spin on your next vacation.

If you're a fan of true crime podcasts, Dateline TV, and scary campfire stories, Halloween is bound to be your favorite holiday. The ideal time to embrace all things spooky and frightening, Halloween is rumored to be the time when our reality and the supernatural realm come closer than ever. But while horror movies and haunted houses can scratch your adrenaline-loving itch, there's something about the scary stories that happen in real-life spooky towns that the fake stuff can't match.

Despite being one of the youngest countries in the world, the United States has plenty of chilling tales to get your goosebumps going. There's probably a haunted area in your own hometown. But because some areas of the country are much older than others, there are quite few paranormal hot spots in the United States. Cities like Salem, Massachusetts, and New Orleans, Louisiana , are known for their witch trials and voodoo subculture, so it's no wonder those haunted areas are on the map. But they're also still inhabited. When we say spooky ghost towns, we're not talking about any old towns with historical relevance; we're talking about authentic Wild West ghost towns that have truly been abandoned.

Picture a tumbleweed barreling through an empty town in an old western movie. Those are the kind of spooky towns we're in the mood to visit. Often centers of mining that dried up along with the industry, these towns were once teeming with life, but now they're nothing more than dilapidated buildings—filled with good stories and ghostly legends, of course. You can drive through and take tours of many of them. Read on to learn about the 10 best spooky towns in the United States.

Bodie, California

Now a California state park, Bodie was once a central gold-mining town that was abandoned in the late 1880s. Located near the Nevada border an hour north of Yosemite National Park, this town features old homes, cars, and even a town hall that has been converted into a mining museum.

Centralia, Pennsylvania

The most recent ghost town in the USA, Centralia was fully abandoned only in 2020 because of an underground fire that's been smoldering since 1962. Someone started a fire at the dump, not knowing it was over an open seam to the Mammoth Vein, one of the biggest anthracite coal deposits in the U.S., per Harrisburg, Penn., news outlet WGAL 8 . Experts say it could keep going for 500 or more years. Residents were paid to leave by the government and visitors are discouraged, but people go anyway. The highlight is Graffiti Highway, a stretch of road that's been colorfully graffitied.

Garnet, Montana

Located on the dirt Garnet Range Road about an hour's drive east of Missoula, Garnet is a well-preserved mining town that dates back to the 1860s. It had its heyday in the late 1890s and bounced back in the 1930s with the discovery and resurgence of gold, according to the preservation association that runs it, but it didn't survive World War II. You can still see the remnants of abandoned hotel rooms, homes, and evidence of the once-thriving Gold Rush ghost town.

Calico, California

Located in San Bernardino County about two hours northeast of L.A., Calico was founded in 1881 as a silver mining town, but once the mine ran dry residents packed up and left. The town was later converted into a county park and quirky tourist attraction. Unlike most ghost towns, it's bustling with activity. You can visit a museum, tour a silver mine, pan for gold, see optical illusions in the Mystery Shack, go on a ghost tour, and even hold your wedding. Oh, and it has five restaurants, including an Old West–style saloon.

Rhyolite, Nevada

Death Valley National Park is a logical place for a spooky town. Once a thriving mining town, this settlement on the edge of it, two hours north of Las Vegas, grew exponentially from 1905 to 1910 after miners struck gold there. In its heyday Rhyolite had hotels, stores, an ice cream shop, a school, and two electrical plants—yes, this ghost town had electricity. It was famous the Bottle House, a house that a miner built out of 50,000 (you guessed it) beer and liquor bottles. However, by 1914, Rhyolite was in decline, and by 1919 it was fully deserted. The Bottle House was restored in 1925 (by Paramount Pictures, no less), and you can still see it today.

St. Elmo, Colorado

Like many Old West ghost towns, St. Elmo produced both silver and gold mines. However, in just 40 years, the mining industry there began to decline, and once the railroad stopped running in 1922 it was abandoned. Today it has a functional general store that's open in the summer and more than 40 buildings, including a saloon, courthouse/jail, mercantile, and homes, that you can see all year.

Kennecott, Alaska

The most remote spooky town on our list, Kennecott is an abandoned copper mining camp in the Copper River Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska, seven to eight hours by car from Anchorage. The camp ran until 1938, when the mines ran out. It's a historic landmark that's considered "the best remaining example of early 20th Century copper mining" according to the National Parks Service. If you're not likely to visit in person, you can check out the parks service's incredible photographs of Kennecott then and now.

Terlingua, Texas

Still famous today, the ghost town of Terlingua was not only a quicksilver hub for Chisos Mining Company around the turn of the century (established in 1903), but it was also the site of the first famous championship chili cook-off in 1967. The competition now draws more than 10,000 "chili heads" from all over the world on the first Saturday every November. If you're visiting Big Bend National Park, it's a natural stop on your itinerary.

Goldfield, Arizona

Named for what miners hoped to find here, Goldfield was a happy town until 1897 when people started realizing the gold had run out. The remaining residents didn't last long: A flash flood in 1913 followed by a devastating fire in 1923 wiped them out. Modern-day adventure seekers will thrill to know it's located on the foothills of the Superstition Mountains and that that there are nightly ghost tours , along with a coffee shop, steakhouse/saloon, and even a bordello (with a historical tour). Goldfield has lots of activities for kids too, including a zip line, railroad, mine tours, reptile exhibit, mystery shack, and—naturally—panning for gold.

Custer, Idaho

Located in Salmon-Challis National Forest , Custer was a mining town in the 1800s specializing in gold. Supported by the operations of the Lucky Boy and Black mines, Custer hit its peak population in 1896. By 1910, however, it was abandoned. Today, it's one of three ghost towns you can visit in Land of the Yankee Fork State Park . While you're there, you might want to check out the historic hot springs with its gravel-bottom pools—it's where gold miners relaxed and hasn't changed much since.

Kate McGregor is House Beautiful’s SEO Editor. She has covered everything from curated decor round-ups and shopping guides, to glimpses into the home lives of inspiring creatives, for publications such as ELLE Decor, Domino, and Architectural Digest’s Clever. 

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KLAS Las Vegas

These are the spookiest places in Nevada according to new ‘Paranormal Passport’

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Nevadans, are you ready to embrace your inner ghost hunter?

With the Halloween season well underway, Travel Nevada has launched what’s called the Paranormal Passport in an effort to encourage exploration of some of the more haunted sights in the State.

According to Travel Channel , Nevada ranks at #2 on its list of most haunted states.

The passport allows you to digitally check in at nearly 50 locations throughout the state, helping you to rack up points toward ghostly Travel Nevada goodies.

“Nevada is a state full of rich history,” said Caroline Sexton, Travel Nevada’s chief marketing officer. “From the boom-and-bust days resulting in an abundance of ghost towns, to the other-worldly and extraterrestrial, the Paranormal Passport gives travelers a way to explore the state in a new way.” 

If you’re looking to get started on your ghostly travels, the process is simple. Visit the Travel Nevada Paranormal Passport website and download the free passport. It will be instantly delivered to you by email and text message.

According to the site, check-ins are at your own pace. All you have to do is visit or partake in the locations and activities listed, and you can earn anywhere from 10 to 25 points per experience. You can use those points to redeem swag with a “frightfully” fun exclusive Nevada illustration.

Prizes are as follows: 150 points will get you an enamel mug, 250 points gets you a pint glass, 350 points a tote bag, and a sweatshirt will cost you 450 points.

There are several locations in or near Las Vegas on the paranormal passport.

Vegas Ghosts Tour

This walking ghost tour will transport guests back in time as they walk among the ghosts of the Las Vegas Strip, recounting stories and hauntings at various hotels. All tours meet outside at the Northeast corner of Fashion Show Mall, at the base of the rainbow stairs beneath Maggianos, across the Strop from the Wynn Hotel.

For tour dates and times and to purchase tickets, visit the Vegas Ghosts website .

Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum

Opened in 2018 by paranormal investigator and “Ghost Adventures” host Zak Bagans, this museum dedicated to film horror and real-world paranormal activity is a great place to get better acquainted with the spirit world. The museum is located in the historic Wengert mansion, a building known for decades for its dark occult history.

Tickets can be purchased on the Haunted Museum website .

Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum

In downtown Boulder City, one can find a museum filled with original props from classic horror films and costumes worn by some of cinema’s favorite villains. Tom Devlin has been working professionally as a special effects makeup artist since 2001. With his company, Devlin has provided creatures and special makeup effects on over 100 films.

