Nelson Ghost Town & Eldorado Canyon

Rusted trucks, weathered wood, and dramatic canyon walls, a real Nevada mining town frozen in time.

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A real mining town, restored and still standing

Nelson sits inside Eldorado Canyon, one of the oldest and most productive gold and silver mining districts in Nevada. Owners Tony and Bobbie Werly have spent years restoring the roughly 50-acre site, which today includes weathered cabins, rusted trucks and equipment, a small museum, and a gift shop, all set against dramatic red canyon walls.

Wander the town, tour the mine, or grab your camera

Most visitors spend an hour or two wandering the ghost town on foot, and it’s an easy add-on to a guided tour of the historic Techatticup Mine next door, which includes an underground walk through one of Southern Nevada’s most famous gold mines. It’s genuinely one of the most photogenic spots near Las Vegas, so plan on bringing a real camera, not just your phone, if you love this kind of shot.

The desert heat finally backs off

Nelson is exposed desert with very little shade, so fall is genuinely one of the best times to go once daytime temperatures cool down from summer’s triple digits. It also makes a great stop on the way toward the Colorado River near the mine, since the canyon drive is far more pleasant when it isn’t scorching outside.

Getting there and what to know

Nelson and Eldorado Canyon are about 45 minutes south of the Strip, off US-95 and Nevada Route 165. The ghost town sits on private land, and access for photos and walking around comes with a fee set by the property owners, so check the current site before you go rather than assuming a price. If you want to go underground, Techatticup Mine tours run on a set schedule and require a reservation, so book ahead. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water since there’s very little shade, and dress warmer than you’d expect if you’re doing the mine tour, since it stays cool underground year-round.

Book Your Visit

Skip the guesswork and book a guided trip out to Nelson and the mine.

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