One of the greatest things about Nevada is the plethora of small towns to be explored. It seems that each town has something different about it, a unique history, and endless opportunities for exploring. The quaint town of Wells is the perfect example of this. At first glance, this may just look like any other small Nevada town. However, if you look a little closer you’ll find that this town is full of exciting prospects. Wells basically acts as a gateway to some of Nevada’s greatest natural areas. Everybody should experience this heavenly town and its incredible surroundings at some point.
Located at the intersection of Interstate 80 and U.S Route 93, hundreds drive through Wells every day without actually seeing what this small town has to offer.
The historic town is full of unique charm. Although many of its buildings were damaged in the 2008 earthquake, visitors can still get a sense of the town's incredible history by visiting places like The ‘49ers Interpretive Center. The small community hosts a variety of events as well, including an annual car show, fiddler contests, fishing derbies, and rodeos.
Most notably, the town acts as a jumping off point for some of Nevada's greatest outdoor adventures.
The first thing you'll notice about Wells is the utterly beautiful surroundings. The stunning Ruby Mountains act as a backdrop to the small town. These mountains are also the location of many recreational opportunities, featuring some of the most amazing natural areas that Nevada has to offer.
Just a few minutes from downtown Wells is the hidden gem known as 12 Mile Hot Spring.
Also known as Bishop Creek Hot Spring, this remote pool is the perfect place for a soak. The hot spring is pretty shallow, but is relatively large since it's around 40 feet long. The steamy water is kept at a comfortable 102 degrees. This is an awesome place to relax and take in the stunning canyon views surrounding the hot spring.
A stop at the nearby ghost town of Metropolis is absolutely necessary when you visit.
Metropolis is one of Nevada's eeriest abandoned towns. Located northwest of Wells, this place was once home to around 700 people in the early twentieth century. It even contained a post office, a school, a train depot, and a hotel. The town was eventually abandoned due to a number of reasons, including low rainfall and discontinued railroad service. By the 1950s, Metropolis was officially a ghost town. Today, you can view the creepy remnants of the cemetery and a few original buildings.
Looking for some idyllic isolation? A quick trip to Angel Lake is a must. This hidden gem of a lake is an oasis in the East Humboldt Mountain Range.
The scenic drive to the lake is almost as stunning as the lake itself. You'll find Angel Lake by following Highway 231 outside of Wells for approximately 11 miles. The lake sits at an elevation of around 8,500 feet, ensuring cool days even during the height of summer. The recreation area includes 26 campground sites and 11 picnic areas. Whether you're camping for the weekend or just hanging out for a few hours, you'll be glad you made the trip to this stunning area.
Wells sits at the bottom of one of the most incredible peaks in Nevada—Spruce Mountain.
The mountain is covered in the remnants of old mining camps. As you hike up the mountain, you'll come across log cabins, ore cars, old water systems, rusty equipment, and so much more. It's truly an amazing sight that any history enthusiast will go crazy over. You'll find these extraordinary mining sites off of Highway 93, around 38 miles south of Wells. The trail up the mountain can be accessed by foot, mountain bike, or ATV.
As you wrap up your time in Wells, consider taking a drive through Elko County's incredibly beautiful Clover Valley.
The drive follows a paved highway called Nevada 232 and boasts breathtaking views of the 37-mile long Clover Valley. The lush green valley is surrounded by both small foothills and the looming Humboldt Mountains. During the spring months, the valley looks absolutely picturesque all covered in wildflowers and vibrant green grass.
What’s your favorite thing to do around Wells? Exploring Nevada’s smaller communities can be a real treat. Check out these 10 Underrated Towns In Nevada for more amazing trip ideas.
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