Nelson Ghost Town
Step back into the Wild West at this historic gold-mining settlement, home to the infamous Techatticup Mine. Today, the ghost town is a surreal graveyard of vintage cars, dilapidated barns, and even a crashed plane prop from a movie. It is one of the most photographed spots in the Nevada desert.
- Admission
- Free to visit the grounds; $15 for mine tours, $10 photo permit fee
- Hours
- Daily, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Parking
- Free on-site dirt parking lot
- Access
- Uneven dirt paths and rocky terrain; mine tours are not wheelchair accessible
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Nestled in the Eldorado Canyon near Searchlight, Nelson Ghost Town is anchored by the historic Techatticup Mine, which was one of the richest gold mines in southern Nevada. Established in the mid-1800s, the area was notorious for its lawlessness, attracting deserters from both sides of the Civil War who sought refuge in its rugged terrain.
Today, the site functions as an open-air museum of Americana, filled with weathered wooden barns, vintage vehicles, and remnants of old mining equipment. It has also become a famous backdrop for photographers and filmmakers, notably featuring a crashed plane prop from a major Hollywood film.
Visitors can take guided tours of the underground mine shafts to experience the cool temperatures and harsh conditions faced by early miners. The surrounding desert landscape adds to the eerie, frozen-in-time atmosphere that makes this a must-see roadside stop.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Bring cash for the small admission fee or guided mine tour.
- ◆ Book the underground mine tour in advance if you want to explore the tunnels.
- ◆ Charge your camera batteries beforehand, as the photogenic scenery is endless.
- ◆ Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to safely navigate the uneven ground and rusty relics.
Heads Up
- ◆ Be mindful of rattlesnakes and desert wildlife, especially when walking near old structures or brush.
- ◆ Watch out for rusty nails, sharp metal, and cacti scattered throughout the property.
- ◆ Cell service is extremely limited in the canyon, so download directions in advance.
Common questions
Do you need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get to Nelson Ghost Town?
No, the main road leading to the ghost town is fully paved and easily accessible by standard passenger cars. Only the dirt side roads leading deeper into Eldorado Canyon require a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Do you have to pay a fee to take photos at Nelson Ghost Town?
Casual tourists taking quick snapshots do not need to pay, but professional, commercial, or posed portrait photography requires registering and paying an hourly fee at the general store. The owners actively monitor the property for unauthorized photo shoots.
Can you go inside the historic buildings at Nelson Ghost Town?
Most of the historic structures are locked or fenced off to preserve them and protect visitors, though you can look through the windows of some buildings. The only way to go underground or inside the historic mine tunnels is by booking a guided Techatticup Mine tour.
Is there cell phone service at Nelson Ghost Town?
Cell phone service is extremely weak or completely unavailable in this section of Eldorado Canyon. It is recommended to download offline maps and driving directions before leaving nearby cities like Boulder City or Searchlight.
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