Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Traveling Tuesdays: The Lure of Tonopah Nevada

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!


The town of Tonopah is regarded as the halfway point by seasoned Nevada travelers. It’s an interesting area to visit because so much of the historical sites. You’ll see the Mizpah Hotel and if you travel out of town a ways, you’ll see parts of the Mizpah Mine. 

 
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.
Old Nye County Courthouse

New Nye County Courthouse



In, out, and through town.






What local areas do you like to explore in your state or province?


22 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great little spot for a day trip. Being from the east, I've only heard of Reno and Vegas :)

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  2. What a cool looking place! I've always wanted to visit Nevada. It has a very sparse beauty about it.

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  3. Looks like a very interesting little town! I would love to visit one day!

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  4. Sounds like a neat trip. I have always wanted to visit a ghost town...or two.

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  5. This is a road trip I would like to take. I have always wanted to visit Nevada. Catherine S

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  6. It 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.

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  7. Seems like a nice drive! I like to go to the beach near me. Lots of reflecting at the shore.

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  8. We 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!

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  9. I 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!

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  10. This 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

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  11. I 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.

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  12. That 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.

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  13. I would love to rent a car and drive around Nevada. There are so many places I that would make great road trip destinations.

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  14. Nevada 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!

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    1. I hope you get to drive over soon. History, happenings, and happiness are part of every area.

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  15. I've never been to Nevada, but this looks like a nice area to visit.

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    1. Thanks for dropping by, Kate. There's something for everyone in Nevada.

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  16. I have never ventured past Las Vegas sadly, I really have to get with it and visit stuff besides the Casinos! LOL

    Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly

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  17. 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.

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  18. Looks like a town right out of the movie, Cars. I love the beautiful mountains in the background

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  19. This looks like a fun place to visit. I love Nevada. It is so gorgeous!

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