Elko Convention and Visitors Authority, Elko Nevada

HISTORICAL TOURS /
GHOST TOWN ADVENTURES

California Trail

Lured by the promise of easy riches and fertile land, this historic emigrant trail was traversed by over 200,000 people migrating to California between 1840 and 1870. The trail winds through Elko County with significant sites high-lighted by historical markers. Wagon ruts can still be seen across parts of the trail. Guide books available at Northeastern Nevada Museum in Elko.

Distance from Elko: 8 miles (12.9 km)
Road Conditions: Paved/dirt road
Services Along Route: All services available in Elko
Map: View Map

Metropolis Ghost Town

Built in 1911 as a farming promotional scheme by New York-based Pacific Reclamation Company, the town died after losing a fight over water rights in the 1920's. You can still explore the crumbling remains of the local school, hotel and a few home foundations.

Distance from Elko: 64 miles (103 km)
Road Conditions: Paved/dirt road
Services Along Route: All services available in Wells
Map: View Map

Tuscarora

Peaking during the silver rush of the 1880's Tuscarora once boasted of the highest population in Elko County. A living ghost town, Tuscarora is now a ranching community and home to several world-renowned artists (including potter Dennis Parks, who operates the famous Tuscarora Pottery School) who are thriving in this solitary area. Tours are available of the pottery school and studio. The historic cemetery is a must see for ghost town enthusiasts.

Distance from Elko: 44 miles (87 km)
Road Conditions: Paved/gravel road
Services Along Route: None available in Tuscarora / limited along State Route 225
Map: View Map

Spruce Mountain Mining District

Existing routes connect 135 year old mining roads winding through five ghost towns and past several historic mines. Accessible by turning east of US Highway 93 approximately 37 miles south of Wells. Please remember collection or removal of any historic and prehistoric relics is prohibited by law.

Distance from Elko: 87 miles (145.3 km)
Road Conditions: Paved/gravel road
Services Along Route: All services available in Wells
Map: View Map

Old Town Wells

In 1869 the Central Pacific Railroad founded the town at Humboldt Wells on the California Trail. The cow town connected Spruce Mountain and White Pine County mines to the railhead.

Distance from Elko: 53 miles (88.5 km)
Road Conditions: Paved
Services Along Route: All services available in Wells
Map: View Map

Mountain City, Gold Creek and Tinto

As a booming mining town at the turn of the century. Mountain City was once home to a couple thousand gold, silver and copper mines. Now a small ranching community bordering the Owyhee Reservation, Mountain City provides interesting opportunities to explore mining history.

Distance from Elko: 65 miles (104.7 km)
Road Conditions: Paved/dirt road
Services Along Route: All services available in Mountain City
Map: View Map

Pony Express, Donner Trail

Located at the south end of the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a portion of the Pony Express Overland Mail Service Trail. Three miles past the original site of Fort Ruby is an overlook where visitors can experience the barren solitude that riders faced on their desolate and dangerous journey. The Donner-Reed Party crossed Overland pass to head north and rejoin the main California Trail.

Distance from Elko: 65 miles (104.7 km)
Road Conditions: Paved/dirt road
Services Along Route: None available
Map: View Map

HISTORICAL TOURS /GHOST TOWN ADVENTURES