Last Updated on October 4, 2023
There are several ghost towns near Las Vegas that you can visit as a day trip! This is a great way to escape the lights of Vegas and see what the landscapes and life are like outside of the city.
Most ghost towns in Nevada and throughout other US states are former mining boomtowns. These towns would pop up as a community to support the miners. When those mines eventually closed, the towns were abandoned.
On my most recent trip to Las Vegas, I made a day trip to Nelson Ghost Town. This is one of the most popular ghost towns near Las Vegas, and it did not disappoint! My partner had so much fun wandering the area, and learning about its mining history.
In this guide I’m covering 10 must-see ghost towns near Las Vegas, that are a 2.5 hour drive or less. These ghost towns span across three states: Nevada, California, and Arizona.
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How to Visit Ghost Towns Close to Vegas
You’ll need to sort out how you’ll get to ghost towns near Las Vegas before your adventures begin! Unfortunately, there aren’t any public transport options. You can either use your own vehicle, rent a car and self-drive, or join a ghost town tour.
Take a Car Rental
I always rent a car for day tripping to see ghost towns near Las Vegas. Most hotels in Vegas have cars on site, and I find driving in Vegas and around Nevada is pretty stress-free.
If you’d like to rent a car for your ghost town adventures, I recommend Discover Cars. It compares the prices for a vehicle from a variety of suppliers to ensure you get the cheapest rate, and you can reserve your car rental in advance. Reserve a car rental here!
Book a Ghost Town Tour
From Las Vegas: Ghost Town Wild West Adventures Day Trip
This Ghost Town Wild West Adventures Day Trip takes you to the Hoover Dam, and several ghost towns near Las Vegas, including one that still has local residents!
You’ll learn about the Wild West as you visit the old mining town of Chloride, Arizona. You’ll then drive the iconic Route 66 to a small Ghost Town in Oatman, Arizona. There, you’ll hear about the town’s resident ghost, named “Oatie.”
As part of the Ghost Town Wild West Adventures Day Trip you’ll enjoy a drink at a local saloon in Oatman. Then head through the Mojave Desert via the old gold rush town of El Dorado Canyon, before returning to Las Vegas.
Arizona Ghost Towns and Wild-West Day Trip from Las Vegas
On this Arizona Ghost Towns and Wild-West Day Trip you’ll step back in time to the era of gunslingers and saloon rumbles. This full-day ghost town and wild west tour goes along Route 66, past the Hoover Dam and through Arizona’s historic ghost towns near Las Vegas.
You’ll visit places known for their fascinating lore, like the Oatman Hotel, home to a local poltergeist. Along the way, see an authentic cowboy shootout, hear entertaining facts and tales, and soak up stunning desert landscapes.
VIP Ghost Town Gold Mine Tour, Hoover Dam Small Group Tour from Las Vegas
This VIP Ghost Town Gold Mine Tour combines several must-see sights outside of Las Vegas. The tour includes stops at Spring Mountain State Park, Techatticup Mine, the Hoover Dam, and Nelson’s Ghost Town, one of the ghost towns near Las Vegas.
All transportation is provided, which makes this multi-stop VIP Ghost Town Gold Mine Tour worry-free! You’ll travel with a small group which means you get personalized attention. Along the way, your guide will share some fun and insightful stories.
10 Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas
1. Nelson, Nevada (Eldorado Ghost Town)
- Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes
- How to get there: Follow US-95 N to NV-165 E
- Where to stay: Stay in Las Vegas! I recommend Aria Resort and Casino
Nelson was home to the most successful gold mining boom in southern Nevada history. In the late 1850s, prospectors discovered gold and started mining it. Nelson’s most well known mine, the Techatticup Mine, was established in 1861.
What makes Nelson Ghost Town so interesting is its reputation for being one of the most lawless mining towns of its time. Violence and lawlessness were so prevalent in Nelson that allegedly, law enforcement avoided the town completely.
Mining in Nelson ended in the 1940s. After that, the town was abandoned – That is, until 1994, when Tony and Bobbie Werly purchased Nelson. The family restored many of the old buildings and opened up the Techatticup Mine for public tours.
Nelson Ghost Town is easily visited as a day trip from Las Vegas. If you would like to tour Techatticup Mine, make sure you get in contact with the town in advance, through their website. The mine tours are available every day, and so are canoe and kayak rentals, as well as photoshoots.
There is a very small admission fee to wander this ghost town, unless you plan to shoot photography. If you do plan on photos, pop into the town’s general store to pay a photography fee, which ranges from $10 to $20.
