Wooden saloons leaning against the wind. Rusted wagons sinking into the sand. Streets once alive with gold rush fever now stand in eerie silence. Nevada’s ghost towns aren’t just abandoned—they’re frozen moments in time. Every cracked board and broken window tells a story of fortune, grit, and dreams left behind. It feels as if the past never truly left, just waiting for you to walk in and listen. September is the perfect month to roam these forgotten places. The desert air cools, the skies stretch endless, and the dust beneath your boots carries whispers of those who came before. These 10 ghost towns are more than ruins. They’re haunting, beautiful reminders of Nevada’s wild spirit—proof that history doesn’t disappear, it lingers in the dust, waiting for the curious to find it.
Rhyolite
Once a bustling gold rush town, Rhyolite now stands abandoned, its skeletal remains telling tales of boom and bust. Picture crumbling buildings framed against the barren desert, where whispers of the past linger in the dry wind.
Founded in 1905, Rhyolite grew rapidly before collapsing just as swiftly. Ornate banks and grand hotels became mere shadows, echoing the dreams of prosperity. Visitors to this ghost town often find themselves pondering the ephemeral nature of fortune.
Did you know? Rhyolite even had its own stock exchange and opera house, signs of its once grand ambitions.
Goldfield
In the early 1900s, Goldfield was the largest city in Nevada, its mines producing over $86 million in gold. Today, it’s a ghost town where the echoes of wealth still linger.
Walking through Goldfield, one can almost hear the clatter of gold coins and bustling streets, now silenced by time. Its residents left behind stately buildings that defy the harsh desert climate.
Fun fact: Goldfield was once home to the legendary Wyatt Earp, adding a touch of Wild West glamour to its rich history.
Belmont
Belmont, nestled in the remote Nevada hills, offers a glimpse into the Silver State’s mining past. Established in 1865, it quickly became a silver boomtown before declining in the late 1880s.
The town’s stone courthouse and brick kilns still stand, reminiscent of a time when hope and toil were abundant. Visitors are drawn to Belmont’s serene beauty and historical significance.
A quirky detail: Belmont was once chosen as the Nye County seat due to its growing importance, a title it held until 1905 when Tonopah took over.
Berlin
Berlin, not just a ghost town but also a state park, preserves Nevada’s mining era with its well-maintained structures. Founded in 1897, it never boomed like others but offers a more intimate historical experience.
The town’s preserved buildings, including a 30-stamp mill, paint a vivid picture of life during its heyday. Berlin also offers a unique attraction: the nearby Ichthyosaur State Park, where prehistoric fossils add a different layer of intrigue.
Berlin’s quiet, forgotten aura invites exploration, allowing history enthusiasts to step back in time with ease.
Aurora
Aurora, once a vibrant mining town, now fades into the Nevada landscape as a collection of ruins. Founded in 1860, it straddled the Nevada-California border, leading to jurisdictional disputes.
The town’s decline was as dramatic as its rise, leaving behind remnants of its once bustling streets and wooden structures. These ruins echo stories of adventure and conflict in the Wild West.
Interesting fact: Mark Twain once roamed the streets of Aurora as a reporter, capturing tales that enriched his literary career.
Pioche
Pioche, with its notorious lawlessness, was once one of Nevada’s roughest towns. In the early 1870s, more men were killed in gunfights than by disease. This ghost town’s colorful past is etched into its surviving buildings.
Visitors to Pioche can explore the old courthouse and mining relics scattered across the landscape. Tales of outlaws and vigilante justice give the town a distinct edge that history buffs find irresistible.
Did you know? Pioche was so lawless that its cemeteries quickly filled, outnumbering the living in certain years.
Virginia City
Virginia City, though not completely abandoned, retains the charm of a ghost town with its preserved 19th-century architecture. Once a booming mining town, it was home to the famous Comstock Lode.
Strolling through Virginia City, visitors can admire the historic buildings and wooden boardwalks. The aura of the Gold Rush era is palpable, offering a window into a time of opportunity and adventure.
A noteworthy feature: Virginia City’s historical significance has earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its legacy for future generations.
Metropolis
Metropolis, an ambitious agricultural venture, now lies abandoned near Wells, Nevada. Founded in 1910, it was envisioned as a farming utopia. However, water shortages and legal battles led to its downfall by the 1920s.
Today, Metropolis is marked by the remains of its grand hotel and scattered structures, whispering dreams of what could have been. The fields that once promised prosperity now stand as silent witnesses.
Fun fact: Metropolis was built by the Pacific Reclamation Company, a bold experiment in irrigation that ultimately succumbed to nature’s whims.
Tuscarora
Hidden in the remote Nevada wilderness, Tuscarora offers a peaceful retreat into history. Founded in the 1860s, this town experienced brief prosperity during the silver boom. Today, artists and historians find inspiration among its rustic cabins and scenic vistas.
The town’s charm lies in its tranquil setting and the whispers of past endeavors that linger in the air. Tuscarora’s remote location adds to its allure, making it a haven for those seeking solitude.
Did you know? Tuscarora still hosts an annual pottery workshop, attracting artists from across the nation.
Candelaria
Candelaria, once a thriving mining town, now stands in ruins, its history etched in the desert sands. Established in 1865, the town’s fortunes rose with the discovery of silver, only to wane as resources dwindled.
The skeletal remains of buildings and scattered mining equipment tell stories of past glories and hard labor. Candelaria’s desolate beauty captivates those who wander its forgotten paths.
A unique tidbit: Candelaria’s inhospitable environment led to water being transported by mule, a testament to the town’s challenging living conditions.