Nevada’s expansive deserts and rugged mountains conceal some of the most secluded and intriguing towns in the American West.
Far from the glittering lights of Las Vegas, these hidden gems offer a glimpse into the state’s rich history, natural beauty, and the allure of solitude. Whether you’re a history buff, an avid stargazer, or simply seeking a quiet retreat, exploring these towns will transport you to a different era and pace of life.
Join us as we count down 10 of Nevada’s most secluded towns, each with its own unique charm and story waiting to be discovered.
10. Cherry Creek: Echoes of Nevada’s Silver Boom
Cherry Creek, with an estimated population of just a handful of residents, is a living ghost town that whispers tales of Nevada’s silver mining era.
Visitors can wander through the remnants of historic buildings, including old saloons, a schoolhouse, and mining structures that harken back to the late 19th century. While the town no longer buzzes with miners seeking fortune, it offers a unique opportunity for photography, exploration, and a touch of ghost town allure.
The main industry has shifted from mining to tourism, albeit on a modest scale, attracting those intrigued by history and desolate landscapes. Its seclusion stems from its remote location and the sparse population that keeps Cherry Creek off the beaten path, making it a quiet retreat for those seeking solitude.
Where is Cherry Creek?
Nestled in White Pine County in eastern Nevada, Cherry Creek lies approximately 56 miles north of Ely along US Route 93. Its remote setting amid the Egan Range contributes to its secluded atmosphere, with vast stretches of open land surrounding the tiny town.
Accessing Cherry Creek involves a journey through Nevada’s high desert, with limited amenities along the way, enhancing the sense of stepping back in time. The isolation is part of its charm, offering visitors a peaceful escape far from crowded tourist destinations.
9. Tuscarora: Artistic Enclave Amidst the Sagebrush
Tuscarora is a tiny unincorporated community with an estimated population of fewer than 20 residents, making it a haven for those seeking tranquility and creative inspiration.
Once a booming mining town during the gold rush, it has transformed into an artist’s retreat known for the Tuscarora Pottery School. Visitors can engage with local artists, explore galleries, and perhaps participate in workshops that celebrate the creative spirit thriving in this remote setting.
The absence of major industries today underscores its seclusion, as the town quietly preserves its heritage and fosters an intimate artistic community. Tuscarora’s secluded nature is amplified by its limited population and the vast sagebrush plains that envelop it, providing a serene backdrop for contemplation and creativity.
Where is Tuscarora?
Located in Elko County in northeastern Nevada, Tuscarora sits about 50 miles northwest of the city of Elko. The town is accessible via a combination of highways and unpaved roads, which contributes to its off-the-grid feel.
The remoteness is accentuated by miles of open rangeland and the absence of nearby urban centers, making it a quiet enclave nestled amidst the expansive Great Basin. Travelers venturing to Tuscarora should be prepared for a rustic journey, embracing the solitude and natural beauty that define this secluded locale.
8. Tonopah: Stargazing Capital with a Haunted Past
Tonopah, home to approximately 2,500 residents, is famed for its incredibly clear night skies, earning it the title of one of the best stargazing destinations in the country.
Visitors can marvel at the Milky Way stretching across the sky at the Tonopah Stargazing Park. The town’s rich mining heritage is on display at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, where guests can delve into the silver boom history. The haunted Mizpah Hotel offers a glimpse into the past with tales of ghostly encounters, adding a touch of intrigue for the adventurous.
While mining was once the main industry, today, tourism and renewable energy play significant roles. Tonopah’s remote location between Reno and Las Vegas on US Route 95 contributes to its seclusion, providing a peaceful respite from bustling city life.
Where is Tonopah?
Situated in Nye County, Tonopah is roughly halfway between Reno and Las Vegas, making it a remote outpost in central Nevada. Its isolation is bolstered by the vast deserts that surround it on all sides, with the nearest major cities over three hours away by car.
Access to Tonopah is primarily via US Route 95, which, despite being a major highway, traverses long stretches of open and undeveloped land. This isolation not only reduces light pollution for stargazers but also ensures a quiet environment, accentuating the town’s secluded charm.
7. Eureka: The Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road
With a population of about 600 residents, Eureka is often referred to as the “Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road in America,” a nod to its warm hospitality along Highway 50.
The town boasts beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, such as the Eureka Opera House and the Jackson House Hotel, offering a glimpse into its prosperous mining past. Visitors can explore the Eureka Sentinel Museum, which showcases the town’s rich history. While mining still plays a role, the community has embraced tourism and preservation as key industries.
Eureka’s seclusion is enhanced by its small population and its location along a stretch of highway known for minimal traffic, providing a welcoming yet tranquil atmosphere for travelers.
Where is Eureka?
Located in central Nevada, Eureka sits along US Highway 50, famously dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America” due to its remote and sparsely populated route. The town is approximately 250 miles east of Reno, nestled between mountain ranges that add to its secluded feel.
The drive to Eureka offers expansive views of untouched landscapes, with few towns along the way, reinforcing the sense of isolation. Despite its remoteness, Eureka is accessible by car, and its position on Highway 50 makes it a serene stop for those traversing Nevada’s vast interior.
6. Austin: Alpine Haven on the Loneliest Road
Austin is a small town with an estimated population of around 200 people, perched high in the Toiyabe Range along Highway 50. This alpine enclave offers historic sites like Stokes Castle, a three-story stone tower built in 1897, and numerous old mining structures.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and exploring nearby natural attractions like the Toiyabe Crest Trail. The main industries have shifted from mining to tourism and ranching, reflecting the town’s adaptation to modern times. Austin’s seclusion is defined by its high elevation, rugged surroundings, and distance from major urban centers, making it a peaceful escape for those seeking mountain air and history.
