This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.

What Defines a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a former mining settlement that has been abandoned or is only sparsely populated. The decline of these towns typically resulted from the depletion of natural resources, especially gold and silver. Mining has long played a significant role in Nevada’s economy, and the landscape is dotted with remnants of these boom-and-bust communities. With over 600 ghost towns, more than actual populated cities, Nevada offers a fascinating journey into the past.

Ghost Towns in Southern Nevada

Techatticup Gold Mine

 Techatticup Mine in Eldorado Canyon is a mine tour that takes you underground into the mine to see the quartz veins still in the abandoned mine. 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. Reservations are required for the tour. Located in Nelson, NV about 45 miles from Las Vegas.

Goodsprings Ghost Town

This ghost town in southern Nevada offers an exemplary Wild West ghost town daytrip from Las Vegas. Located 45 minutes south of the Las Vegas Strip near Jean, the town dates to the early 1900s. The town’s population peaked in 1916 while supplying zinc and lead for World War I. Grab some food or quench your thirst inside the Pioneer Saloon, the oldest bar in southern Nevada, dating all the way back to 1913. Look for bullet holes from a poker game gone wrong in the original Sears and Roebuck stamped tin walls and cigar burns on the bar left by Clark Gable.

St. Thomas Ghost Town

A ghost town within the park’s limits was submerged when Lake Mead first filled up in the 1930s. St. Thomas thrived as a halting station along the Arrowhead Trail between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City when it was a Mormon town. St. Thomas is located near the Overton Arm of the Muddy River, which feeds Lake Mead, in the park’s northern section. The approach route is dirty` and occasionally uneven, so guests in low-riding vehicles should be cautious. Due to the dropping water levels of Lake Mead, vestiges of the town may now be seen. Visitors may now walk the ghost remnants of a classic western town, which was once flooded more than 60 feet above the tallest structure.

 Rhyolite Ghost Town

Located near Beatty by Death Valley National Park, this former mining town is full of ghostly ruins. Its population exploded after Shorty Harris’s famous 1904 gold discovery, and it became a very rich, luxurious town. But by 1920, dwindling mine production caused the town to collapse, making it one of the quickest towns to go bust. The looming remains of the bank, general store, and train depot are great photo ops. Other attractions to visit are the Tom Kelly Bottle House and the avant-garde Goldwell Open Air Museum.

Goldfield Ghost Town

This Nevada town is considered by many history buffs to be one of America’s most lively ghost towns.  Goldfield is often referred to as a “living ghost town,” thanks to the 250 residents who work tirelessly to preserve the town’s fascinating history. If you enjoy ghost tours or just want to check out old history, the Goldfield Hotel and Goldfield Historic High School offer ghost tours. Before you do anything, stop at the Goldfield’s Visitor Center which will give you lots of information about exploring the town. One last place you should definitely visit is the Goldfield Cemetery, where “DIED EATING LIBRARY PASTE” is but one of the hilarious epitaphs that reveal the untimely demises of this cemetery’s permanent residents. Don’t miss the burros who call Goldfield home.  While here, visit the International Car Forest of the Last Church.

Manhattan Ghost Town

This fascinating destination is just a short drive from Goldfield. You can choose to take a guided tour or explore on your own but either way you will find intriguing insights into Nevada’s mining history. Founded in the 1900s, Manhattan was once a thriving community filled with miners searching for silver and gold. As you wander through the remnants of the town, you’ll discover a variety of preserved structures, including mine shafts, homes, and storefronts. The haunting atmosphere and historical significance make it a wonderful experience for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Gold Point Ghost Town

History enthusiasts will be enthralled with Gold Point ghost town, which is situated just southwest of Goldfield near the Nevada/California border. Originally a silver mining camp founded in the early 1860s, Gold Point was once a prosperous boomtown that consisted of 125 dwellings including a post office, bakery, hotels, cafes, a store, and numerous saloons. The community was known as Hornsilver until 1932 and then became Gold Point. Mining operations ceased when World War II began and most of the residents moved to other towns or went overseas to war. Step inside a picture-perfect, Old West saloon and where you can quench your thirst at the bar, shoot pool on a 1909 Brunswick table, or browse a photo album, which weighs128 pounds, and contains more than 8,000 images of Nevada mining camps. Visitors can also stay overnight at the Gold Point Ghost Town Bed & Breakfast and stay in an original miner cabin.