2. Goodsprings, Nevada
- Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes
- How to get there: Get on US-95 N. Follow I-15 S to Sloan. Take exit 12 from I-15 S
- Where to stay: Stay in Las Vegas! I recommend Aria Resort and Casino
Goodsprings is another one of the Nevada ghost towns near Las Vegas that you can easily visit as a day trip. Mining claims were made in the Goodsprings area as early as 1868, but the area didn’t turn into a boom town until the Keystone Mine was discovered in 1902.
That mine eventually produced 85 million pounds of zinc and lead, which meant the nearby town of Goodsprings sprung up fast.
In this old boom town, you can see miner cabins, an old schoolhouse (that the local kids still attend), and the Pioneer Saloon, where you can sit up at the same mahogany bar that’s been welcoming patrons for over a century.
There’s no fee to walk around Goodsprings. I recommend using this online walking tour from the Goodsprings Historical Society as a guide while you wander. It includes landmarks you should look out for, their history, and helpful context.
3. Rhyolite, Nevada
- Distance from Las Vegas: 2 hours
- How to get there: Follow US-95 N to NV-374 S
- Where to stay: Stay in the nearby Death Valley Inn
Rhyolite is one of the most popular ghost towns near Las Vegas. This ghost town is on the eastern border of Death Valley National Park, making it a great stop to add to your itinerary if you plan to road trip to the park.
Like many of the old west ghost towns, the story of Rhyolite starts with gold, silver, and a dream to hit it rich. From 1901 until 1907, Rhyolite boomed with a population around 5000. The town of miners had hotels, a hospital, a school, shops, a red light district, and even its own stock exchange.
The 1907 Bankers Panic caused nationwide bankruptcy and financial decline in the banking industry. Industries like mining were unable to secure the funding they needed to continue operations. The mining production in Rhyolite dwindled, finally ending operations in 1911.
As the mining dried up, people left Rhyolite in search of new opportunities. Finally, in 1916, the electricity was disconnected and only a handful of people remained. A few years later in 1924 the last resident of the town passed away..
You can wander around Rhyolite on your own. Although many of the remaining structures are now fenced off to deter vandalism, it’s fun to see the 3-story bank, Porter Brothers Store, and adjoining walls. Rhyolite’s train depot is privately owned, and work is being done to restore the site.
Other sights to see in Rhyolite include The Bottle House, built using 51,000 glass bottles and adobe mud, and Goldwell Open Air Museum. The museum’s life-size looming ghosts make for great photo opportunities.
Recommended by The Stromads
4. Soda Springs, California (Zzyzx Mineral Springs)
- Distance from Las Vegas: 90 minute drive
- How to get there: Take the Bakersfield exit on I-15
- Where to stay: Stay in the Rodeway Inn
Soda Springs, also known as Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Healing Center, is an abandoned oasis that has a fascinating history.
Curtis Springer, a “snake oil” salesman, extensively traveled this area of the Mojave Desert in the 1930s. He was a creative storyteller, syndicated radio preacher, and total fraud who claimed that his potions could heal all sorts of ailments.
In 1945, Springer bought mining rights to the desert land at Soda Springs. The rights prohibited development of the land for commercial use, but he ignored them. With “volunteer” laborers from Skid Row in Los Angeles, he built Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Healing Center.
The affluent would come from miles away to soak in his phony “hot springs” and receive healing treatments. For a small donation, guests could stay onsite and swim in the crucifix shaped inground pool.
In 1968, Springer was arrested for misrepresentation and false advertising of his pharmaceuticals. He continued operating Zzyzx Mineral Springs until 1974 when the Federal Government forcibly evicted him. The resort then fell into disrepair.
Today, this site is more commonly known as Soda Springs. The ruins are on private property at the California State University Desert Studies Center. The ruins are open to the public and free to visit, making it a fun day trip to make with friends.
Recommended by The Stromads
5. Nipton, California
- Distance from Las Vegas: 1 hour drive
- How to get there: Get on US-95 N. Follow I-15 S to Nipton Rd in San Bernardino County. Take exit 286 from I-15 S
- Where to stay: Stay in Las Vegas! I recommend Aria Resort and Casino
In Nipton, California, you’ll find one of the many ghost towns around the world that draw tourists and urban explorers from all over. Nipton is also one of the ghost towns near Las Vegas!
Nipton is a tiny abandoned town at the border of Nevada and California in the Ivanpah Valley. Over 120 years ago, it was a mining and ranching town. Today, Nipton is a “living” ghost town, because it still has a population of people. Today, there are about 20 residents living in Nipton.
