Historic Shoshone California Last Stop Before Death Valley

Shoshone, California, is a small desert town near the southern entrance of Death Valley National Park. Located along Highway 178, Shoshone was originally named Metberry Spring. In 1909, the area was renamed Shoshone and used as a station stop on the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad.

For many travelers, Shoshone is not much more than a pit stop on their way to Death Valley. However, the little town of Shoshone, California, has quite a bit to offer, and it is well worth spending an hour or two checking out what the city has to offer.

Crowbar Cafe and Saloon

Located next to the museum is the Crowbar Cafe. This little diner serves us some delicious food. Everything on the menu is good! If you will spend some time in Death Valley National Park, this is your last chance to enjoy a good meal for a fair price until your return trip.

On Weekends, the Crowbar is frequented by bikers, California tourists, and day-trippers from Las Vegas. Once a year, the town celebrates Old West Days with country music, period costumes, and lots of tasty BBQs. Crowbar Saloon T-shirts can be purchased across the street at the general store.

Shoshone Museum

For history buffs, the Shoshone Museum is a must-see. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and photographs about the region’s past in a former gas station.

One of the most exciting displays at the Shoshone Museum is the skeletal remains of a prehistoric Mammoth found in the nearby hills. Outside the museum is an impressive collection of mining artifacts.

Charles Brown General Store

The Shoshone general store is where you can stock up on drinks, snacks, and just about any item you forgot when packing for your trip. Adjacent to the store is the Shoshone Post Office.  The PO has clean public restrooms. The general store also serves as a gas station if you want to top off your tank.

Dublin Gulch Miners Caves

Only a short drive or walk from Highway 178 in Shoshone is a ghost town that looks like no other. Miners dug Dublin Gulch cave homes to escape the extreme desert weather. Up until the early 1970s, the dugout homes were still occupied.

Staying in Shoshone

Shoshone, California, has a campground with 25 RV park spots and an area for tent campers. All guests have access to a natural warm spring pool.

Hiking and Exploring

Several hiking trails run to the nearby Amargosa River. This area is one of the few places where the river runs above the ground. 4X4 enthusiasts can drive miles of trails and discover numerous abandoned mining camps.

Where is Shoshone, California

Shoshone is 80 miles from Las Vegas, fifty-three miles from Baker, California, and 230 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

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