Nelson Ghost Town, Mohave County Travel Guide

4.7 (2187)

Step back in time at Nelson Ghost Town: Explore a preserved Wild West mining town with vintage charm and rich history in Eldorado Canyon.

Home
Travel Guides
Arizona
Mohave County
Nelson Ghost Town

Explore the historic Nelson Ghost Town in Nevada's Eldorado Canyon, a preserved mining town with vintage buildings, rusted vehicles, and the legendary Techatticup Mine. Once a lawless boomtown, it now offers a glimpse into the Wild West and classic Americana, attracting photographers, history buffs, and filmmakers alike.

A brief summary to Nelson Ghost Town

Nelson Cutoff Rd, Searchlight, Nevada, 89046, US
Click to display

Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nelson Ghost Town.

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven desert terrain.
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection, as Nelson is a remote area with limited services.
Call ahead to reserve a spot on the Techatticup Mine tour, as tours require a minimum number of participants.
Respect the property, as it is privately owned and the owners live on-site.
Be mindful of the opening hours (8 AM to 6 PM) and ensure you leave the property before sunset.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

River Gauge House Site

White Hills Historic Monument

Mohave& Milltown Railroad Mill Site

The Twins Fort Mohave Aha Macav

Fort Mohave

Explore Nelson Ghost Town on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Nelson Ghost Town, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Las Vegas, take US-95 S towards Boulder City. Exit onto NV-165 E and follow it to Nelson Ghost Town. The drive is approximately 45 minutes. Parking is available on the right side of the road upon arrival. Check-in at the store before exploring the town. There are no unavoidable tolls. Remember that gas station in Nelson is not operational, so have a full tank before you arrive.
Taxi/Ride-share

From the Las Vegas Strip, a taxi or ride-share to Nelson Ghost Town will take approximately 45 minutes. Expect to pay between $190 and $240 for the trip. Check in at the store before walking around.

Discover more about Nelson Ghost Town

Nelson Ghost Town, nestled in Nevada's Eldorado Canyon, offers a captivating journey into the Wild West. Originally named Eldorado by Spanish explorers, the area boomed in 1861 with the establishment of the Techatticup Mine, the richest gold mine in Southern Nevada. The town quickly gained a reputation for lawlessness, attracting Civil War deserters, prospectors, and desperados. Disputes over mining claims often led to violence, with little law enforcement to maintain order.Despite the chaos, Nelson's mines produced an estimated $10 million worth of ore between 1864 and 1900. Mining continued until the 1940s when dwindling resources and frequent flash floods led to the town's abandonment. In 1994, Tony and Bobbie Werly purchased Nelson, restoring many of the old buildings and opening the Techatticup Mine for public tours.Today, Nelson is a popular tourist destination and film location, featuring vintage cars, antique shops, and a crashed airplane from the movie "3,000 Miles to Graceland". Visitors can explore the town, take photos, and tour the Techatticup Mine to experience the grit and resilience of Nevada's early settlers. The town is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, with a small fee to walk around and a separate fee for photography.