Photos courtesy of Travel Nevada/Photo illustration
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020 | 2 a.m.
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Nevadans are blessed with a home state like no other—from natural wonders to man-made marvels, there are few places more special to call home. It’s rich in history and ripe for adventure, and with Nevada Day quickly approaching, there is no better time to get out and explore some of our state’s wilder locales. Here is a list of fun and surprising fall adventures in Southern Nevada that may not be on your radar—yet.
Haunted hotels and ghost towns
Whether you’re an aspiring ghost hunter, a skeptic of the paranormal, or just looking for an eerie experience to set the Halloween mood, check out these notoriously haunted locations.
Goodsprings Ghost Town and the Pioneer Saloon
Just 45 minutes from the Strip, the Pioneer Saloonis the oldest bar in Southern Nevada and is swathed in folklore. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour around the town before settling down at the Pioneer Saloon, where you can grab a burger (and maybe catch a ghostly apparition).
The Overland Hotel & Saloon (Pioche)
When you think of the Wild West, Pioche may not come to mind, but it should—in the 1870s, the small mining town was the location of so many shootouts, it reported 60% of all murders in the state. Today, the Overland Hotel & Saloon is the location of several themed suites, including a few rumored to be haunted—rooms 8, 10 and 15 have been the sites of several unexplained events. For more hauntings in Pioche, be sure to visit the Boot Hill Cemetery.
Rhyolite Ghost Town
While Rhyolite isn’t known for being haunted, it may well be the most insta-worthy ghost town on the list. Don’t miss the Goldwell Open Air Museum in Beatty, an eight-acre sculpture park.
Clown Motel (Tonopah)
Few images conjure fear like a remote desert motel filled with creepy clown figurines. Add a well-known haunting on the property and an actual cemetery next door, and you have all the elements of a truly chilling evening.
The Mizpah Hotel (Tonopah)
Renovated in recent years, the Old West style remains in this pioneer hotel—as does the Lady in Red, the Mizpah Hotel’s resident ghostly dweller.
Make a trip out of it
For a fun and possibly ghoulish getaway, start your weekend at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park for a glimpse of Nevada’s past. The Central Nevada Museum is a great stop nearby. From there, settle in for the evening at the Mizpah Hotel to see the Lady in Red and for a chance to write about your sightings in the guest journal, which catalogues experiences with the spirits. Spend the next morning at the Crescent Sand Dunes or one of many nearby hikes and spend your evening at the Stargazing Park before settling in at the Clown Motel.
Outdoor adventures
Surrounded by world-class national parks, Southern Nevadans are spoiled with our outdoor recreation options. While we trust you’re familiar with the big names, here are a few state parks off the beaten path that you have to see to believe.
Cathedral Gorge (Caliente/Pioche)
The stunning views and experience of Cathedral Gorge State Park can only be found in Nevada. Thousands of years of geological activity have left the area with a labyrinth of seemingly never-ending slot canyons. Put this trip on your bucket list—there’s nothing quite like it.
Kershaw-Ryan (Caliente)
This lush, forest-like canyon offers beautiful and easy hikes. It’s also a great area to take kids.
Beaver Dam (Caliente)
For a true getaway, Beaver Dam is one of the Silver State’s most remote and quiet spots. With canyons, streams, waterfalls, forests and incredible trout fishing, this state park is a hidden gem.
Family fun
Techatticup Mine (Nelson)
Located in the scenic Eldorado Canyon, the Techatticup Mine is Southern Nevada’s oldest gold mine. It’s as picturesque as it is a fascinating glimpse into some of Nevada’s earliest mining days.
Black Canyon Water Trail/Colorado River (access via Boulder City)
There are several guided tours for this 30-mile stretch of the Colorado River, as well as the option for solo exploration. Bring or rent a kayak and hit the water. Along the way you’ll find beautiful beaches, pristine caves, hot springs, wildlife and more.
Make a trip out of it
Head to Boulder City for a river trip down the Colorado, accessed via the Lake Mead Recreational Area. After, check into the Boulder Dam Hotel, a beautiful, classic hotel with some ghost stories of its own. The next day, hit the Techatticup Mine Tour or head out to Laughlin for more watersports. Be sure to stop at Chilly Jilly’z on your way out of Boulder City for one of the best Dole whips you’ve ever had.
