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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.