Tonopah, Nevada |
The drive on US Hwy 95 between Fernley and Las Vegas, Nevada
is just over 400 miles. It is mostly 2-lane highway over mountains and through
the desert. Twists, turns, and climbing are nearly as common as the flat straightaway!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyoM7qAY-iIh-3LqfDPfMeBoq27GDUCZVfOKXhLCBg3xdBcNZRW7giO1wAgTEUaHRu6u9xJ-QV8VfHPpFHoMxQVOL1P-Zj3wIFp5fH4_45d9FNL4R6NZd7PrV36tBXnfLKFvKLdYoCW0/s200/800px-MizpahMine.jpg)
About seven miles west of Tonopah is the ghost town of
Metallic City. Sometimes called Pickhandle Gulch, it hosted the nefarious
activities common around Nevada’s mining towns. Less than a mile away is the
ghost town of Candelaria, a bustling town in the 1880s with 2 hotels, 10
saloons, and 6 stores! There were three each of lawyers and doctors to serve
the public.
The face of Tonopah continues to change based on the economy
and remote location between Reno and Las Vegas. The enticement of riches beyond
belief from silver and gold ended decades ago. The wide open lands and legacy
of Nevada’s history continue to draw tourists.
Ultimately, many areas focus on tourism as the way to recovery and prosperity.
The town also caters to the familiar faces that pass
through several times a year while traveling from one end of the state to the
other.
The 211 miles between Las Vegas and Tonopah makes it a nice day trip to
reflect on the thousands of people who responded to the cry of “Gold” and “Silver”
in Nevada.
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Old Nye County Courthouse |
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New Nye County Courthouse |
In, out, and through town.
What local areas do you like to explore in your state or province?
Sounds like a great little spot for a day trip. Being from the east, I've only heard of Reno and Vegas :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool looking place! I've always wanted to visit Nevada. It has a very sparse beauty about it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a very interesting little town! I would love to visit one day!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a neat trip. I have always wanted to visit a ghost town...or two.
ReplyDeleteThis is a road trip I would like to take. I have always wanted to visit Nevada. Catherine S
ReplyDeleteIt would be so nice to visit! I'm not used to towns like Tonopah and I haven't been able to explore very much on my trips out west.
ReplyDeleteSeems like a nice drive! I like to go to the beach near me. Lots of reflecting at the shore.
ReplyDeleteWe often forget that there's so many places within driving distance with their own distinct stories to tell! We need to get out exploring more often!
ReplyDeleteI love these obscure little towns you have explored (the citizens of Tonopah would love that description I'm sure). Though I've traveled through Nevada I have not come across Tonopah. It looks like a surprise set out in the middle of nowhere!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a nice spot to check out! I used to go to little towns with my grandparents for afternoon drives, it was so much fun. This reminds me of those times! - Jeanine
ReplyDeleteI am born and raised here in Nevada and have yet to actually travel to the Northern part of the state. I really need to make it a point to visit these areas soon.
ReplyDeleteThat isn't too far from me, but I've never been there. I'd get a kick out of seeing the Ghost Town, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI would love to rent a car and drive around Nevada. There are so many places I that would make great road trip destinations.
ReplyDeleteNevada is such a beautiful state! I remember driving through it when I was a teen. I'd definitely love to explore it a little more now!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to drive over soon. History, happenings, and happiness are part of every area.
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DeleteI've never been to Nevada, but this looks like a nice area to visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, Kate. There's something for everyone in Nevada.
DeleteI have never ventured past Las Vegas sadly, I really have to get with it and visit stuff besides the Casinos! LOL
ReplyDeleteTracy @ Ascending Butterfly
I would love to travel and see all of these amazing places. I love the little hidden away towns that are like hidden gems. I have only been to las vegas while in nevada.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a town right out of the movie, Cars. I love the beautiful mountains in the background
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fun place to visit. I love Nevada. It is so gorgeous!
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