In the early 20th century, Nipton was established as a mining camp. It had a rail line that supplied mines, and it was a cattle-loading station for several ranges. The town also served as a social center for the surrounding area.
At its height, Nipton was bustling! Movie stars and railroad magnates came there, and steam engines would chug through, taking headed north to Las Vegas or toward Southern California. The town had a hotel, a restaurant, and of course, a bar.
Today, there isn’t much to see in Nipton. That’s what makes it a great ghost town near Las Vegas! As you drive or walk through, you can imagine the bustling energy of its past. While you’re there, be sure to check out The Magical Nipton Outdoor Art Gallery.
Recommended by Knycx Journeying.
6. Chloride, Arizona
- Distance from Las Vegas: 1.5 hour drive
- How to get there: Take the US-93 S to Mohave County, turn off at Co Hwy 125
- Where to stay: Stay in Las Vegas! I recommend Aria Resort and Casino
Chloride, Arizona was founded as a mining town in the 1860s. Today, it’s a living ghost town with about 400 residents. It’s actually the longest continually inhabited mining town in all of Arizona!
Chloride was founded when silver was discovered in the nearby Cerbat Mountains. Silver mining was the biggest business in the area, and there were more than 70 working mines around there at the time.
During the mining days, Chloride was home to about 2000 people. The town had a bank, hotels, a pool hall, barber shops, restaurants, and saloons. The town even had a railroad connection to Kingman that carried both passengers and ore.
It’s totally free to drive or walk around Chloride, checking out the town’s old buildings. There is an antique store, some shops, a restaurant, and the Jim Fritz Museum which is operated by the Chloride Historical Society and open every Saturday.
For some excitement, time your trip to Chloride to see a gun reenactment by the High Desert Drifters. These reenactments happen the first and third Saturdays of every month, at noon.
7. Oatman, Arizona
- Distance from Las Vegas: 2 hour drive
- How to get there: Take the US-95 S to the NV-163 E. Get off at Needles Hwy and take Boundary Cone Rd to Oatman Rd in Oatman
- Where to stay: Stay in the Days Inn in nearby Bullhead City
In 1915, two lucky prospectors struck it rich with a 10 million dollar claim near the tent village of Oatman. Very quickly, Oatman grew from a village to a bustling town with a population that eventually grew to around 3,500.
By 1931, the area’s mines had produced over 1.8 million ounces of gold. By the mid 1930s, the boom was over, and in 1942 the last remaining mines were closed because they were considered nonessential to the war effort.
One of Oatman’s most unique attractions today is the town’s population of wild burros. These burros first came to Oatman with early day prospectors. At that time, they were used inside the mines for hauling rock and ore, and outside the mine for hauling water and supplies.
As the mines closed and people moved away, the burros were released into the surrounding hills. Most of these burros, who are all descendents of burros from the mining days, keep to themselves.
They live as herds throughout the mountains and surrounding desert, but a few of them come into town every day. You’ll most likely spot some when visiting this ghost town!
While in Oatman, pop into the Oatman Hotel for a meal, and then head to the Olive Oatman Ice Cream Parlor for dessert. The Gold Rush Candy Shoppe is also worth stopping by.
Every day at 1:30pm and 3:30pm, traffic stops in Oatman for a wild west shootout reenactment. The Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters are the oldest gunfighter group in Arizona – you won’t want to miss their show!
8. Calico Ghost Town, California
- Distance from Las Vegas: 2.5 hour drive
- How to get there: Get on US-95 N. Follow I-15 S to Calico Rd in Yermo. Take exit 194 from I-15 S
- Where to stay: Stay in the nearby Rodeway Inn
Calico Ghost Town is one of the best ghost towns near Las Vegas because it’s so well preserved. Once a silver mining town, Calico’s original buildings have been restored to their 1880s appearance.
Calico was established in 1881 as a mining town. At its peak in 1886, the population was 1200 people, and the town had a wide variety of businesses, hotels, saloons, a jail, and even a red light district. But when the value of silver declined in the 1890s, the town was abandoned and it became a ghost town.
Calico is now on the California Historical Landmark list and was proclaimed in 2005 by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as California’s Silver Rush Ghost Town.
Calico Ghost Town is now a Regional Park with plenty to see. You can wander around the Lucy Lane Museum to view artifacts, photographs, and documents from Calico’s boomtown era.
You can also explore the Maggie Mine, an authentic silver mine from the 1880s, or learn about gold panning (and even give it a try!). Calico also has several gift shops, and when you get hungry, you can eat at the Calico House Restaurant or Old Miner’s Cafe.