Ghost Towns in Central Nevada

Aurora Ghost Town

While not a whole lot remains in Aurora ghost town today, this once-booming gold mining town was one of the most famous boomtowns in the West, with hundreds of houses, dozens of homes, stores, saloons, newspapers and schools, drawing the attention of failed-prospector-turned-writer Mark Twain himself.  Aurora Ghost Town is in central Nevada near the California/Nevada border close to Bodie Ghost Town in California. The closest town in Nevada is Hawthorne, which is about an hour east of Aurora, and makes for the best direct access.

Blair Ghost Town

Blair was established in 1906 by the Pittsburgh Silver Peak Gold Mining Company three miles north of Silver Peak. The Tonopah mining boom was causing frenzy in adjacent mining towns by 1906. The business brought by the company, constructed a rail spur to serve the town and mill. A post office and a newspaper were both established in 1906. A two-story hotel was constructed, and several saloons catered to the mill workers and miners in the area. Mining lasted until around 1916. You can still see the remains of the mill foundations and some buildings on the west side of the road. This abandoned town is located 18 miles south of US 95 near Silver Peak.

Tybo Ghost Town

Tybo Ghost Town lies one hour northeast of Tonopah. Nestled in the high desert mountains beyond Tonopah, discover one of Nevada’s best ghost towns. While the Shoshone had lived in and around this central part of Nevada’s Great Basin for many years, a major gold discovery beckoned hundreds of people from many cultures to Tybo during the 1870s. Today, a handful of impressively intact ruins are scattered throughout this once-booming gold mining town, like the original hoist house and headframe of the Tonopah Consolidated Mining Company, old Wells Fargo Office ruins, remnants of miner cabins, historic milling sites, old charcoal kilns, and more. A few seasonal residents call Tybo home today, keeping an eye on the impressively intact ruins that have managed to hang on more than 150 years.

Belmont Ghost Town

 A quieter ghost town with a historic courthouse and charming remnants of its mining days. Positioned north of Tonopah lies the fascinating remains of Belmont. Unlike most other ghost towns, Belmont’s boom lasted an impressive 20 years. In 1860, the town’s population reached 2,000. Already having become the county seat, the town boasted four stores, two saloons, five restaurants, livery stable, a post office, an assay office, a bank, school, telegraph office, two newspapers, and a blacksmith shop. The population boom was short-lived however, and by 1887 several of the mines shut down.  Take in sights like the 150-year-old Belmont Courthouse, perfectly masoned miners’ cabins and mill sites, and the Monitor-Belmont Mill chimney which was originally built to mill bricks, then used for target practice by WWII Air Force pilots. Belmont is located near the Tonopah Fairgrounds.

Ophir Mill Ghost Town

Situated in the heart of the Big Smoky Valley in the Toiyabe Mountain Range, this extremely isolated town of Ophir Mill first boomed in the mid-1860s. Being so isolated has helped this town stay so intact. Nestled in the Toiyabe range between Austin and Tonopah, many stone foundations can be found in Ophir Canyon, including a 20-stamp mill, all kinds of miner cabins and old stores, and a historic cemetery. Please consider how isolated it is here. Situated south of Kingston and north of Round Mountain, this Nevada ghost town is remote and challenging access and should only be considered by experienced backroad drivers with 4×4 clearance.

Ghost Towns near Reno and beyond

Sutro Tunnel

In the 1870s, the Sutro Tunnel was constructed as a drainage pipeline and underground exit route for miners working on the largest silver strike in history. Beginning in Virginia City, the tunnel snaked through almost four miles of mountains before terminating in Dayton. You can take guided tours into the first 50 feet of the tunnel. Outside the entrance, almost a dozen historic buildings, including a mule barn, carriage house, and machine shop are on display. This is about 45 miles from Reno, with the closest town being Dayton.

Seven Troughs District

The Seven Troughs District is home to three former boomtowns: Seven Troughs, Mazuma, and Tunnel. Destructive flash flooding put an end to mining operations in the area, especially after most residents chose to chase the next opportunity instead of rebuilding. Several structures and ruins still stand today in Seven Troughs, including a stamp mill, miner cabins, and a handful of old cars. Nearby, Tunnel also boasts cabins and a stamp mill in addition to a large brick building and mine tailings. Only a few foundations are left in Mazuma, but visitors can find a cemetery in the area. The closest town is Lovelock. It is recommended that you have a high-clearance 4 WD vehicle for the two dirt roads you will need to travel after getting off the highway.

