Incredible ghost towns of Nevada

Dotting the vast landscape of Nevada are countless ghost towns, and while indecipherable ruins and tumbleweeds mark some, others are surprisingly intact. Either way, these remarkable places are portals into a Nevada of old and certainly worth a wander.

Rhyolite
With no residents for more than 100 years, dilapidated buildings in a pristine Wild West setting, and no goods or services, Rhyolite is arguably one of the best ghost towns in Nevada and makes for an incredible day trip out of Las Vegas.

This fascinating boomtown sprung to life after a couple of prospectors discovered high-grade ore in 1905. After uncovering extremely valuable gold in this region, several mining camps including Rhyolite popped up which later became known as the Bullfrog Mining District. Today, visitors can check out this incredible ghost town as a seamless day trip, just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Belmont
Like many historic cities in the Silver State, the grand, bustling city of Belmont has dwindled into one of the state’s more iconic ghost towns. Positioned north of Tonopah, and the additional living ghost town of Manhattan lies the fascinating remains of Belmont.

Following a silver strike in 1865, other minerals were soon after discovered, including copper lead and antimony. As the boom continued to flourish, it attracted many gold-hungry prospectors. In the 1870s the town reached its largest population at 2,000. But this was short-lived, however, and by 1887 several of the mines shut down.

During this era, timber was in such high demand in such an arid countryside, that when the settlers relocated to the next spot. Belmont is off the grid completely, with no electricity, gas or food nearby. One notable annual event is their July 4th Parade when former Belmonters come home for a big Independence Day Party.

Gold Point
A mining town that had its beginning in 1868, Gold Point thrived until the 1960s, when an accident shuttered the industry. Today, less than 30 residents’ welcome visitors to tour the town. Originally a silver mining camp in the early 1860s and founded as Lime Point, Gold Point was once quite the happening boomtown that consisted of dwellings, bakery, hotels, cafes and numerous saloons. The community was known as Hornsilver until 1932 and referred to as Gold Point thereafter; a name that has stuck since.

Gold Point may not exist today if it weren’t for Las Vegas wallpaper hanger Herb Robbins, who with partner Walt Kremin, owns most of the town’s buildings. Herb and his friend Chuck Kremin came across Gold point in the late 1970s, and while only a few hardy residents remained, dozens of deteriorating wooden edifices peppered the street.