Tickets for the museum can be found on the website .

Haunted Boulder City Ghost & UFO Tour

Just 30 minutes away from Las Vegas is the Haunted Boulder City walking tour curated by paranormal expert Joshua P. Warren. The tour is 60 minutes through historic downtown Boulder City. On the tour, guests will learn about unexplained UFO sightings in the region, where mobsters really buried bodies, tales from eccentric celebrities who have visited Boulder City through the years, and much more. 

The tour meets inside Beer Zombies . Tickets can be purchased on the Boulder City tour website .

Goodsprings Ghost Town

If you’re looking for a true Wild West ghost town day trip, look no further than a 45-minute trip south of Las Vegas. In this ghost town, visitors can drink in history at the Pioneer Saloon , kick up dust on off-road tours, and explore what was one of the most bountiful mining districts in southern Nevada.

The best way to get to know Goodsprings is the Goodsprings Historic Walking Tour, which explores the Goodsprings General Store, Goodsprings Elementary School, Campbell Stone Cabin, and beyond.

Techatticup Mine & Nelson Ghost Town

Located around 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas, the Techatticup Mine in Eldorado Canyon awaits photographers and history buffs alike. They provide historic mine tours, photo shoots, movie backdrops, BBQ area rental, Wedding chapel rentals, and more.

For directions, hours, and more information, visit the Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours website .

Coffinwood is what Travel Nevada called a “bona fide Weird” Nevada experience. Coffinwood is a private residence that offers tours for guests to discover a collection of hearses, a lapidary studio, a coffin shop, a coffin garden, and much more.

Coffinwood is located in Pahrump, Nevada.

For hours and tour information, visit the Coffinwood website .

National Atomic Testing Museum

The National Atomic Testing Museum offers a robust look at the history of nuclear testing in southern Nevada as well as nationwide. The museum is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the museum’s website .

Nevada National Security Site

Located about 65 miles north of Las Vegas, the Nevada National Security Site is where scientists conducted hundreds of above and below-ground nuclear tests from 1951 to 1992. Free monthly tours of the 250-mile site are offered. Tours leave from the Atomic Museum in Las Vegas and accommodate 50 people.

Currently, tours for the first half of 2024 are full. Those interested will be able to visit the Nevada National Security Site website to register for tours for the second half of the year.

For the full list of Nevada Paranormal Passport locations, visit the Travel Nevada site .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.

Nevada Ghost Towns

Nevada earned its reputation as the Silver State, thanks to a cache of silver and gold discoveries that sprang to life in the mid-1860s. Prospectors from all over the country—and globe—flocked here, to what were some of the largest and purest silver discoveries in the world. After the mines’ profits “dried up,” residents moved onto the next big boomtown—in some cases, over 150 years ago—forever abandoning what would become hundreds of Nevada ghost towns you can still explore today.

• Nevada’s Most Photographed Ghost Town
• Berlin Ghost Town and the Diana Mine
• The Metropolis That Wasn’t

With around 100 zip-coded locales to its 600+ ghost towns, Nevada actually has more historic mining camps and bygone boomtowns than actual populated cities and towns.

Where the Ghosts Live

When it comes to ghost towns, you’re in luck—Nevada’s got more bygone boomtowns than actual populated cities and towns. We’ve got Nevada’s dry climate to thank for that one, which helped preserve these historic buildings all these years. Out in the Silver State’s mighty seas of sagebrush, you’re more than likely to dig deep in the pages of the past and get to know these legendary places that built up the state.

Summer & Fall

State of Nevada

In love with the Silver State as much as we are? Learn what you can do to help us keep the places we cherish special—and open—for us and future generations.

Nevada Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas

Sold yet? It’s hard not to be. And now you’re probably thinking, so what are some ghost towns near me? When it comes to Nevada ghost towns, the good news is this: from Jarbidge and Goodsprings to Hamilton and Berlin, they’re all around you. Some of the Silver State’s best 19th-century ghost towns are right outside Las Vegas, and even Death Valley, in places no farther than 40 miles north of Lake Mead—even one which used to be flooded beneath its surface .

Less than an hour away from Las Vegas, the Techatticup Mine in Eldorado Canyon is a photographer’s paradise, with thousands of movie and photoshoots to its name, and leftover props as eye candy. In its heyday, this mine pumped out millions of dollars in gold, silver, and copper, making it the richest and most famous in southern Nevada. Today, poke around with your camera or go underground with Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours.

To keep exploring, head to Goodsprings Ghost Town , about 20 minutes south of Vegas. Goodsprings is home to the oldest bar in southern Nevada. The town peaked in 1916, supplying zinc and lead for World War I. Stop in the Pioneer Saloon , whose bar counter originally stood in Rhyolite before the town busted. Look for bullet holes from a poker game gone wrong in the original Sears and Roebuck stamped tin walls and cigar burns in the bar countertop, left by a sleepy Clark Gable in the 1940s.

Travel Nevada Pro Tip

More? Well, nestled in a volcanic rock canyon at the edge of Death Valley, Rhyolite Ghost Town saw its population erupt to several thousand after Shorty Harris’s famous 1904 gold discovery. By 1920, dwindling mine production caused the town to collapse. The looming remains of the bank, general store, and train depot have starred in many films, and dazzle millions of visitors, alongside attractions like the Tom Kelly Bottle House and, later, the avant garde Goldwell Open Air Museum. Today, this easily accessible gem is one of the most photographed ghost towns in Nevada.

Ghost Towns Near Reno

What about ghost towns near Reno? We’ve gotcha covered up north too, with some Nevada ghost towns that earned the “Silver State” its nickname and put it on the map. Though not in the crumbling-and-abandoned sense, one of the most prime examples of Nevada’s former boomtown glory days is in Virginia City —home of the largest silver strike in the world. Head here to sip suds in frozen-in-time saloons with names like Bucket of Blood and Silver Queen, stroll original wooden boardwalk-lined streets, and hear tales from local characters who still sport period costumes. Be sure to ask around in Virginia City’s haunted hotels and saloons to hear some of the best Nevada ghost stories, too.

Beyond Virginia City, head for Fort Churchill State Historic Park to imagine what life must’ve been like 150 years ago when this military fort was created to guard early pioneers. Today, the fort’s ghost town ruins stand in a fascinating state of arrested decay. Stargazing here is unreal, and there’s no bad place to take a photo.

Also managed by Nevada State Parks, visitors are treated to a three-part ghost town paradise at Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park , a Nevada ghost town boasting history that goes farther back than any other. While Berlin’s 19th-century settlers came to unearth ore, they also ended up bumping their shovels into the world’s largest concentration of ancient Ichthyosaur fossils. Plan to explore a handful of original historic homes and businesses, take the Diana Mine Tour, and swing through the Fossil House to get face-to-face with Nevada’s official state fossil—maybe all while sippin’ on a frosty, Ichthyosaur-themed, Reno-brewed Great Basin “Icky” IPA . 

Other ghost towns near Reno, Nevada include Seven Troughs and Gold Point Ghost Town . Both are a few hours drive beyond the Biggest Little City, but promise impressively intact structures, like historic homes, an old general store, bank buildings, stamp mill sites, and even a modern-day Sagebrush Saloon or two. 

Nevada Ghost Towns In Between

Where else do the ghosts live? Tucked in Nevada’s basins and foothills, you’re bound to find a ghost town or two. Not far from Wells is Metropolis Ghost Town —which met its untimely demise, all thanks to crop-eating jackrabbits, a typhoid endemic, an invasion of Mormon crickets, fire, and drought. No, seriously . Leftovers of the ill-fated attempt at civilization of the Metropolis-that-wasn’t include a schoolhouse with a distinct, still-standing brick archway and the foundation of an old hotel. Great photo ops abound… killer jackrabbits, maybe.

Hidden in the hills between Lovelock and Winnemucca, Unionville Ghost Tow n is a slice of backcountry bliss that’s practically begging for a detour off the interstate. As if being in a living ghost town (with a population of less than two dozen) isn’t cool enough, the place also boasts the cabin ruins of a pretty famous former resident, Samuel Clemens (although you might be more familiar with his Nevada-born pen name, Mark Twain).

