Nevada is best known for its mining history. After the discoveries of silver and gold throughout Nevada, towns continued to evolve. Unfortunately, as soon as the mines closed, residents packed their belongings and moved out of town. These former mining towns are considered “ghost towns.” In several ghost towns, only fragments of original buildings remain standing – giving us a glimpse into Nevada’s past. Some of these ghost towns even give off an eerie vibe. For an up-close look at six of these Nevada ghost towns, follow the directions on this Google Map for this creepy road trip in Nevada!

Google Maps
1. Hamilton - White Pine County
Hamilton, NV, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Mark Hufstetler
We begin this ghost town road trip in Hamilton. In 1868, the town of Hamilton began after the discovery of silver ore in the area. Approximately 25,000 people migrated to the area the moment they learned about the discovery. In 1887, big-scale production ceased and people began moving out of town quickly. All that's remaining in this ghost town are fragments of buildings. Hamilton is located between Eureka and Ely, just off highway 50.
2. Rhyolite - Nye County
Rhyolite, NV 89003, USA
flickr/Gabriel Millos
Our next stop is possibly the most famous ghost town in Nevada: Rhyolite. Rhyolite, founded in 1904, once had a population of more than 10,000. Unfortunately, the "Financial Panic of 1907" caused many businesses to shut down. The mines also eventually shut down, and even the power and light company stopped operating. The residents quickly moved out of town. A few of the remains left standing in Rhyolite include the following: a bottle house, the bank building and fragments from other original buildings. Rhyolite is located about one mile off Nevada State Route 374, approximately four miles west of Beatty.

Related Stories

8 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Nevada Before You Die

8 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Nevada Before You Die

 International Car Forest of the Last Church Is A Unique Road Trip Destination In Nevada That's Affordable

International Car Forest of the Last Church Is A Unique Road Trip Destination In Nevada That's Affordable

 This Nevada Road Trip Takes You From The Peaks Of The Ruby Mountains To A Place For Lovers

This Nevada Road Trip Takes You From The Peaks Of The Ruby Mountains To A Place For Lovers
3. Gold Point - Esmeralda County
Gold Point, NV 89013, USA
Vivaverdi/Wikipedia
We now arrive at Gold Point. This ghost town was called "Hornsilver" because it was a silver mining camp. Unfortunately, Hornsilver wasn't as successful as the founders had hoped it would be. They changed the town's name to "Gold Point" thinking the bad luck would turn around, but it didn't. Because the town's operators were dealing with many different issues and no resolutions were made, people began leaving town. Gold Point was once a town with a population of 2,000. Today, several original and restored buildings are some of the few things left in Gold Point. Gold Point is located about 300 miles south of Reno.
4. Silver City - Lyon County
Silver City, NV 89428, USA
flickr/Jasperdo
We've finally reached Silver City. Silver City isn't a true ghost town just yet, but it's not too far off. It's actually a "living ghost town." Silver City was first settled in 1859. By 1861, the town's population was approximately 1,200. In 1869, upon the completion of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, the town's population was on the decline. When the railroad workers left town, they took their business with them. In 2000, Silver City's population was only 170. Many of the town's original buildings from the late 1800s are still standing today. Silver City is located near the Lyon/Carson border.
5. Unionville - Pershing County
Unionville, NV 89418, USA
flickr/Nicholas D.
Our next stop is Unionville. This ghost town's population was never more than 3,000. Also, the town was only around for ten years. Unionville's best-preserved building is the schoolhouse, which was named Buena Vista. In addition to the schoolhouse, there are a few other original buildings still standing today. Unionville is located south of Mill City.
6. Beowawe - Eureka County
Beowawe, NV 89821, USA
flickr/Don Barrett
Sadly, our ghost town road trip is coming to an end. The last stop before heading back to Hamilton is the oddly-named town of Beowawe. The Central Pacific Railroad was responsible for the formation of Beowawe, which happened in 1868. The majority of the town's first residents were the construction workers who were building the railroad. In 1881, with a population of 60, Beowawe had reached its peak. At this time, the town had a church, store, elementary school, post office and library. Today, only a few buildings are left standing. Beowawe is located five miles south of I-80, on Nevada State Route 306.

What do you think? Does this creepy road trip in Nevada like a road trip you’d be interested in taking? For more hair-raising adventures in the Silver State, be sure to check out this definitive guide to all things creepy in Nevada.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Creepy road trip in Nevada

Sarah | September 07, 2021

How many ghost towns are in Nevada?

If the above road trip through Nevada's most notorious ghost towns got you thinking about Nevada's ghost towns in general, you'll be surprised (and possibly delighted) to learn that the Silver State is home to at least 600 ghost towns. From ruins to abandoned sites to “living ghost towns” with with historic saloons, Nevada's 600-odd ghost towns are truly part of the fabric of the state. In fact, the ghost towns in Nevada outnumber the actual, living, populated towns, making Nevada an unbeatable destination for an epic ghost hunting adventure! (And we happen to think our creepy road trip in Nevada is a great place to start!)

What are some abandoned places in Nevada to visit?

Delamar is an old abandoned mining town in Nevada that makes for a really unique day trip. The story of Delamar isn't widely known, but it's a tale that any ghost town or history enthusiast should know. Delamar experienced its heyday from 1895 to 1900. It was during this time that the town was the primary ore producer of Nevada. The town boasted more than 3,000 residents by 1897! Things were certainly off to a good start... until they weren't. We won't divulge what happened; you'll have to visit for yourself to learn more! And if exploring creepy and desolate destinations is your jam, our Abandoned Places Road Trip journeys to several of the Silver State's most iconic abandoned places, including several ghost towns, mines, and even an old church.

Are there any haunted places in Nevada?

The leap from ghost towns to ghosts is an easy one, and stories certainly swirl around Nevada's numerous abandoned locales. Home to more ghost towns than actual living towns, the Silver State is home to plenty of creepy haunts. Boasting haunted houses, haunted museums, haunted mansions, and abandoned places, you could probably spend a lifetime exploring them all! For all things creepy in Nevada, be sure to bookmark this article: The Definitive Guide To All Things Haunted And Creepy In Nevada. Happy ghost hunting!

Related Articles