Where is Austin?
Situated in Lander County in central Nevada, Austin lies along US Highway 50, about 170 miles east of Carson City. The town’s remote mountain location contributes to its secluded nature, with steep terrain and limited development in the surrounding areas.
Accessing Austin involves traversing winding roads through the mountains, enhancing the feeling of remoteness. Its position on “The Loneliest Road” means travelers often experience solitude on their journey, with Austin serving as a welcoming haven amid the vastness of Nevada’s interior.
5. Pioche: Wild West Town Clinging to the Cliffs
Pioche, home to approximately 900 residents, is a town steeped in Wild West history perched dramatically on the side of a mountain. Known for its lawless past where more than 70 men died with their boots on before the first natural death occurred, Pioche offers a glimpse into a turbulent era.
Visitors can explore historic sites like the Thompson’s Opera House, the old Pioche Jail, and Boot Hill Cemetery. Mining remains part of the local economy, but tourism centered around its storied past has grown. The town’s unique hillside location and well-preserved buildings make it a fascinating and secluded destination, far removed from the bustle of modern life.
Where is Pioche?
Located in Lincoln County in southeastern Nevada, Pioche is about 180 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The town is accessible via US Route 93 and State Route 321, which wind through scenic desert landscapes and mountainous terrain.
Pioche’s seclusion is amplified by its distance from major highways and cities, nestled among rugged cliffs and open skies. This isolation offers visitors a sense of stepping back into the Old West, where the echoes of history are tangible, and the surroundings are largely untouched.
4. Caliente: Oasis of Rail History and Hot Springs
Caliente, with a population of around 1,100, is a small town known for its beautiful mission-style railroad depot, a nod to its origins as a railroad hub.
The Caliente Railroad Depot now serves as a visitor center and gallery, highlighting local history and art. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby Kershaw-Ryan State Park, boasting lush gardens and natural springs, and soak in one of the area’s hot springs. Once heavily reliant on the railroad industry, Caliente’s economy now includes tourism and agriculture.
Its seclusion comes from being nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, providing a serene environment rich in natural beauty and history.
Where is Caliente?
Caliente is located in Lincoln County in southeastern Nevada, approximately 150 miles north of Las Vegas along US Route 93. The town is situated in a narrow valley, with the surrounding Delamar Mountains contributing to its isolated feel.
Its position off the main interstate routes means fewer visitors pass through, enhancing its tranquility. Access is primarily by car via well-maintained highways, but the journey offers expansive desert vistas and a sense of peaceful seclusion away from urban centers.
3. Goldfield: Living Ghost Town with a Golden Past
Goldfield, with an estimated population of about 250, was once the largest city in Nevada during the gold boom of the early 1900s. T
oday, it stands as a living ghost town, with historic buildings like the Goldfield Hotel and the Esmeralda County Courthouse showcasing its opulent past. Visitors can explore the Goldfield Historic District, attend offbeat events like the annual Goldfield Days, and even take a tour of reputedly haunted sites.
While mining has diminished, small-scale operations and tourism sustain the town. Goldfield’s seclusion is a product of its desert location and the decline in population after the gold rush, leaving a quiet community rich in history and character.
Where is Goldfield?
Situated in Esmeralda County in central Nevada, Goldfield lies along US Route 95, about 186 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The town is surrounded by arid desert landscapes and distant mountain ranges, reinforcing its feeling of isolation.
The drive to Goldfield offers a journey through vast, open spaces with few signs of civilization. Its remote location and preserved historic sites make it an intriguing stop for those interested in Nevada’s mining heritage and the allure of ghost towns.
2. Rachel: Alien Enthusiasts’ Desert Retreat
Rachel is a tiny community with an estimated population of around 50 residents, famously known as the closest habitation to the enigmatic Area 51.
The town hosts the Little A’Le’Inn, a quirky inn and restaurant adorned with UFO memorabilia, drawing alien enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors can explore the Extraterrestrial Highway (State Route 375), where unusual sightings are frequently reported. Ranching is one of the few local industries, but tourism centered around the UFO phenomenon is significant.
Rachel’s seclusion stems from its location in the vast Nevada desert, minimal population, and the surrounding mystery of Area 51, making it a unique retreat for those intrigued by the unknown.
Where is Rachel?
Located in Lincoln County, Rachel sits along State Route 375, about 150 miles north of Las Vegas. The town is enveloped by the expansive Tikaboo Valley, with miles of desert and mountains in every direction. Its proximity to the restricted airspace of Area 51 adds to the allure and the isolation.
Access to Rachel is via long stretches of open road with few services, enhancing the feeling of remoteness. The journey itself is part of the experience, offering stark landscapes and the potential for mysterious encounters.
1. Baker: Gateway to Great Basin’s Starry Skies
Baker, with a population of around 60 residents, serves as the gateway to Great Basin National Park, one of the most remote and least visited national parks in the United States.
The town offers access to stunning natural attractions like the Lehman Caves, ancient bristlecone pine forests, and Wheeler Peak. Visitors can enjoy unparalleled stargazing due to minimal light pollution, with the park designated as an International Dark Sky Park.
The local economy revolves around tourism, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Baker’s seclusion is defined by its sparse population, vast surrounding wilderness, and the tranquil ambiance that comes from being far removed from urban centers.
Where is Baker?
Situated in White Pine County in eastern Nevada, Baker is located near the Nevada-Utah border along State Route 487. The town is approximately 300 miles northeast of Las Vegas, nestled at the base of the Snake Range.
Its remote location ensures that it remains a peaceful haven, with access primarily by car through expansive high desert landscapes. The isolation enhances the night sky’s brilliance and the overall sense of escape, making Baker a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