About 50 miles northeast of Tonopah is Belmont Ghost Town —one of the Nevada ghost town greats. Unlike most other ghost towns, Belmont’s boom lasted an impressive 20 years after springing to life with an 1865 silver discovery. Explore the fascinating 150-year old Belmont Courthouse —a state historic site—perfectly masoned miners’ cabins and mill sites, and the Monitor-Belmont Mill chimney—originally built to mill bricks, then used for target practice by WWII Air Force pilots. Stay the night 20 miles west in Manhattan, where you’ll find Belmont’s original church—stolen in the middle of the night and moved to Manhattan after Belmont busted.

Stay the night at the Old Pioneer Garden Country Inn and count on a memorable history lesson from the folks who tend the ghost town’s original gardens and host guests in the blacksmith shop and other original buildings.

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Boom & Bust

There’s an adventure itch that only a ghost town excursion can scratch. Maybe it’s because you’re standing in the shadows of some whopping boom-and-bust history. And that these massively impressive relics are waging (and kinda winning) a fight against time. Memories made in these places become stories you’ll tell for a lifetime. One thing’s for sure: after your first trip to a set of fabled ruins, you’ll be hooked.

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Gettin’ down in Nevada’s ghost towns? Use #NVGhostTown for your favorite haunts—maybe even a few ghostly encounters or two, too. If we love your photo, you may find it featured here!

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1. Nelson Ghost Town

2. Gold Point Ghost Town

3. Delamar Ghost Town

4. St. Thomas Ghost Town

5. Dixie Valley

6. Mining Town Of Ward

7. Warm Springs Bar And Cafe

8. Candelaria

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Haunted Tales: 10 Best Ghost Towns In Northern Nevada

Embark on a journey to explore the rich mining heritage of the country with some of the best ghost towns in northern Nevada.

Northern Nevada has a rich mining history and legacy reflected in the abandoned towns, buildings, and relics of the area. From the bustling boomtowns of the 1800s to the eerie, abandoned settlements of the mid-20th century, Northern Nevada is home to some of the best-preserved ghost towns in the United States.

This article lists some of the best ghost towns in northern Nevada, giving a glimpse into the fascinating stories behind these lost communities. So, buckle up and get ready to travel back in time with these incredible destinations.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Nevada You Should Visit

10 Virginia City

Virginia City is a historic mining town in Northern Nevada that was once the richest city in the world during the Comstock Lode silver rush in the mid-1800s. Today, the place is a popular ghost town and tourist destination known for its well-preserved historic buildings, wooden sidewalks, and historic saloons. Visitors can take a walking tour of the town, visit museums and art galleries, and explore old mines and abandoned mining equipment scattered around.

The town also hosts several annual events, including a Fourth of July celebration, a hot air balloon festival, and a classic car show. The historic cemetery in Virginia City is also a popular attraction, where visitors can see the graves of many of the town's early settlers and prominent figures.

9 Goldfield

Once a booming mining town in the early 1900s, Goldfield is a small ghost town in Esmeralda County, Nevada.

Today, Goldfield is a small community with around 200 people. Despite its small size, the town has a rich history and many well-preserved historic buildings, including the Goldfield Hotel, once one of the most luxurious hotels in the western United States.

Visitors can tour the town and explore its historic buildings, including the old courthouse, the Esmeralda County Museum, and the International Car Forest of the Last Church, an art installation featuring over 40 painted cars buried nose-down in the ground. The town also hosts several annual events, including a car show, a chili cook-off, and a Labor Day celebration.

Rhyolite is a ghost town in the Bullfrog Hills of Nye County, Nevada, founded in 1904 after gold deposits were discovered in the area. The town is a popular tourist destination for visitors to explore the ruins of the old town, including the old train depot, the remains of the old bank, and the old schoolhouse.

One of the town's most famous attractions is the Goldwell Open Air Museum, featuring several outdoor sculptures and installations, including the Last Supper, a life-size sculpture of the biblical scene made from ghostly white plaster figures. Other attractions in the area include the Rhyolite Cemetery and the ruins of the old Rhyolite jail.

Related: Visiting Kiel Ranch: Nevada's Lesser-Known Tragic Ghost Town

Austin is a small town in Nevada, founded in 1862 during the silver rush, known for its rich silver deposits, which produced millions of dollars in ore. It is a small, quiet town with a population of around 200 people. Visitors to the town can take a tour of the town and explore its historic buildings, such as the old courthouse, the old schoolhouse, and several saloons and shops.

Austin is also home to the Austin Museum, featuring exhibits on the town's history, including its mining heritage. The town is also surrounded by several state parks and recreation areas, including the Toiyabe National Forest, offering excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

Eureka is a small ghost town located in Nevada, founded in 1864, known for its rich silver mines back in the day. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination and one of the best towns to visit in Nevada, with a rich history featuring several well-preserved historic buildings, including the Eureka Opera House, built in 1880 and has been fully restored.

Visitors to Eureka can explore its historic buildings, including the Jackson House Hotel and the old courthouse. The town is also home to the Eureka Sentinel Museum, featuring exhibits on the town's history, including its mining heritage. Eureka is surrounded by several state parks and recreation areas, including the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, offering excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

Belmont is a ghost town in Nye County, Nevada, founded in 1865 after a rich silver deposit was discovered in the area. Today, Belmont is a well-preserved ghost town, and visitors can explore the ruins of the old town, including the old courthouse, the old mill, and several homes and buildings.

The town is also home to several historic sites, including the Belmont Courthouse State Historic Park, featuring the restored courthouse and a museum with exhibits on the town's history. The town also provides easy access to various state parks and recreation areas, including the Toiyabe National Forest, with various opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

Related: 13 Beautiful Towns In Nevada You Need To See For Yourself

Founded in 1863, Berlin is a well-preserved ghost town in Nye County, Nevada, known for its beautiful architecture dating back to the nineteenth century. Visitors can explore the ruins of the old town, including the old schoolhouse, the old mill, and several homes and buildings.

Berlin is home to the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, featuring the preserved remains of several ancient marine reptiles known as ichthyosaurs, and several historic sites, including the Berlin Cemetery, home to the graves of several early residents of the town. The park also offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, camping, and picnicking, and is a popular destination for fossil enthusiasts and history buffs.

3 Unionville

Unionville is a ghost town in Pershing County, Nevada, founded in 1861 after a rich gold deposit was discovered in the area and was home to several businesses, including saloons, shops, and hotels. Today, the area is a well-preserved ghost town, offering visitors to explore the ruins of the old town, including several old homes and buildings.

Unionville is also home to several historic sites, including the Old Pioneer Cemetery and the Old Washoe Club, a historic building that was once a popular gathering place for miners and businessmen. Additionally, the town is surrounded by several state parks and recreation areas, including the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

2 Cherry Creek

Founded in 1872, Cherry Creek is a town in White Pine County , one of the best ghost towns in Nevada . At its peak, Cherry Creek had a population of around 6,000 people and was home to several businesses, including saloons, shops, and hotels. Despite its early success, the town began to decline in the 1880s, and by the early 1900s, the town was abandoned.

Today, Cherry Creek is a well-preserved ghost town, and visitors can explore the ruins of the old town, including the old jailhouse, the old mill, and several historic sites, such as the Cherry Creek Cemetery and the Cherry Creek Schoolhouse, a historic building that was once a one-room schoolhouse. The town also provides excellent outdoor recreation opportunities and easy access to numerous state parks and recreation areas, such as the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Related: These Are The Oldest Towns In Nevada

1 Candelaria

Candelaria is a ghost town located in Mineral County, Nevada, founded in the mid-19th century. Despite its early success, the town was abandoned in the 1950s due to the heavy depletion of its mineral reserves. Today, the town is a well-preserved ghost town, offering visitors to explore the ruins of the old town, including the old smelter, the old schoolhouse, and several homes and buildings.

Candelaria is also home to several historic sites, such as the Candelaria Mines, which are now closed to the public but can still be seen from a distance. The town is located in a remote area of Nevada and offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and camping.

M anifesting trave l

• Oct 29, 2021

Ghost towns near Las Vegas you'll have to see to believe

Updated: Jul 20

Driving through Nevada’s ghost towns is a lot like visiting Hollywood movie sets. It’s hard to believe places like these still exist. Imagine making a wrong turn and ending up in an alternate universe where time stopped more than a century ago; that’s pretty much how it feels.

