Authentic ghost towns and historic communities offer an intriguing glimpse into Nevada's colorful past. A number of the state's ghost towns are located within 50 miles of Las Vegas. Visitors are asked to respect historic sites and treat them with caution. For photos of ghost towns throughout Nevada, visit these websites:
Eldorado Canyon/Nelson: 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas, the area is dotted with old mining activity in a narrow, rugged canyon. Nelson is one of the most famous ghost towns of abandoned mining camps in the canyon. Located south of Las Vegas via Hwy 95 and SR 165, Nelson is a former mining camp that produced more than $10 million in bullion over the years. The community still claims a number of historic buildings along with the remains of the old mines and mills.
Goodsprings/Sandy Valley: This former mining town, located 50 miles southwest of Las Vegas off I-15 and SR 161, was founded in the 1860's. However, the area did not evolve into a large producer of silver and lead until the 1890s. Visitors will find remains of mining activity as well as an abandoned railroad grade. Sandy Valley, just 13 miles west of Good Springs, is home to an old gold mill and another ghost town called Sandy.
Potosi: 25 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Potosi claims the State's oldest lode mine, located on Old Spanish Trail. The first mining began with Mormon settlers who were looking for lead.
Ryolite Area: Named after the silica-rich volcanic rock in the area, a 1904 mining boom spawned camps like Bullfrog, Jumpertown, and Amargosa. Within months, miners had established more than 2000 mining claims covering land in a 30 mile radius.
Searchlight: Located 55 miles south of Las Vegas via U.S. Hwy 95, Searchlight claimed more than 5,000 residents, 44 working mines and a dozen saloons at its peak in 1907. When the mines played out, most residents moved on, especially to Las Vegas. Today, historic buildings exist amidst more modern structures. Visitors can see the remnants of mine headshafts on the surrounding hills.
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