Gold Point Nevada Ghost Town Day Trip

Gold Point, Nevada, has gone from a bustling mining town to just a few residents. If you love visiting a deserted location free from the constraints of the urban sprawl, then the old ghost town of Gold Point, Nevada, is the spot for you.

Ranchers and miners first settled the town during the 1880s, but it wasn’t until gold was discovered by miner J.W. Dunfee in the 1920s that the city would thrive and be aptly renamed Gold Point.

Once, Two thousand people thronged the streets, providing the usual saloons, hotels, and stores. Over $ 1’000’000 in gold and silver was extracted from the mines.

Today the population is only about a dozen folks. Still, it does reach as high as 400 for special events, such as the annual Chili Cook-Off held every Memorial Day Weekend or the annual Day after Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner. Gold Point’s residents are dedicated to sharing the rich history and genuinely welcome visitors as a guest to their Nevada Ghost Town.

The town’s tourism revenue goes toward the Nevada landmark’s restoration and preservation. The city has an authentic ghost town feel, with about 50 buildings standing from its previous life.

Things to Do and See

The post office serves as a museum and is open on weekends, while the mercantile store is the local gift shop, offering gifts and hats as well as local history books to take a piece of your visit home with you.

Gold Point visitors can also take a self-guided tour around the town or venture out to explore old mining camps, and hundreds of mines are all within a short drive.

Everyone in Gold Point treats you as a guest, and the locals offer an excellent itinerary. That usually starts with a Gold Point Museum tour, a storytelling session, and a history lesson by Sheriff Stone.

If you crave local knowledge, they provide access to hundreds of books and articles about mining and history, including over 8,000 pictures of ghost towns and mining camps.

Gold Point Nevada Saloon

Evenings at Gold Point are reserved for a round of table shuffleboard or pool on a 1909 Brunswick pool table in the local saloon. If you are staying in one of the miner’s cabins, a family-style sit-down dinner is included in the evening.

Staying at Overnight

Gold Point offers rustic accommodations within cabin-style lodging. Though simple, they provide the necessities after a tiring day of exploring.

Each cabin has an antique TV, but stations are limited due to the remote location. Trust me; you will be too busy to miss television. The rooms offer free Wi-Fi Internet for your laptop. Also, you will leave with a full belly as they are plenty of food.

RV travelers can be accommodated year-round, including several sites with electric hookups. Always call ahead for reservations, as spaces are limited. 775-482-4653

Getting to Gold Point Nevada

Gold Point Nevada Ghost Town is about one hour from Tonopah, Nevada.

Gold Point is about a four-hour drive from Las Vegas. Drive North on US 95 for approximately 165 miles (15 miles past Scotty’s Junction). Turn Left (west) by the Cottontail Ranch onto 266. Go about 7½ miles and turn left on 774—just eight more miles to Gold Point.

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