These old mining towns are nestled in the bleached desert mountains and lined with rusted out cars and machinery in various states of corrosion. The cemeteries are decaying with crumbling headstones, there are signs warning of the dangers of abandoned mineshafts, there's an old general store and a local watering hole.

Best photos of the Strip: where to go and what to skip

But here’s the thing you have to remember about real ghost towns; they’re not tourist traps, they’re sites of unimaginable highs and lows. At the turn of the century, these towns were a whirlwind of tremendous wealth and prosperity, tragedy and violence, and every extreme human emotion you can think of in a very short period of time. Once the land was drained of its precious metals, the prospectors moved on to the next mine, leaving behind entire operations and sometimes loved ones who didn’t make it in the unforgiving desert.

Nevada’s historic boom towns are some of the best preserved in the country, and surprisingly, many of them are still inhabited. While most people will come to the region to see Las Vegas , right outside the glittering city limits are lonely stretches of highways that carve right through the heart of the great American West and ghost town experiences you can't get anywhere but Nevada. Keep reading for ghost towns near Las Vegas that you'll have to see to believe.

Nelson Nevada Ghost Town

43 miles southeast of las vegas, nelson's landing population: 34.

You’ll probably have a few eerie, “The Hills Have Eyes” feelings on your way out to Nelson’s Landing/Nelson Ghost Town (people use the names interchangeably). It is, after all, down a desolate, winding road and tucked into a canyon in the middle of nowhere. When it was first discovered by the Spaniards in the late 1700s, they called it El Dorado, likely a nod to the elusive, mythical city of gold. And honestly, it’s striking in a similar way.

Thinking of traveling to Spain? Read more about it.

The rustic little town is a treasure trove of original structures from its booming mining days, junkyard gems, obscure art pieces and movie props, all waiting to be discovered by the occasional passerby. The general store is home to a small museum with photos, info, and a precious stash of cold water (which in the blazing summer heat is worth more than gold). It’s also where you check in and let the good folks know you’re there because there are no other services nearby if you need help.

Fees to visit Nelson's Landing

If you’d like to take pictures, and you will, it’s a $10-$20 fee and well worth it because it helps the owners keep the place open. There’s a high likelihood you’ll see a photoshoot or two because it’s a beloved locale for photographers who know it’s there. There’s an old Texaco filling station, gas pumps, a multi-story barn, a number of out buildings, vintage cars and trucks, a few old planes and countless other cool and photogenic things to see.

The best photos of the Las Vegas Strip:

Where to go & what to skip.

This place is definitely off-the-beaten-path, but it’s worth the trek. You can take a mine tour while you’re there too. It hasn’t been in operation since the 1940s, but it’s the site of a bloody history of rampant lawlessness and labor disputes because of the millions of dollars it produced in gold, silver and copper.

Good to know about Nelson NV:

You can also get to the Colorado River from Nelson, but much of the town as it is today is what’s left from a devastating flash flood, so use caution if you do go down to the river. Monsoon season is typically July to August, and you don’t want to be caught out there in a fast moving storm.

It’s also not safe to go wandering around Nelson without telling the owners you’re there. There are abandoned mine shafts, rattlesnakes, scorpions, vicious cacti (totally not a joke), old mining equipment and about a million other things that could hurt you if you’re not paying close attention. There are also no services like a gas station, restaurant or lodging so make sure you’re well prepared before you go out.

Rhyolite Nevada Ghost Town

123 miles northwest of las vegas, rhyolite population: 1 (unless he moved).

Rhyolite is a true ghost town because there’s virtually nothing and no one left. The town sits on the edge of Death Valley, just 7 minutes from the small town of Beatty, NV. At the height of its boom, Rhyolite had a stock exchange, an opera house, an ice cream parlor, a hospital, jail and even a red light district with women of varying moral elasticity. In 1906, the one and only Charles Schwab purchased the local mine for an estimated 2 to 6 million dollars.

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But by 1911, the mine was drained and shuttered, and the electricity turned off for the entire town just a few years later. In less than a year, the town was abandoned. Today, the walls of the 3-story bank, the jail, a train depot and a house made of 50,000 glass bottles remains. The Bottle House was originally built by a local miner, Tom Kelly, and was restored in 1925 by Paramount Pictures for a movie production.

The Goldwell Open Air Museum is also (interestingly enough) just down the road, and you can take in art installations from sculptors all over the world, including the 1984 permanent exhibit “The Last Supper,” created by Belgian artist Albert Szukalski.

Good to know about Rhyolite NV:

Rhyolite makes a good side trip if you’re touring through Death Valley National Park or taking a road trip from Las Vegas to Reno or Tahoe. It’s not much of a destination by itself and there are no services or places to eat. The good news is, Beatty is just six miles up the road and you’ll find everything you need there, including the Goldwell Museum’s manager, who’s quite the artist in his own right.

Five incredible things to see in Death Valley National Park

Goldfield Nevada Mining Town

184 miles northwest of las vegas, goldfield population: 298.

Goldfield has a couple modern claims to fame; it’s home to what the Travel Channel deems to be one of the most haunted hotels in the United States , and a massive open-air art installation full of precariously leaning cars turned up on their ends.

But originally, Goldfield became the largest and wealthiest town in Nevada, with 20,000 residents who came from all over the country for the gold and silver ore found just below the surface of the desert mountainscapes. It was even home to Virgil and Wyatt Earp, with Virgil becoming sheriff in 1904.

At the height of its boom, Goldfield had the most luxurious hotel between San Francisco and Denver, a 150-room property that boasted private bathrooms, electricity, telephones, steam heating and an elevator.

The Goldfield Hotel hasn’t had any paying guests since the 1940s, but that doesn’t stop the rumors that there are some past guests who haunt the halls of the long-abandoned building. While it isn’t currently open to visitors, that may change in the future because it was open to the public for general and paranormal tours. At the very least, it’s worth peeking in the windows.

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On the other end of town, The International Car Forest sits just over a hill off the main interstate. It’s a one-of-a-kind art installation with 40 junked cars staged in multiple angles, including partially buried, and standing on end. It’s another extremely photogenic spot that’s worth a stop over.

Good to know about Goldfield NV:

There is only one place to spend the night, the Goldfield Stop Inn , and the Dinky Diner is the only place to stop for lunch, but we can attest it’s worth the visit. The restaurant is owned and operated by a brother and sister duo who are extremely friendly and know how to make some mean American diner favorites.

We’re talking perfectly golden-brown mozzarella sticks, crispy onion rings, juicy burgers and southwestern style goodies too. While it doesn’t sound impressive to be the only place to eat in town, or the highest rated restaurant in the area (because there aren’t many choices), it really is good food and you’ll be happy you stopped.

Tonopah Nevada Ghost Town

211 miles northwest of las vegas, tonopah population: 2,000.

You can’t mention Goldfield without including Tonopah, they’re only 30 minutes from each other and their histories are entwined. In 1900, a tipsy Jim Butler stumbled upon a hunk of silver while trying to wrangle his wayward burro in the middle of the night. What came after was a 20-year boom that yielded more than $120 million in today’s value, crowning the town the “Queen of the Silver Camps.”

Luckily, the town has been able to preserve much of its history, including the 100-acre Tonopah Historic Mining Park where Butler got his start. You can tour the mines and check out exhibits at the Central Nevada Museum , find the headstones of the 17 miners who were killed in a mineshaft fire at the old Tonopah Cemetery, visit the ghost town ruins in nearby Manhattan and Belmont, or one of our favorites, hang out at the stargazing park.

USA Today named Tonopah one of the best places in the United States for stargazing thanks to such minimal light pollution in the night sky. For being in the middle of nowhere, Tonopah has a surprising number of things to do. It’s also a great base to explore the region with several hotel options like the Mizpah and Belvada Hotels or the extra kitschy, World Famous Clown Motel . It’s also got its own brewery that serves up homemade BBQ, a 24/7 casino, lots of restaurants and a few shops to explore.

Good to know about Tonopah, NV:

We consider this a good location to use as a home base because of all the services the town offers. There’s a handful of gas stations, restaurants, mechanics, and places to stay. That’s really hard to come by in the middle of the Nevada desert. Because this town is the most populated, there are much more things to do than the other towns on the list.

This is the place for those who need a little more civilization and action after touring through Nevada’s sleepy ghost towns.

Goodsprings Nevada Ghost Town

34 miles southwest from las vegas, goodsprings population: 229*.

