nelson ghost town

Turn off the main highway between Searchlight and Boulder City toward Nelson and be transported into anither world with some beautiful scenery on the way to the old town. Make sure you stop in at the hotel BUT don't turn around just yet. Continuing towards the Colorado will be a trip you won't likely forget. Going through ElDorado canyon and on to the river is a breathtaking ride. Well worth the trip.

We took this short trip from Vegas this past Saturday and wow is all I have to say! Between the views of the drive over to Nelson and once arriving...I'm speechless! This was my first "ghost town" so I may be bias however there was so much to check out and see! The touristy area is most definitely set up for photography but there are endless items to check out and snap some photos of! Be sure to go inside as well to learn more about the town, movies that were filmed there and so much more! We ended up buying some nic-nacks for our home. Then, be sure to drive down the road (about 5 miles) to see the awesome Colorado River/wash area. The road does get narrow and I would not want to be driving around there with the threat of rain, but this is just as awesome as Nelson! There are wonderful views and photo opportunities, plus you are staring at Arizona while standing Nevada...fun facts!

This place was very easy to find, around 40mins from Las Vegas so nice day trip. Very picturesque, lots of good photo opportunities. Unfortunately their tours are quite infrequent so I never managed to get on one during my visit so didn't really learn anything. Plan ahead.

wow, wow, wow!!!This is probably the coolest place!! Went to take pics of my kids. Payed a ridiculously small fee and captured priceless moments! If you are in Vegas and want to see something cool other than people wasting money at slot machines, take a day trip out to Nelson and take in all the awesomeness!!!!

Just 30 mins from the strip...this place is a shooters dream. It is a ten dollar fee but the best money you can give for a life time shots of this location. No crowds, super nice people, dog friendly...and exceptional cars, cars and more cars.

Nelson Ghost town is a photographers paradise with all the 'stuff' they have. There are old cars, barns, gas pumps and other Americana items. I visited the ghost over three days in the morning and again in the late afternoon for a photography workshop. There is so much to look at and interesting photographs everywhere. When the store/office open, they have some interesting items in there, such as the secret Area 52, a room full of aliens. There are photos of the famous people who have visited and the movies that have been shot there. There was even a music video being shot there on an early Saturday morning.The site is very popular with photographers, I noticed families and couple having their photos taken there.They do offer mine tours but there is plenty to explore in the buildings. This is a place I'd visit again the next time I'm in Las Vegas.

We were amazed this was close to Vegas! Sure beautiful scenery. I wish I would have been there at dusk or in the morning hours for better lighting. The family has a done a great job with the ghost town. Bring a picnic and go to the Colorado River basin about 10 mins past the town!

Only an hour out of Las Vegas and we were transported back in time to 1861. The road trip to get to Nelson was not too exciting but when we got our first look at the place we were blown away. Buildings from a gold rush days, a great mine tour and owners of the property who are very hospitable. They were kind enough to tell us all about their huge collection of things from yesteryear. Bring your camera because there are so many great photo ops here. Check in with at the general store with the owners when you first get to Nelson. Call them first if you sre planning to take the tour of the gold mine.Also, continue driving on the road to see a breathtaking view of the Colorado river from high up on the bluffs. Such beauty !

This place is amazing, it's a little surreal but ultimately a lot of fun to explore. Definitely worth a visit if you're staying near Vegas.

We didn't know Nelson was a register ghost town in Nevada, one of eight, but took the road to Nelson looking for future camp sites on Lake Mohave on our way to Hoover Dam. On the road to Nelson climbing the hill we first seen rabbits, coyotes, and skunks, after topping the hill and heading down I was wondering why the car in front of us stopped, but after looking around we seen mountain goats, my first big horn sheep and wild donkeys, jack rabbits were everywhere, the town has only a few buildings left standing, most of the yards were full of antique junk and less than fifty people live there. It is worth the 15 mile drive if the wildlife is out and about like it was on the day we were there and limited boat access for the lake.

I went here with a friend in April, 2012 and it is just beautiful! The general store has been kept up from the 1800's, lots of antiques to see or buy. Outside is old cars and other old outdoor items. Across the street you can take a tour of the mine. But drive right below the mine and park and walk out to the river and look across to the desert of Arizona. It will take your breath away! We had a picnic on a rock beside the water. Beautiful and I hope I get to go back.

We went here on a recommendation. It's about 35 minutes outside Las Vegas and literally out in the middle of nowhere. It's worth the trip. Lots of old vehicles, gas pumps, old gas company & soda signs, etc. The people who own the property welcome you into their actual home which doubles as an antique store, etc. Go in and report that you're there to take photos and if you're staying for a little while, they'll charge $10 total for the visit. If you're not staying longer than 30 minutes, it's free. They're nice people and the photos you'll get are great. Lots of history here.

This is a great area to explore. There is a store with so many things to see. They area around the store has many old buildings and trucks. They offer mine tours and rent canoes here. At the end of the road is the Colorado River.

I have already written a separate review for the Gold Mine Tour that's available in this area and of the other adventures you can find in the Town. That in itself, horseback riding, ATV tours, Mine tours, opportunities for photographers, etc. is enough to keep you busy! But be an explorer and move further afield!At the end of the road, past the Old Ghost Town, is a beautiful stretch of scenic road that leads to the Colorado River. There you'll find warning signs, telling you of the very real dangers of 'flash floods'. At the end of the road you'll find a 'historic plaque' commemorating the town of Nelson Landing. The area was swept away when 3" of rain fell in one day. Houses, cars, trucks, a marina, boats and worst of all, many residents were swept out into the Colorado River. Then turn around and realize that all that water is channeled into the narrow valley you're standing in and you can relive the horror in your own mind. It will certainly give you an appreciation of the dangers faced by early settlers!While there, be wary! There are rattlesnakes in the area! And on the way out, be sure to stop in at the 'Store' in Nelson and spend some time looking around. It's absolutely amazing in there. You can also rent kayaks here if that's your interest. Maybe even take in the Mine Tour if you time it right.It's certainly a place I'll revisit when I'm n the area.

We love staying in Las Vegas, and appreciate the history of the surrounding desert areas, especially the gold rush ghost towns.Nelson proved to be the most amazing place, perfect for a trip out from the fantasy of the city. It is easy to find, by taking the Boulder road south of town and looking for the left turn off for Nelson. The road rapidly curves into rocky desert, with amazing coloured formations on both sides. Eventually, the small town of Nelson comes into view, a proper touch of reality, with its mix of old, new, shabby and quaint buildings. A small sign points to the Eldorado mine itself, one of the richest mining sites in its hey day, which can be toured. We decided instead to drive onto the nearby mine head settlement, and were amazed by the sight that met our eyes. Rickety timber buildings, the old mine head and the most amazing collection of vintage vehicles of every era were all around, together with a delightful store that also offered refreshment. It is fascinating to stroll round the old buildings, some of which have residents, and have an amazing collection of old metal advertising plaques decorating their walls. Outside several buildings stand old fuel pumps, looking as if waiting for one of the old vans or trucks to pull up for fuel! The old vehicles themselves slowly rusting gently away, must delight fans of old films Clearly this place is a modern day gold mine for film makers,and a film crew were just setting up a shoot as we strolled the town,the costumes actors waited for the time-honoured command " action" To round of an amazing day, we drove a little further, and found the road that led almost to the banks of the Colorado, with coloured mountain bluffs rising all around. The road bears signs warning of the danger of flash floods, and follows the bed of a mountain stream, so caution is needed after rain.