Recommended by The Van Escape
9. Goldfield Nevada Ghost Town
- Distance from Las Vegas: 2.5 hour drive
- How to get there: Follow US-95 N
- Where to stay: Stay in the rustic Goldfield Stop Inn
During the Gold Rush era Goldfield, Nevada Ghost Town was one of the largest gold mining centers in the region. In 1904, gold was discovered here, and Goldfield turned into a boomtown, and an example of the classic American west.
In the early 1900s, Goldfield was home to over 20,000 residents. It had banks, schools, and saloons. But the success of gold mining was short-lived. The cost of pumping brine out of the mines was too expensive, and in 1912, the largest mining company in Goldfield left.
A few years after that, a moonshine distiller exploded, which caused a devastating fire. Much of the town was destroyed by the fire, leaving only the brick and stone buildings intact. Goldfield never recovered from the fire.
Today, Goldfield Ghost Town is fascinating to visit for a couple of reasons. It’s a living ghost town because about 200 residents still live there. The town is considered one of the most haunted places in Nevada, with ghosts reportedly wandering around the abandoned Goldfield Hotel and school. Paranormal research experts often visit the buildings to investigate!
If you find yourself in Goldfield, book a tour of the eerie school building and hotel. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Santa Fe Saloon and browse the gift shops. The cemetery and the remnants of the old railway station are also worth checking out, too.
The town still has residents, so take the opportunity to appreciate the local art, including vintage cars and murals. Rocket Bob’s Art Cars is a must-see spot where you can marvel at vehicles dating back to the early days of Burning Man.
Recommended by The Van Escape.
10. Pioche, Nevada
- Distance from Las Vegas: 2.5 hour drive
- How to get there: Follow US-93 N to NV-321 N
- Where to stay: Stay in the Overland Hotel & Saloon
Pioche is the furthest of the ghost towns near Las Vegas, but it’s worth the drive. Known as Nevada’s “Liveliest Ghost Town,” there’s a lot to do there. But before making the trip to one of the coolest ghost towns near Las Vegas, you’ll want to know some basic history.
In 1864, William Hamblin, a Latter Day Saint missionary, was led to silver deposits in the vicinity of Pioche by a Native American Paiute. A few years later, a mining camp was built, which eventually became Pioche.
The town quickly became the largest mining town in southeastern Nevada in the early 1870’s. Population estimates suggest around 10,000 people lived there by 1871.
Pioche had a reputation for being the “toughest town.” Because of confusion over the exact location of mining claims, mine owners hired guards. Hired gunmen were imported at the rate of about twenty a day during boom times to fight mining claim encroachments.
Pioche started to decline as a boom town when its principal mines were shut down in 1876. Although it became a ghost town, it’s bounced back in modern times! In Pioche, you’ll find good food, shopping, a recreation center, and more.
To step back in time and learn about the old west, join Pioche’s walking tour of the town’s historic buildings. You’ll visit sites like Heritage Park and Boot Hill.
Ghost Towns Near Las Vegas: FAQs
What ghost town is closest to Vegas?
Nelson and Goodsprings are the two closest ghost towns to Las Vegas. Both are less than an hour drive from the city, and so you can easily visit both of them as a day trip. Make the trip in your own car or a rented vehicle, or book a guided tour from Vegas.
Why are there ghost towns in Nevada?
There are ghost towns in Nevada because of the history of mining in the state. Most ghost towns were former boomtowns that were built up as a community to support miners. When those mines eventually closed, the towns were abandoned.
What is the most famous ghost town in Nevada?
The most famous ghost town in Nevada is Rhyolite. This is one of the state’s most photographed ghost towns. Back in 1905, prospectors discovered very valuable gold ore in the area. The town of Rhyolite sprung up as people arrived to mine the gold.
How many ghost towns are in the state of Nevada?
Today, there’s over 600 ghost towns in Nevada. Some of these are “living” ghost towns, which means there are still residents living in the town – it isn’t completely abandoned.
More from Pina Travels:
- 5 Days in Vegas Itinerary: Things to Do + Day Trips
- How to Day Trip to Nelson Ghost Town From Vegas
- 11 Must-Know Tips for Driving the Extraterrestrial Highway
- 48 Hours in Death Valley: Your Comprehensive Guide
Erin has been traveling for over a decade, both solo, and with her partner. She’s now traveled to countries across 6 continents, and has lived in 2 countries abroad. Erin also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism, where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. Learn more about Erin, and get in touch with her, here.