Goodsprings would be a blip on the radar if it weren’t for its “frozen in time” saloon and a brush with Hollywood royalty. The Pioneer Saloon is the oldest in Nevada, and likely the last of its kind in the entire country.

Check out our United States Travel Guide

The building still has all the original features like the 1913 Sears and Roebuck stamped tin walls, a Brunswick Company bar from the 1860s that was sent down from Rhyolite after the bust (remember that town?), the brass foot rail on the bar and an old wooden boardwalk outside that leads to the Goodsprings General Store. It is a whiff of the real Wild West like you’ve never had, complete with a pot-bellied stove and bullet holes in the walls from a gunfight that broke out over a poker cheat in 1915.

In 1942, the one and only Clark Gable bellied up to the bar, waiting three days for word on his Hollywood starlet wife, Carole Lombard’s plane. It had refueled in Las Vegas but never made it to California. Legend has it, the cigarette burns in the Pioneer’s bar are the result of Gable’s frazzled nerves, that culminated in the tragic news of the plane crashing on nearby Mt. Potosi. There were no survivors.

Today, the Pioneer Saloon has live music on the weekends, a full menu, souvenirs and has even been featured in an Xbox game. Goodsprings Elementary was built in 1913 and is one of the last one-room schools in the state that is still in operation, and it’s listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. There’s also a stone cabin that still stands. It was the first structure built in Goodsprings in 1886 and was home to the Campbell family until their matriarch’s death in 1980.

Good to know about Goodsprings NV:

Other than the landmarks we’ve pointed out, that’s pretty much all there is to Goodsprings from a “ghost town” perspective. There is an ATV tour company office there if you feel like ripping it up in the desert, but that’s about it as far as tourism goes.

Explore more of our West Coast travel adventures

This is a great place to stop if you’re driving from California to Las Vegas and don’t want to have the typical casino experience you’d get in Jean. It’s also noteworthy that the Seven Magic Mountains are just across the interstate and another good place to stop for photos on your way to Vegas.

*As of the 2010 census, it’s hard to say what it is today but there are about 20 or so kids enrolled in the school.

Loved Ghost towns near Las Vegas you'll have to see to believe?

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Ashley Oñoz-Wright has been a travel writer and editor based in Las Vegas, NV for the last nine years. Her work has been featured in Manifesting Travel, Modern Luxury, Sophisticated Living, Greenspun Media Group, Vegas.com and LasVegas.com. She holds a degree in Sociology & Anthropology from DePauw University.

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Ghost Towns

7 Ghost Towns in Nevada and the History Behind Their Rise and Fall

By Joseph A. Williams

Nevada is littered with more than 600 ghost towns, a testament to the boom-and-bust cycle of the state’s whipsaw past.

Nevada as a territory first came to national attention in 1858 with the discovery of the Comstock Lode , the first large-scale deposit of silver found in the United States. By the next year, a silver rush had begun.

In 1861, Nevada was carved off the Utah Territory and received full statehood in 1864 despite not having the minimum population requirement. This was due to President Lincoln’s desire to push through the Thirteenth Amendment, which banned slavery.

The fortunes of Nevada glittered as much as the silver that its miners drew from the ground.  Hence the nickname of Nevada became the “ Silver State .” Much like the California gold rush, Nevada’s silver rush spawned numerous boomtowns towns that flourished as the mines flourished.

But when the ore ran out, the towns died and became ghosts.

Nevada Ghost Towns

Here are seven of the most interesting ghost towns in Nevada based on their history and the state of preservation of their ruins. Most are easily accessible to visitors today.

In 1865, a Native American discovered silver in the heart of Nevada, in the Toquima range.  The find attracted thousands to the region. Towns appeared seemingly overnight, and one of the most prominent of these was Belmont . 

While it is unclear how big Belmont was, estimates show that it hosted a population of around 4,000 between 1866 and 1867, although more dubious estimates boast 10,000 people. Either way, Belmont became the Nye County seat in 1867.

At its peak, there were about ten mines in operation near Belmont and six mills were erected to process silver. By the 1870s, Belmont had a red light district, racetrack, churches, schools, and even a Chinatown due to its diverse population. 

However, almost as quickly as it rose, Belmont fell from grace as another boom at Gold Mountain in 1880 drew off people and resources. This was followed by the sale of the property of the Belmont Mining Company in 1887. 

In 1903, there were only 36 residents on Belmont’s voter rolls. Truly one of Nevada’s most fabulous ghost towns, the somber history of its rise in fall is seen through the ruins of a two-story brick courthouse, which had been designed with an optimistic future in mind.

Belmont is registered with Nevada’s state historic preservation office . Preservation efforts are ongoing, including efforts to attract people to the site.

On the eastern slopes of the Hot Creek Range, also in Nye County, was Tybo . 

The town was officially started in 1874, and by 1877 the town reached its peak with 250 tons of silver leaving monthly. Much like other Nevada silver ghost towns, once mining operations mainly died in 1879, so too did the town. 

But Tybo has a dark history that differentiates it from the other ghost towns of Nevada. In 1876, the town was host to an ugly anti-Chinese riot referred to at the time the “ Chinese War .”

Due to labor shortages, Chinese woodcutters were hired at the same wages as whites. This sparked racist outrage among whites, who, led by the Workingmen’s Protective Union, stormed the Chinese camp with guns and bullwhips, sending the workers fleeing. 

While the company did recall the men, another standoff took place.  Violence seemed imminent but the disgusted Chinese workers offered to leave if their stage fare to Eureka was paid for. The Anti-Asiatic League of Tybo paid the bill.

Today, Tybo has a handful of residents and the area sports the foundations of many buildings. Its charcoal kilns are on the register of historic places.

3. Hamilton

One of the more self-destructive of Nevada’s silver mining ghost towns is located in the White Pine Mountains.  Hamilton was created in 1868 and within a year, boasted 60 mercantiles, a hundred saloons, and two breweries. 

For the more domesticated residents, there were churches, schools, theaters, and even a roller-skating rink. In 1869 the population peaked at about 12,000, with scattered miners throughout the region adding another 13,000 to its population. It was selected as the seat for the newly created White Pine County.

Silver poured in, fueling the boom but also bringing rampant crime. Stagecoach holdups averaged about two a week, and with so much specie flowing, corruption was absolutely rampant, according to Wild West ‘s Les Kruger.

Then, the mine which fed this boom ran out, being much more shallow than expected. By 1870, there were less than 4,000 people in Hamilton, and dipped to 1,000 three years later.  That year, with the town in such decline, a tobacconist decided to set his building on fire for the insurance money. 

To ensure it would go burn up, he closed the town’s water main. The ensuing inferno obliterated the town, causing $600,000 in damages. A further fire in 1885 destroyed the courthouse and its records.

That was essentially the end of Hamilton, and all that remains are scattered ruins and the walls of the Withington Hotel .

4. Schellbourne

One ghost town in Nevada began its life in 1859 as a Pony Express Station. 

The station, along the Schell Creek,  got off to a rocky start when Paiute raided it in1860, killing the stationmaster and two workers.  As a result, the army established a post, although this was abandoned in 1862 when the Paiute threat subsided. 

During that interim, when the Pony Express ended in 1861, the Overland Express took over, making it an important stage station.  The Overland left Schellbourne in 1869 but in 1871 a prospector struck silver.  

Schellbourne grew into a town of 400 that featured saloons, mercantiles, and a Wells Fargo Office. However, the next year, richer deposits in the area started a mass exodus. The town lingered on into the 1920s when its population dipped below 20.

By the late twentieth century, the Pony Express station had deteriorated to the point where it had to be razed, but ruins still exist, with some being on private property.

5. Tuscarora

The discovery of silver in the Goose Creek Range led to the establishment of a new town in 1867. Named Tuscarora , after USS Tuscarora , this Nevada ghost town was distinctive from others. 

After the railroad came into the area, about 2,000 Chinese took up mining and resided in Tuscarora. At one point, Tuscarora boasted a Chinatown second in size only to San Francisco.

Aside from mining, the Chinese immigrants sold silk, tea, and harvested sagebrush to feed the furnaces to feed the mills. As with all Old West towns, there was a dark side, too. There were opium dens, gambling houses, and brothels.  

The town had a veneer of civility — with skating rinks, schools, and theaters  — coupled with underlying violence. Miners often ended up in knife fights disputing claims, particularly the Cornish miners who were called Cousin Jacks.