Unionville Ghost Town

Founded in 1861, this little hamlet served as the county seat for Humboldt County, with a major boom between 1863 and 1870. While the population is approximately 20 today, the town boasted a population of 1,500 in its heyday, including a short residency by Samuel Clemens (better known as Mark Twain). He was prospecting at the time of his stay here.  Once the ore ran out, Unionville fell into a slow decline. Today, there are still plenty of remains to explore, including the remnants of the general store and Clemens’ cabin. Best of all, visitors can stay at the only business in town: Old Pioneer Garden Country Inn. This charming overnighter sits near a shaded creek and offers all the comforts of home. The closest town is Lovelock.

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park delivers a double dose of adventure. This one-of-a-kind state park houses both a sprawling ghost town and the highest concentration of the largest Ichthyosaur fossils ever found. Stroll the ruins of Berlin and you’ll see historic buildings, homes, mining structures, and other relics. These include a Model -T and a genuine Westinghouse winch. Inside the Fossil House, you’ll get a peek at the up-to-50-feet-long marine reptiles that swam in the waters covering the Silver State over 225 million years ago. Fallon is the closest town to the park.

Ione Ghost Town

Like many other ill-fated boomtowns, the small town of Ione has managed to hang on all these years and continues to pride itself as the “Town That Refused to Die”. Originally founded all the way back in 1863, Ione catapulted to success as a trade and milling center after silver was discovered in the nearby Shoshone Mountain Range. By the time Nevada officially became a state in 1864, Ione’s population soared over 600 and proudly held the title of Nye County’s seat. By 1867, most of Ione’s population had dwindled and the county seat was relocated to Belmont.  With a very small population of 41, not much remains open to the public. Ione’s post office closed for the last time in 1959, and it appears all remaining businesses have ceased except for one market. The buildings remain surprisingly intact. It is not far from Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park.

Candelaria Ghost Town

Rediscover the spirit of the Silver State in one of the richest, and once-largest silver mining towns in southwestern Nevada. Founded in 1864, the rich silver deposits within Candelaria were first discovered by Mexican prospectors searching for gold and silver in southwestern Nevada. Within a few short years, this modest mining camp exploded into the most productive mining district in all southwestern Nevada. The town of Candelaria had two hotels, doctors, lawyers, a post office, many shops and many saloons. During the height of Candelaria’s boom, the Carson and Colorado Railroad was completed and ran through the Candelaria mining district. Lack of water was the cause of this town’s downfall as it was needed for mining.  Visit today to take in an original Wells Fargo building and a stone mercantile building with massive window frames still equipped with metal storm windows. You will also find more mining remains, cabins, and a cemetery. The closest town is Hawthorne.

Marietta Ghost Town

Unlike most Nevada boomtowns, Marietta wasn’t in the business of mining gold or silver. Its wealth came from borax, a specialized salt used in cleaning, medicine, ceramics, and metallurgy. A few hundred residents called Marietta home after the 1877 borax discovery, but the town busted in the 1890s when better deposits were found near Death Valley. Today, you’ll find a handful of standing structures in good condition and a half dozen foundations, plus a cemetery.  Shortly after turning onto dirt, you’ll be in the Marietta Wild Burro Range, a 66,500-acre tract of desert wilderness home to around 85 burros. Don’t forget your binoculars, as there are plenty of excellent vantage points to do some spotting. After winding down into an alkaline flat valley, you’ll be rewarded with a view of Boundary Peak, Nevada’s tallest mountain. The remains of Marietta are scattered along the north end of the valley.  High clearance, 4WD vehicles are required after getting off the highway, along with the ability to navigate a paper map (no cell service). This also is around Hawthorne.

Paradise Valley Ghost Town

Prospectors originally came to this remote valley for the gold, but many stayed to farm hay in its fertile soil. That tradition continues to this day as descendants of the early settlers, about 100 people, still live and work in this beautiful slice of northern Nevada. Plenty of old wood buildings survive in this historic community, making it a well-preserved relic of a 19th-century farm. Be sure to check out the Micca House, a historic home built in 1885 that went on to become a department store, post office, and government office. Afterwards, stop in at the Paradise Valley Saloon & Grill (a legendary Sagebrush Saloon) for a Basque chorizo burger. The closest town is Winnemucca.

