Looking to escape the bustle of Sin City for a day and step back into the Wild West? The desert surrounding Las Vegas contains fascinating ghost towns that make for great day trips!
From eerie abandoned mines to quirky burros roaming the streets, these semi-deserted settlements offer a thrilling glimpse into Nevada’s rugged past. Read on for the top 10 ghost towns near Las Vegas to add to your Southwest itinerary!
How to Visit Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas
To explore these ghostly mining camps and boom towns outside Vegas, you’ll need motorized transportation.
Renting a Car
Having your own wheels is the easiest way to travel between ghost towns near Las Vegas. Base yourself in a Vegas hotel, then take day trips to surrounding towns.
Joining a Tour
If you don’t want to drive yourself, guided tours from Vegas are available. Knowledgeable guides do the navigating while you soak up ghostly history.
Brief History of Ghost Towns in Nevada
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, mining camps sprung up across Nevada when precious metals like gold and silver were discovered. Miners, prospectors and other settlers poured in, quickly forming bustling boom towns.
But when claims dried up or prices dropped, these towns were deserted just as quickly as they came to be. The crumbling buildings left behind became Nevada’s ghost towns.
Now let’s dive into the top 10 ghost towns near Vegas within a 3 hour drive!
1. Nelson Ghost Town
Distance from Vegas: 45 mins
History: Thriving gold rush town with wildly lawless reputation. Abandoned when mines closed in 1940s.
Wander amongst the scattered remnants of this former boom town. Highlights include old vehicles, a motel sign, and the Techatticup Mine. Watch your step wandering the sandy streets!
2. Goodsprings Ghost Town
Distance from Vegas: 45 mins
History: 19th century mining town now home to saloons, shops and locals.
Soak up the Wild West vibe of Goodsprings’ preserved main street lined with false front buildings. Pop into the century-old Pioneer Saloon for a drink like the cowboys did!
3. Rhyolite Ghost Town
Distance from Vegas: 2 hours
History: Rose to prominence in early 1900s gold rush. Slow decline led to 1924 abandonment.
Step back into Rhyolite’s heyday at the train station and three-story bank building. Don’t miss the Goldwell Open Air Museum with its giant ghostly sculptures!
4. Soda Springs | Zzyzx Ghost Town
Distance from Vegas: 1.5 hours
History: Desert oasis resort built illegally then abandoned in 1970s after owner imprisoned.
Marvel at the crumbling remains of a “health spa” created out of hot springs by a charlatan peddling fake cures. The mysterious name Zzyzx still adorns the derelict buildings.
5. Nipton Ghost Town
Distance from Vegas: 1 hour
History: Rail stop and mining town now home to quirky residents.
Nipton’s false-front Main Street buildings hearken back to its founding as a mining camp in the early 1900s. Chat with the off-the-grid locals who call this living ghost town home.
6. Chloride Ghost Town
Distance from Vegas: 2.5 hours
History: Active mining settlement since 1860s known for gunfights and saloons.
Explore the dusty streets of one of the “liveliest ghost towns” where you may cross paths with a resident or recreationally dressed gunslinger. Check out landmarks like the old schoolhouse.
7. Oatman Ghost Town
Distance from Vegas: 2 hours
History: Gold discovery in 1915 ignited boom. Slow decline after mines played out in 1940s.
Experience Oatman’s wild west vibe along with its quirky population of descendant burros who roam the streets. Pop into historic buildings-turned-gift shops and watch reenactments of shootouts.
8. Calico Ghost Town
Distance from Vegas: 2.5 hours
History: 1880s silver mining boomtown now restored as a regional park.
Wander the delightful wooden buildings of Calico’s main street reminiscent of its silver rush era without the touristy feel. Try your hand at gold panning and exploring the remains of a silver mine.
9. Goldfield Ghost Town
Distance from Vegas: 2.5 hours
History: Cropped up after 1904 gold discovery then faced declines. The few remains make it an intriguing spot to explore what once was a 20,000 person town.
Peek into the eerie abandoned elementary schoolhouse then stop for a drink at the still kicking Santa Fe Saloon opened in 1905. Don’t miss the eclectic art cars!
10. Pioche Ghost Town
Distance from Vegas: 2.5 hours
History: 1860s mining camp notorious for claim jumping and gunfights.
Stroll the hilly streets of this “living ghost town” dotted with crumbling landmarks once central to its wild west past. Check out the fascinating Boot Hill cemetery up close.
Plan Your Ghost Town Road Trip from Vegas!
Abandoned mines, decrepit hotels, dusty saloons – these ghost towns offer a thrilling portal into Nevada’s frontier heyday. Each has its own unique story and place in the state’s early industrial history.
When planning your itinerary, be sure to travel responsibly and follow all posted instructions within these abandoned settlements. Respect that they exist today as monuments to a rugged period that shaped Nevada’s local culture.
Have a question about exploring these ghost towns near Las Vegas? Let us know! From quick half-day trips to overnight stays in a haunted hotel, Nevada’s ghost towns are calling. Just a short drive from Sin City leads you into the state’s storied past.