Tuscarora’s fortunes soured in 1877 when prices of silver went bust and the mines were too flooded with water to make them worthwhile. By the early 20th century the town was all but abandoned, although it would always patter on in some form. 

In 1966, the Tuscarora Pottery School and Retreat was established here, billing the remote location as ideal for creative work. It is still in operation today, and if you like to spin clay and look at some well-preserved derelict buildings, Tuscarora may be your place to go.

6. Rhyolite

Rhyolite went through the full lifespan of a boom and bust town in just over a decade.  Created after Shorty Harris and E.L. Cross discovered quartz laden with gold in 1904, the desert town — which got its name from the silica-filled volcanic rock — sprung into existence almost overnight in Nye County.

One three-story building was erected and a stock exchange built. Rhyolite also featured hotels, stores, schools, and the inevitable red light district. The town even had electricity.

The citizens of the town were also the social and creative sort, performing operas, conducting sports, and holding socials. One minor named Tom Kelly even built a house out of 50,000 bottles.

There was a financial panic in 1907, and in 1911 the mine was shut down. The power was turned off in 1916. Rhyolite now holds some of the most impressive ghost town ruins in the state, including the remnant of the three-story bank. 

It can still be visited , just be wary of the heat — it’s located in Death Valley National Park.

7. Metropolis

Metropolis is an unusual ghost town for Nevada, since it was never related to the mining industry. Located in northeastern Nevada in Elko County, the town was founded in 1910 by the Pacific Reclamation Company of New York to build an ideal community based on agriculture. 

The company, which had a grandiose vision based on the name of the town, planned a community where approximately 7,500 persons could live in harmony. The company planned a downtown with full amenities. 

Even an amusement park was in the company outlook. While the town did well at first, reaching a population of about 2,000, it was struck in the 1930s by a series of events mainly out of the company’s control.

First, jackrabbits devoured the crops. This was followed by outbreaks of typhoid due to poor sanitation. Then came a plague of Mormon crickets . To cap it all, in 1936 a massive fire broke out, gutting the town’s lone hotel.

Still, the town would have hung on had it not been for a lack of water. 

This drought-prone region had few sources of available water, and the company attempted to build a dam to divert water from Bishop Creek, a tributary of the Humboldt River. Metropolis found itself in a legal water-rights dispute with Lovelock, a downstream community nearly 200 miles away.

Metropolis lost and as a plaque at the site confirms, the “town ultimately died of thirst.” Visitors who go to Metropolis today will find considerable ruins, including the almost ravaged Lincoln school, as well as a graveyard.

Related read : 14 Facts About the Mormon Migration, A Classic Old West Exodus

Explore the Old West

• 7 California Ghost Towns that Capture the Golden State’s Rich Mining History
• 7 of Wyoming’s Best Ghost Towns to Explore Today
• 15 Native American Ruins in Arizona that Offer a Historic Glimpse into the Past
• 5 Spectacular Native American Ruins in Colorado You Can Visit Today

Further Reading

• Nevada Ghost Towns & Mining Camps Illustrated Atlas Volume One-Northern Nevada , Stan Paher
• Nevada Ghost Towns & Desert Atlas, Vol. 2 Southern Nevada-Death Valley , Stan Paher
• Nevada Ghost Town Trails , Mickey Broman
• Ghost Towns and Mining Camps of Southern Nevada , Shawn Hall
• Ghost Towns of the West , Philip Varney

by Joseph A. Williams

Joseph A. Williams is an author, historian, and librarian based in Connecticut. He has authored three books: The Sunken Gold , Seventeen Fathoms Deep , and Four Years Before the Mast .

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15 Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas [MAP]

If you’re searching for ghost towns near Las Vegas, we’ve got you covered! Below are 15 different ghost towns you can explore near Vegas along with their status and exact GPS coordinates.

Since you’re probably staying in Vegas, we’ve included drive times for each location to help you plan your trip.

We rate ghost towns near Las Vegas based on their status. Here’s how our system works:

• Abandoned: Is abandoned with ruins and structures in a decayed state. Great for urban explorers .
• Historic: Preservation efforts have been made and sometimes plaques installed. Great for everyone .
• Barren: Almost nothing remains of the town. Ideal for metal detectorists.
• Commercial: Is commercially owned with amenities, restaurants, and stores. Great for families .
• Semi-Abandoned : Abandoned areas with a small population in the area.
• Privately Owned: Tours might be available but not open to the general public.

1. Rhyolite

2. goodsprings, 3. death valley junction, 4. panamint city, 5. ballarat, 11. st. thomas, 13. silver reef, 14. grafton, 15. gold point, the anarchist’s guide to exploration.

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of urban exploration, this book is for you. Learn how to uncover more abandoned places and the techniques used to capture their beauty.

36.90321, -116.82811 Status: Abandoned Distance From Vegas: 2 hr 4 min

Rhyolite was a mining town that sprang up during the Gold Rush, about 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Its gold discoveries convinced many people to settle in this remote area. The town also had two electric plants, ice plants, and even a hospital. Unfortunately, by 1916, all the power was gone, so the town was left to decay.

What’s Left?

The best time to visit the rhyolite ghost town is during autumn and spring. Visitors should avoid the blazing desert sun during these times of the year, which can reach 97 degrees. If you are traveling in the middle of the day, avoid the high heat of midday, and be aware of rattlesnake warnings. This area is not fenced off, so it can be dangerous to walk around.

35.83247, -115.43416 Status: Abandoned Distance From Vegas: 38 min

This small, desert community was settled in 1886 by a mining promoter from Calico, California. The town’s original name was Goodsprings Junction, but it was later renamed Jean after its first wife.

Fayle opened a tent store to serve the miners and ore haulers, and in 1912 he bought an interest in his uncle’s store in Goodsprings. This store became known as Yount and Fayle Store. He then moved his family to Goodsprings, expanding his business and putting up a fence to keep the building from falling down.

There are some unique features of Goodsprings, including a cemetery, east of the water tower. Goodsprings isn’t completely abandoned and has a number of long term residents who hang out at the local saloons and general stores.

36.302, -116.41416 Status: Abandoned Distance From Vegas: 1 hr 39 min

Death Valley Junction was originally a water stop on the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad, which operated from 1907 to 1940. In 1914, a 20-mile side spur was built between Death Valley Junction and the Ryan mines, which was operated until 1928. The Amargosa Cafe and Hotel are still operational today, but they’re in a dismal state.

This small, historic town is a perfect day trip from the city. You can explore Salt Creek and find rare pupfish, or visit the Harmony Borax Works for a glimpse of the past. And if you’re in town for the night, you can enjoy the amazing sky over Death Valley. You can easily take a day trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley. If you’re on a tight schedule, make sure you start early!

36.11828, -117.09533 Status: Abandoned Distance From Vegas: 3 hr 31 min

This abandoned town is surrounded by small hills and has many interesting features. There is a lone surviving resident who enjoys sharing the history of this place. The town features old-style houses with rusty materials inside, as well as an abandoned soda shop. It is located in the mountains, so very few people know about it.

Visitors should be prepared with water, four-wheel drive, and expect to spend the day in the area. The first mile of the hike involves rushing water and bedrock falls. The rest of the hike is along an old vehicle route. There is a dependable water supply at Thompson Camp, an old cabin above Panamint City. While visiting Panamint City, don’t forget to bring enough water for the entire day. It’s an adventure that will take you several hours.

36.04641, -117.22673 Status: Abandoned Distance From Vegas: 3 hr 37 min

Ballarat is a ghost town about 200 miles outside of Vegas. The small town was inhabited for a few years, but has since been abandoned due to its limited natural resources. In the past, this tiny town had three hotels, seven saloons, a school, jail, morgue, post office, and Wells Fargo station. Whether you want to experience the true ghost town, or simply appreciate its unique history, Ballarat has it all.

While there are no full-time residents, the small store is open most weekends and the town’s trailer park serves as campground headquarters for 4-wheelers. If you love camping and the outdoors, Ballarat is one of the best ghost towns in near Las Vegas to explore.

37.45718, -114.77008 Status: Abandoned Distance From Vegas: 2 hr 22 min

If you’re looking for a unique ghost town near Las Vegas, consider visiting Delamar. This Nevada ghost town is a great place to explore mine shafts, watch the sunset, or even spot UFOs. (yes seriously) It’s a real piece of Americana, and a reminder of the Wild West’s past.

