Visit Nelson Ghost Town, It Will Make Your Las Vegas Trip More Interesting
If you are visiting Las Vegas you are most likely thinking casinos, resorts, glamor and entertainment. Probably the last thing in your mind is visiting a Ghost Town. There are plenty of attractions within Vegas to keep you entertained, but none can compare to visiting El Dorado Canyon’s Nelson Ghost Town.
This quirky attraction is just about 45 minutes from the Las Vegas strip and its a popular, but desolate, tourist destination that attracts many photographers, adventurers, and music video directors. If you are planning a trip to the Hoover Dam, your should definitely add this attraction to your itinerary.
About Nelson Ghost Town
Once the richest and most famous gold mine in Southern Nevada, the Techatticup Mine sits in the scenic El Dorada Canyon, located in the township of Nelson. Up to this day the Tachatticup Miill still remains a popular site. If you continue through the ghost town it will take you on to the Colorado River and another popular destination called Nelson’s Landing.
Now referred to as Nelson, this area was originally named El Dorado in 1775 by Spaniards, whom originally discovered gold in this region. Fast forward a century to the 1880’s, the mass immigration of prospectors and miners flooded the area. The already established mine caused many disputes over ownership, management and labor due to everyone wanting a piece of the gold rush. These disagreements turned this area into the true Wild West.
This tumultuous period was known for its debaucherous rough-and-tough township where shootouts and murders were common. What makes it impressive is while this lawlessness was happening, the mine continued to produce millions of dollars in gold, silver, copper and lead.
Visiting Nelson Ghost Town
Nelson Ghost Town is located south from Las Vegas Strip. Take Highway 215 East toward Boulder City, and then merge onto I-11. Take the exit at U.S.-95 and drive past the dry lake bed on the right side, which is also another popular spot to camp out and take photos. Shortly after passing the lake, you will see an exit for Nelson on the left side.
This will put you on NV-165 East, which will take you to the town of Nelson, but keep going past this little town. The ghost town will come up shortly afterwards.
As you arrive into the ghost town, park on the right side across from the main building. The main building has a section of cold drinks at reasonable prices, but no food so plan available, so plan ahead, especially if you are going to do a long photoshoot. The gas station there is not operational, therefore be sure to have a full tank before leaving Las Vegas. Please remember, there are residence in this property, so be mindful and DO NOT ENTER every building.
Nelson Ghost Town Hours and Fees
Hours:
- Open Daily from 8 AM – 6 PM
I DO NOT recommend arriving before or after hours, since it is strictly prohibited. The owners live on the property, and according to them, the property has been vandalized a few times. Remember THIS IS NOT PUBLIC LAND, BUT A PRIVATE PROPERTY. Please be respectful.
If you do arrive before 6 PM, you’re typically welcome to stay until sunset, but they ask that everyone be off the property by dark. You might want to talk to the owners if you want to come outside of normal hours.
Regardless of what you are doing, always stop by the store first to sign their waiver and get a better idea of what is allowed and not allowed on the property. Plus, there are many interesting and fun items to see and purchase inside.
FEES:
- $2 per person to walk around and hang out
- $10-20/hour to take photos depending on whether it’s just for yourself or professional
When checking in, be straight forward and explain what you plan on doing, so they can apply the correct fee.
Additionally, you can also rent out their BBQ pit area, for your special event, such as a wedding or graduation celebration. There is a little chapel built towards the back. Contact the owners for pricing.
Nelson Ghost Town is an Amazing Spot for Photoshoots
Photographers of all kinds and skills are drawn to this area for many reasons. You should probably know that several movies, television shows and magazine shoots have occurred at Nelson. National Geographic filmed “Brain Games”, “Eye of the Beholder”, “Breakdown” and “Fallout: New Las Vegas” were also filmed there. You can also see some movie props that are still there. The airplane used in the iconic scene from 3,000 Miles to Graceland that sits like it plunged into the dirt.
Walk around, take the camera out and just have fun. I have never done a photoshoot, but this place definitely brought out the content creator in me. If you pay the extra fee, you can also go inside the gas station, the barn and few other places. It is absolutely worth it.
Pay attention to brief you get at the desk and signs. The places where you can enter and prohibited areas are explained and clearly marked. Also, watch your steps. There are cacti, rattlesnakes and other things and you could put you in a very dangerous situation.
Final Thoughts
This place is full of fun whether you are a professional or amateur photographer. The props are endless. The Wild West feel to this place can bring out the creative in your. Bring plenty of different attire so you can change throughout your photoshoot. I spent about two hours and I felt like it wasn’t enough time. I had to leave cause I brought a half charged camera and it died on me. I still have not invested in an extra battery.
Would you go out of your way to do a photoshoot? Leave comments and questions below and I will answer them as soon as possible.