Midas Ghost Town

Named for the mythological king whose touch turned everything to gold, the boomtown of Midas certainly lived up to its name for a short time. Between 1907-1908, it erupted into a tent town of around 2,000 residents. The town stayed running for the next four decades before most mines closed in the 1940s. Midas is still home to a handful of residents who work hard to maintain their historic community. When visiting, park on Main Street and check out the remains of an assay office, drug store, and a charming collection of false-front structures. The closest town is Winnemucca.

Off the Beaten Path Ghost Towns

Metropolis Ghost Town

In 1909, East Coast investors purchased a parcel of the Nevada desert intending to build a modern farming town. In fact, much of the community was built in advance of the first residents, including a railroad station, sidewalks, streetlamps, fire hydrants, parks, and a four-block commercial district. The town reached a peak population of around 2,000. Because Metropolis was proposing 40,000 acres of farmland, that would mean very little of the precious desert water available for the farmers downstream. These farmers sued and Metropolis was only granted 10 percent of the water it needed. Needless to say, this started the decline of this town and it was abandoned in the 1940’s. You can park by the ruins of the Hotel Metropolis. It’s a short walk to the town’s most photogenic landmark: the schoolhouse archway. There are dozens of other relics here and you will also find a well-kept cemetery. This is 11 miles NW of Wells, NV.

Delamar Ghost Town

Delamar ghost town lies nearly 150 miles (or about 2.5 hours) northeast of Las Vegas, nearest the southeastern community of Caliente. This abandoned ghost town is 30 minutes on a dirt road off HWY 93. Though unimaginably profitable, Delamar quickly became known as “The Widowmaker.” When the gold was crushed and processed, it created a toxic silica dust. When miners working in the mines and mills breathed it in, they often developed silicosis, meeting untimely deaths. When you visit Delamar ghost town today, you can explore countless stone structures that have survived the Mojave Desert elements for more than 100 years. You’ll also run across foundations and entire structures made from native rock, distinguishing Delamar from other Nevada ghost towns, along with two historic cemeteries and mill sites.

Tuscarora Ghost Town

Tuscarora was founded in 1867 after brothers John and Steven Beard discovered gold a few miles up the valley from the town’s present site. Near their claim, they established a mostly luckless mining community they named Tuscarora in honor of a U.S. gunboat. The town is located partway up the slope of Mt. Blitzen because that’s where a massive silver strike was made in 1871, after which Tuscarora was moved to where it is today. About 52 miles northwest of Elko, this town dwindled after the mines in the area stopped producing. Stop in town to take a walk along its decaying street grid and then wander up the hill to the big chimney to enjoy the breathtaking view. While you’re at it, mail a letter. The only business in town is a still-functioning post office, staffed daily, that services the ranches spread out across the valley.

Belmont Mill Ghost Town

 Situated about an hour west of Ely off the Loneliest Road in America, ghost town hounds will be pleased with this backroad adventure because it not only promises access to one Nevada ghost town, but four. Not to be confused with Belmont Ghost Town, Belmont Mill offers visitors the historic towns of Hamilton, Treasure City, Shermantown and Belmont Mill. Hamilton, Treasure City and Shermantown experienced a true boom during these years, while Belmont Mill didn’t come into the picture until the early 1900s when the Tonopah-Belmont Development Company began developing the area in hopes of extracting missed precious metals. Unfortunately, the mines simply weren’t as profitable as they’d hoped. Within a few short years, the entire operation shut down. Happily, most of these ruins are still intact today.

Final Thoughts

Nevada’s ghost towns offer a captivating look into the past, from the Wild West saloons of Goodsprings to the eerie remnants of Rhyolite. Whether you prefer guided tours or self-guided exploration, these abandoned settlements provide an unforgettable experience. You can do a day trip or plan a longer road trip, but whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong touring these ghost towns.

Maybe cowboys are more your thing, than ghost towns, try Nevada’s Cowboy Corridor Road Trip, learn more here. How about exploring the Extraterrestrial Highway, learn more about this on our blog. Or maybe you want to plan your own road trip. If you want some help planning a trip, go to Roadtrippers.com and use code: BTR5QTP to save $5. There are so many great places to explore in Nevada, but if you can’t make it to Nevada then find an adventure near you! We hope to inspire you to find your adventure. So, grab your camera, pack some essentials, and set out on a journey to uncover Nevada’s forgotten treasures.

The post Nevada Ghost Towns: Exploring the Abandoned Old West appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.