The ghost town was once a bustling mining town. Sadly, most of the mining operations were ceased by the turn of the century. The town produced $13.5 million worth of gold between 1895 and 1900. By the 1930s, it was a ghost town that had a population of just under 3,000. However, a recent study revealed that gold production in the town had declined dramatically.

The trail to Delamar is relatively easy. The trail begins about an hour north of Las Vegas along US 93. It crosses varying terrain and rewards you with scenic views of a deserted town. There are sections where you’ll be rewarded with views of a dry lake bed. You’ll also cross the Ella Mountain, which is windy and narrow, but offers some flat spots to speed up your pace.

34.72453, -116.16254 Status: Abandoned Distance From Vegas: 3 hr 15 min

Driving through the Mojave Desert on Route 40 to get to the big city, you might be surprised to discover that there are still a few people living in towns like Ludlow. This small town is located approximately halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, but most people only stop for gas or food. A visit to this desert town is worth it.

Not a whole lot is left behind, making it one of the least exciting ghost towns near Las Vegas. However, if you’re already traveling along 40 or Route 66 its worth pulling off to check the area out.

34.91898, -115.062 Status: Historic Distance From Vegas:1 hr 40 min

Goffs was founded in the early 1900s as a railroad town. When the railway rerouted residents in Goffs relied on traffic from Route 66. When 66 was replaced by Route 40, the town rapidly declined.

Today there are tons to explore in Goffs, like the old rail building and numerous abandoned businesses scattered around the area. Goffs is a great ghost town in Las Vegas due to its easy access close proximity.

37.00527, -116.78388 Status: Abandoned Distance From Vegas: 2 hr 9 min

Pioneer started out as a modest mining camp and quickly evolved into a small settlement in 1908. Sadly a fire swept through town and destroyed much of the town just a year later. The population peaked at 2500 and then crashed to close to zero by 1941.

Pioneer is one of the most isolated ghost towns near Las Vegas and isn’t for a casual afternoon outing. While many of the buildings have been destroyed there are plenty of wild places to camp and a few decent ruins left to explore. Its unknown if the mines are still accessible.

35.70984, -114.80295 Status: Commerical Distance From Vegas: 40 min

The area was settled by Spaniards as far back as 1775, making this one of the oldest ghost towns near Las Vegas. Like many ghost towns near Las Vegas Nelson was settled when gold and silver was discovered in the area. The town was known for its lawlessness and saw violence throughout the Civil War and between locals.

Eldorado Canyon and Nelson Ghost Town are located just a forty-minute drive outside of Las Vegas. While these towns were built during the gold rush era, they have been restored by landowners since 1994.

In addition to mining history, Nelson is home to a historic mine and several abandoned buildings. While visiting these towns, don’t forget to pack your camera for some good photo opportunities. Nelson is one of the closest ghost towns near Las Vegas, making it easy to check out in a single afternoon!

36.46697, -114.37152 Status: Historic Distance From Vegas: 1 hr 24 min

St. Thomas was settled in the late 1800s, but unlike other ghost towns near Las Vegas, was completely submerged by Lake Mead in 1930. Due to historically low water levels the ghostly remains of St. Thomas are now visible for the first time in over 50 years.

This former mining town is a mile and a half hike from the lake’s shoreline, and is managed by the National Park Service. A day trip from Las Vegas allows you to visit the relics of the town without a long drive or a heavy backpack. Located in the Lake Mead Recreational Area, St. Thomas can be reached by car or on foot, and is worth visiting.

34.94556, -116.86534 Status: Commerical Distance From Vegas: 2 hr 30 min

Located between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the ghost town of Calico is a must-see. During its heyday, the town boasted more than 500 mines and made millions of dollars. However, when the price of silver plummeted, the area became dormant and the mines closed.

Calico, which was once a ghost town, was purchased in the 1950s by Walter Knott. Today, five of its original buildings still stand and are used for various fee-based activities. You can even take a gold panning trip if you’re feeling nostalgic.

37.25333, -113.36673 Status: Abandoned Distance From Vegas: 2 hr 19 min

f you’re in the mood for a little history, Silver Reef is the place for you. The town was a silver miner’s paradise in the early nineteenth century, when over $10 million in silver was discovered in the local area. The town of Rockpile, later renamed Silver Reef, had more than 2000 residents by 1879, but the local mill and railhead were over 100 miles away. Eventually, the Walker Brothers and William Barbee founded a mill to process the silver and crush the rock.

While many of the other ghost towns near Las Vegas have a touristy feel, Silver Reef is truly a unique place to visit. This small town is located fifteen miles northeast of St. George, Utah. There are various ruins as well as preserved structures and a museum to explore.

37.16746, -113.08094 Status: Semi-Abandoned Distance From Vegas: 2 hr 56 min

The town was established in the 1850s and featured crops of cotton, wheat, alfalfa, and corn. However, the town was ravaged by floods in the 1860s and 1870s, and residents were forced to relocate to higher ground, about a mile upstream. However, the early settlers did not abandon Grafton entirely; in fact, they rebuilt it, though they were forced to relocate because cotton production had taken a back seat to other food crops.

he Dixie region of Utah was settled by Mormons following Brigham Young. Many of these people fled persecution in their native countries and sought a place of peace and safety. Grafton was the home of five Mormon families, headed by Nathan Tenney. The last residents left the town in 1944. The town’s ruins are a testament to its history. The story of its early settlers makes Grafton a fascinating ghost town near Las Vegas.

The Ghost Town of Grafton is located just 20 miles from Zion National Park. You can reach Grafton by taking Hwy 9 from Rockville and cross the Virgin River on the historic iron bridge. This single-track iron bridge was built in 1924. The town lies at the base of low red cliffs of Moenkopi sandstone that separate the river valley from the arid rocky land.

37.35465, -117.36507 Status: Semi-Abandoned Distance From Vegas: 2 hr 40 min

When Herb Robbins won the lottery, he bought homes in Gold Point. He renovated the town and acted as sheriff and fire chief. The post office, which served as a fourth-class post office for many years, eventually shut down. Robbins and his wife, Ora Mae, died in the year 1956 and 1980, respectively. During the late 1950s, the town was the site of several films that starred Herb Robbins and Sandy Johnson, including a remake of “Twin Peaks”.

A visit to Gold Point is like stepping back in time. While there is no living population, the town’s historic buildings have been lovingly restored over the years by locals. The townsite includes a saloon, the old post office, and many historic miners’ cabins. Located about three hours north of Las Vegas, Gold Point is a great place to spend the night or even the whole weekend!

Go out and explore!

That concludes our list of ghost towns near Las Vegas, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to find. Take the back roads, follow train tracks, and find some places for yourself. There are plenty of places I kept off this list so get out there and explore.

If you’re having trouble finding ghost towns be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Finding Abandoned Places , or explore other ghost towns across the country.

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Official home of the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism (LCAT)

Visit Lincoln County Nevada

Official Tourist Website

Lincoln County offers some of the most interesting ghost towns in Nevada. Abandoned towns and structures provide windows into Lincoln County’s fascinating Wild West history. Visitors can explore the abandoned communities of Carp, Delamar, Elgin, Fay, Helene, Jackrabbit, and Logan City.

Most of these towns require four-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles. Please refer to the  Know Before You Go  page as you prepare for your trip. Additionally, several of these towns like many other old are near dangerous mine workings. Never enter abandoned mining caves or structures.

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NEVADA GHOST TOWNS & BEYOND

Nevada Ghost Towns Map

Over 500 ghost towns in Nevada & California. History & photos of ghost towns, mining camps, Pony Express, and pioneer trails. Scroll or touch the screen to start Nevada Ghost Towns map upload. It takes a second; there are a lot of towns!

Beta version of Nevada Ghost Towns Map, under construction. IPad users need to utilize the zoom buttons on the upper right side of the map.

Locations are approximate. The map is for visual and planning purposes only.

You can find an alphabetical list of Nevada and California ghost towns at Ghost Towns Visited .

Not sure where to start? Visit Tope 10 Ghost Towns of Nevada

How it All Began

This is here solely to make Google happy. It reminds me of the saying about moms, “If Google isn’t happy, no one is happy.” They don’t like that the map has few words. So, here is the rest of the story of how Nevada Ghost Towns & Beyond started.

