Nelson Ghost Town — Attraction in Boulder City

You know when you search for one thing on the internet, you find something else that catches your interest. When you click on that site, you then find something else that grabs your attention...and so on with the bottomless pit of internet searches. That pretty much sums up how I found this place. Needless to say, this is one of those few times in life where I can appreciate being glued to the phone (internet) for a while. I called the business to ask if I can reserve a few slots for the special tour that they do (their website specifies that reserving a slot prior to arrival is required; though it felt like you could do a walk-in but will be subject to limited availability). Also, keep in mind that they require at least four people in the group (not necessarily in your group) to have a tour. So, if you only have 2 people in your group, go grab a neighbor, friend, tourist, or just hope that someone signs on, to achieve that minimum of four people concept.

My family and I visited this Ghost Town on 25 May 2024. When you leave the Las Vegas/Henderson area on Southbound US-95, it is such a beautiful drive; it also helps that the roads are in great condition. As you approach the NV-165 turnoff, you're hit with a bit of skepticism because it doesn't appear there's anything on this road or beyond the hills that you see. However, you trust your GPS because it's always right (isn't it?). Driving on 165 was fun; it has a bunch of windy and up and down roads. You definitely have to watch out for those reckless drivers because it's only a 2-lane road (and watch out for your passengers with extreme motion sickness). Plus, a lot of folks are driving to and from the end of this road because there's an area to swim in the Colorado River and hang out (go check out this area after the Ghost Town). There's also a sign that instructs drivers to turn their headlights on while on this road - I highly recommend you do this for added safety.

Upon arrival, you're met with ample parking around the main building/office and mostly across the street. The parking areas are unpaved so if you're wanting to keep your car tires pristine, then I suggest you bring another vehicle...otherwise, deal with it because the visit is worth it. We checked in and paid at the front office prior to our 2 pm tour start time. The prices for the tour is based on age, with no discounts offered (current as of 25 May 2024) - details below:

$20 adults (13+) $12.50 (5-12) Free (under 5)

I expected this place to be filled with tourists, but funny enough, the folks in my group consisted mostly of locals. I won't go through and explain every detail of the tour and Ghost Town because you just need to see it for yourself. Please note, if you're claustrophobic, you may want to reconsider the mining tour...but I assure you, if you can get yourself to do it, you won't regret it. I've attached several pictures to this review in hopes to entice you to visit and not for the sole purpose of ruining the surprise. Believe me, there's a lot to see in this Town. Overall, I highly recommend this business to all locals...

Nelson Ghost Town—also known as the old mining camp of Eldorado Canyon—is a fascinating slice of Nevada’s gold‑rush past, located about an hour southeast of Las Vegas along Highway 165 .

🏜️ History & Atmosphere

Origins & boom: Spanish explorers dubbed the area “Eldorado” in the late 1700s. Later, in the 1850s–60s, American prospectors discovered rich veins of gold, silver, copper, and lead, sparking a frenzy around the Techatticup Mine and other claims .

Outlaws & violence: With the nearest lawman nearly 200 miles away, the canyon became notorious for vigilante justice. Shootings and murders became disturbingly routine over ownership and labor disputes .

Decline & ghost town: Mining activity waned by the early 1940s, and flash floods repeatedly damaged area infrastructure—especially the landing on the Colorado River—leading to widespread abandonment by mid‑20th century .

Revival: In 1994, Tony and Bobbie Werly purchased and began restoring around 50 acres, including the town, mine shafts, cabins, and general store. Today, it's a working ghost‑town museum and mine‑tour site .

What to See & Do

Mine tours: Guided walks into the Techatticup Mine are available daily (morning, noon and mid‑afternoon), typically priced around $15–20 .

Rustic charm: Wander through weathered cabins, vintage trucks, old gas pumps, barns, a chapel, and even a nose‑down airplane—all perfect for striking photos . Photography permits cost about $10–20 per hour .

General Store & relics: The store doubles as a museum filled with dusty memorabilia and also serves as the checkpoint for mine entry and photoshoot permits .

Special events: Popular for themed photo shoots, film locations, and even Wild West–style weddings in the chapel .

🛣️ How to Get There & Tips

Tip Notes

Directions Drive southeast on US‑95, turn onto Highway 165 south of the dry lake, then a few miles up into the canyon . Admission No general entry fee; photography and guided mine tours are ticketed . Essentials Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and maybe a spare tire—cell coverage is patchy . Best time to visit Weekdays are quieter, offering optimal light and fewer crowds—ideal for photography . Final Take

Nelson Ghost Town is an evocative blend of western frontier history and photogenic decay, ideal for history buffs, photographers, and anyone seeking an off‑beat experience near Las Vegas. From abandoned cabins and vintage signage to real mine tunnels and western drama, it's a remarkably preserved slice of the Wild West—now accessible, interpretable, and...

Visiting El Dorado Canyon Ghost Town in Nelson, Nevada, is like stepping back into a fascinating chapter of American history. Nestled about 30 minutes from Boulder City and an hour from the bustling streets of Las Vegas, this hidden gem offers a serene escape into the past. The ghost town, which thrived during the late 1800s gold and silver mining boom, holds the stories of over 2,000 miners and their families who once lived here.

At the heart of El Dorado lies the Techatticup Mine, the largest and most productive mine in the canyon, generating over $30 million in gold and silver. Walking through the town, one can't help but admire the preservation efforts of Tony and Bobbie Werly, who have passionately restored the area, including the mine, a store, and several cabins, bringing history to life for visitors.

The ghost town offers much more than just a history lesson. Guided tours of the Techatticup Mine are an absolute must-do, providing an insightful glimpse into the mining life of yesteryears. For the adventurers, gold panning in the creek adds a hands-on historical experience, while the nearby hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the canyon and a peaceful respite in nature.

Photographers and history buffs will be in their element here, with countless opportunities to capture the essence of time stood still among the abandoned buildings, vintage graffiti, and rustic mining equipment. The ghost town's ambiance, combined with its rich narrative and natural beauty, makes El Dorado Canyon Ghost Town a compelling visit for anyone looking to delve into Nevada's mining heritage or simply seeking an escape from the modern world.

While the town retains its rugged charm with minimal maintenance, visitors should tread carefully and consider joining a guided tour for a safer and more enriching experience. The tours not only provide fascinating insights into the town's history but also include exciting explorations of underground caverns and boat rides, offering a unique adventure in one of Southern Nevada's oldest gold mines.

In summary, El Dorado Canyon Ghost Town is not just a destination but a journey through time, offering a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, outdoor lover, or photographer in search of inspiration, El Dorado promises an unforgettable experience, just a short drive from the lights...