The Beginning of Ghost Towning

Growing up in Idaho, I loved visiting ghost towns. So once a year, my family would make their annual pilgrimage across Nevada to visit relatives in the Gold Country. Each trip, I begged my parents to stop in Virginia City or at Hermit’s Cave at Dayton State Park, but we were always short on time. We stayed in Murphys, walked around town, and visited nearby gold rush towns, including Angels Camp, Jackson, and Colombia. When we weren’t exploring, you would find me curled up on Aunt Erma’s recliner reading Time-Life Old West or the Wagons West Series. My favorites were about people, the challenges they faced, and how they created a life out of nothing. I got my driver’s license and the first car at 14.5; it’s an Idaho thing and seemed reasonable to me at the time. Now, as a mom of teenagers, I’m not so sure. I learned to drive on trips to Idaho City and other semi-ghost towns. As soon as I had my license, I went my 1983 Pontiac Grand Prix everywhere, exploring the ghost towns of Owhyee and Cascade ranges. It didn’t connect it until later, but the interest in ghost towns and people continued through my life. I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology, followed by a Master’s degree in Social Work. I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and taught about people, families, and society at the local college. Who would have thought social work and ghost towns would be connected!

Renewed Interest

Flash forward to 2000, I married a third-generation Nevada boy and moved to Carson Valley, where his family had a ranch. Hubby had been away many years, and for our first vacation, he wanted to see more of the Silver State. So while planning the trip, I headed to the history section instead of the tourist shelves of Barnes & Noble. My first purchase was Stan Paher’s Ghost Towns & Mining Camps of Nevada. Using Stan’s book as a guide, I planned a week-long Nevada ghost towns trip, and we had a fantastic week in Death Valley, Gold Point, Belmont. We took other ghost town trips and vacations over the years. When my son was a baby, we took him ghost towning based in Unionville. While visiting Star City, we ran into Stan Paher; I didn’t have his book with me one day. Years later, Stan said he remembered me as I was the only person who took a baby to ghost towns. We spent several family vacations visiting ghost towns over the years: Jarbridge, Berlin, Tuscarora, Ward Charcoal ovens. Unfortunately, kids, work, and the ranch kept us busy, and we didn’t explore as much as I would have liked.

Mid-Life Crisis: Ghost Towning

Fast forward once again, my kids were older, and I had more time to spend on my interests. A friend’s goal was to drive every backroad in Nevada. I liked her plan, but it wasn’t exactly right for me. So I decided my goal was to visit every ghost town in Nevada. I turned to my well-loved copy of Nevada’s Ghost Towns & Mining Camps. I started making more frequent trips, checking off towns, and making notes in the book’s margins. 2020 was my “Year of Travel,” with trips to ghost towns, the gold county, Florida Keys, and a girl trip to Poland. My first trip was to a photography workshop and ghost towns in early March. Everyone can guess how that worked out; the first shut-downs were the weekend of the conference. I couldn’t make big trips, so I visited local ghost towns. Even with shut-downs, isolation, and social distancing, I traveled extensively and met many people who shared my passion for Nevada history.

Nevada Ghost Towns & Beyond is born

The trips grew, and I wondered what to do with my photographs. My ultimate goal was a book documenting the current status of all of Nevada’s ghost towns, but the idea of a book was overwhelming. So I discussed options with a book designer friend and decided to start a website. I learned more than I ever wanted to know about domains, WordPress, and web design and management. My first post was on May 10, 2020. I quickly realized people wouldn’t find my website through a search, and I set up a Facebook page. My first posts documented the ghost towns through photographs and basic information. I never considered myself a writer, but I started researching and writing more about ghost towns and their history. Then, on my Facebook group, I started sharing my recent trips and personal experience with ghost towning. To my surprise, people responded more to that than posts about the town. So I began to add this information to my articles.

For more towns, but not a cool map, visit Wikipedia: List of Ghost towns in Nevada .

Happy Google?

How the Hamas attack on Israel unfolded

JERUSALEM, Oct 7 (Reuters) - A surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, which combined gunmen breaching security barriers with a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza, was launched at dawn on Saturday during the Jewish high holiday of Simchat Torah.

The attack came 50 years and a day after Egyptian and Syrian forces launched an assault during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur in an effort to retrieve territory Israel had taken during a brief conflict in 1967.

This is how it took place:

COVERING ROCKET BARRAGE

At about 6.30 a.m. (0430 GMT) Palestinian Islamist group Hamas fired a huge barrage of rockets across southern Israel, with sirens heard as far away as Tel Aviv and Beersheba.

Hamas said it had fired 5,000 rockets in a first barrage. Israel's military said 2,500 rockets were fired.

Smoke billowed over residential Israeli areas and people sheltered behind buildings as sirens sounded overhead. At least one woman was reported killed by the rockets.

DAWN INFILTRATION

The barrage served as cover for an unprecedented multi-pronged infiltration of fighters, with the Israeli military saying at 7.40 a.m. (0540 GMT) that Palestinian gunmen had crossed into Israel.

Most fighters crossed through breaches in land security barriers separating Gaza and Israel. But at least one was filmed crossing on a powered parachute while a motorboat was filmed heading to Zikim, an Israeli coastal town and military base.

Videos issued by Hamas showed fighters breaching the security fences, with the dim light and low sun suggesting it was at around the time of the rocket barrage.

One video showed at least six motorbikes with fighters crossing through a hole in a metal security barrier.

A photograph released by Hamas showed a bulldozer tearing down a section of security fence.

FIGHTING AT ISRAELI MILITARY BASES

Israel's military said at 10 a.m. that Palestinian fighters had penetrated at least three military installations around the frontier - the Erez border crossing, the Zikim base and the Gaza division headquarters at Reim. It said fighting at Erez and Zikim continued.

Hamas videos showed fighters running towards a burning building near a high concrete wall with a watchtower and fighters apparently overrunning part of an Israeli military facility and shooting from behind a wall.

[1/3] A view of a junction shows the aftermath of Saturday's mass-infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in the Sderot area of southern Israel October 7, 2023. REUTERS/Ammar Awad Acquire Licensing Rights

Several captured Israeli military vehicles were later pictured being driven into Gaza and paraded there.

BORDER TOWN RAIDS

Fighters raided the Israeli border town of Sderot and were reported to be in another border community, Be'eri, and the town of Ofakim 30km (20 miles) east of Gaza, according to Israeli media citing phone calls from residents.

A video verified by Reuters showed several gunmen riding the back of a white pickup truck moving through Sderot.

Many residents of southern Israeli towns have fortified areas in their homes that function as bomb shelters and on Saturday they were using them as panic rooms.

Israel's military ordered residents to shelter inside, saying on the radio "we will reach you".

By mid morning Israel's police chief Yaacov Shabtai said forces were engaging gunmen in 21 locations and at 1.30 p.m. the military said troops were still working to clear communities that had been overrun by gunmen.

A Reuters photographer saw bodies on the streets of Sderot. Israeli news media have reported at least 100 Israelis killed and 800 wounded.

Hamas videos and unverified images circulating on social media showed dead civilians, Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said Hamas gunmen had gone house-to-house killing civilians.

TAKING CAPTIVES

Israeli media has reported that gunmen have seized hostages in Ofakim. Islamic Jihad said it was holding several Israeli soldiers captive and Hamas social media accounts showed footage of appearing to show captives being taken alive into Gaza.

One video showed three young men in vests, shorts and slippers being marched through a security installation with Hebrew writing on the wall. Other videos showed female captives.

Another showed fighters dragging at least two Israeli soldiers from a military vehicle.

ISRAELI STRIKES

At 9.45 a.m. blasts were heard in central Gaza and Gaza city and at 10.00 a.m. Israel's military spokesperson said the airforce was carrying out strikes in Gaza. Medics in Gaza said dozens of people were killed in the strikes.

Israel releases images of slain children to rally support after Hamas attack

France uses teargas on banned pro-Palestinian rally as Macron calls for calm

US says Iran cannot access its $6 bln in Qatar any time soon

Egypt facilitating aid flights to Sinai for besieged Gaza

Reporting by Dan Williams in Jerusalem and Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Ros Russell

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Blinken says Israeli government shared images of Hamas atrocities

Israel's El Al to fly home army reservists on Jewish Sabbath