Northern Nevada’s basin is a treasure trove of hidden gems, where the vastness of the high desert meets rugged mountain ranges. Nestled within this expanse are secluded towns that offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. These communities boast rich histories, unique cultures, and landscapes that are nothing short of breathtaking. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations or someone longing for tranquility, these towns promise experiences unlike any other. Join us as we count down ten of the most secluded towns in the Northern Nevada Basin, each with its own story to tell.
10. Owyhee: Cultural Heritage in the Heart of Duck Valley
Owyhee is a small community with an approximate population of 1,000 people, rich in Native American heritage. As the heart of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, it’s a place where the traditions of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes are alive and celebrated. Visitors can explore local crafts, attend cultural events, and even participate in traditional ceremonies if invited. The main industries here revolve around tribal governance, ranching, and artisan crafts. What makes Owyhee truly secluded is its remote setting amidst vast open landscapes, far from the noise of urban life. The town offers a serene environment where the rhythms of nature and culture meld seamlessly.
Where is Owyhee?
Located in the northeastern corner of Nevada, Owyhee sits near the Idaho border within the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. Its seclusion is enhanced by its distance from major highways and cities, nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and open skies. The remoteness means fewer visitors, allowing an authentic experience of the area’s culture and natural beauty. To reach Owyhee, travelers can take State Route 225 north from Elko, a scenic drive of about 100 miles through the high desert landscape.
9. Mountain City: Gateway to Wild Nevada Landscapes
Mountain City is a tiny community with an estimated population of just 30 residents, making it one of Nevada’s most intimate towns. Despite its size, it’s a gateway to some of the state’s most stunning natural landscapes, including the Jarbidge Wilderness and the surrounding Owyhee Desert. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing in the nearby rivers, hiking rugged trails, and spotting wildlife in their natural habitats. The local economy relies mainly on ranching and serving as a stopover for travelers venturing into the wilderness. Mountain City’s seclusion comes from its remote location and minimal development, offering a pristine environment untouched by modern expansion. This tranquil setting is perfect for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
Where is Mountain City?
Nestled along State Route 225 in northern Elko County, Mountain City is close to the Nevada-Idaho border. Its secluded nature is due to its position far from larger towns and its surroundings of expansive wilderness areas. The town is accessible via a scenic drive north from Elko, covering approximately 100 miles through high desert and mountainous terrain. The journey itself offers a glimpse into the vastness of Nevada’s lesser-known landscapes.
8. McDermitt: A Bicolor Town Straddling Two States
McDermitt is a small, unincorporated community with a population hovering around 500 people, uniquely positioned on the Nevada-Oregon border. The town offers a blend of cultures and histories from both states, with local attractions including a historic hotel and a small casino. Visitors can explore the vast surrounding desert, hunt for opal gemstones, or learn about the area’s rich mining past. Agriculture and ranching are the main industries, supporting the close-knit community. McDermitt’s seclusion stems from its remote border location and the miles of open land that separate it from other towns. This isolation provides a peaceful atmosphere where residents and visitors can enjoy wide-open spaces and star-filled night skies.
Where is McDermitt?
Situated at the junction of U.S. Route 95, McDermitt lies right on the line dividing Nevada and Oregon. The town’s remoteness is accentuated by the sparse population and vast expanses of the surrounding desert. To get there, travelers can drive north from Winnemucca, Nevada, along U.S. 95 for about 73 miles, passing through some of the state’s most unspoiled landscapes. McDermitt’s location makes it a quiet stopover or a destination for those seeking seclusion in the high desert.
7. Unionville: Mark Twain’s Brief Home in the Hills
Unionville is a historic town with a population of fewer than 20 residents, tucked away in the Buena Vista Canyon. Famous as a temporary home to Mark Twain during the silver mining boom, it offers a glimpse into the past with well-preserved buildings and relics from the 1860s. Visitors can explore the remnants of old mines, hike the surrounding hills, and even stay at a local bed and breakfast housed in a historic structure. The main “industry” now is tourism centered on its rich history, as active mining has long ceased. Unionville’s seclusion is due to its off-the-beaten-path location and the rugged terrain that surrounds it. This quiet hamlet is a haven for history buffs and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Where is Unionville?
Unionville is located in Pershing County, approximately 17 miles south of Interstate 80 near the town of Mill City. Its secluded nature comes from its setting in a narrow canyon, with limited access roads and the vast desert stretching out beyond. To reach Unionville, travelers exit I-80 at Mill City and follow a winding dirt road southward into the hills. The journey through the canyon heightens the sense of stepping back in time when arriving at this preserved piece of Nevada’s silver mining era.
6. Montello: Railway Roots Amidst Sagebrush Seas
Montello is a small community of around 50 residents, steeped in railway history amidst the expansive sagebrush of northeastern Nevada. Once a bustling railroad town, it now offers a tranquil setting where visitors can explore remnants of its past, including an old train depot. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hunting, bird watching, and traversing the vast open spaces surrounding the town. The economy relies on ranching and serving travelers passing through on the nearby highways. Montello’s seclusion is due to its distance from major cities and the endless stretches of desert that surround it. This isolation provides a peaceful backdrop perfect for solitude and reflection.
Where is Montello?
Located in Elko County, Montello sits just off State Route 233, near the Utah border. The town’s remote location is amplified by the surrounding Great Salt Lake Desert and Pilot Valley. Accessing Montello involves a scenic drive east from Wells, Nevada, along a two-lane road that cuts through vast, unpopulated terrain. The journey’s remoteness enhances the feeling of seclusion upon arrival in this quiet, historic community.
5. Midas: Echoes of the Gold Rush in a Ghost Town
Midas is a near-abandoned mining town with a population fluctuating between 10 and 20 residents, offering a window into Nevada’s gold rush history. Visitors can wander among preserved wooden structures, old mines, and relics that tell the story of its once-thriving past. The town offers opportunities for ghost town exploration, photography, and a chance to experience the quiet solitude of the desert. There are no significant industries remaining, with most residents involved in maintenance of the town and occasional tourism services. Midas’s seclusion is profound, with its remote location and limited accessibility preserving its untouched atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for those fascinated by history and the haunting beauty of deserted places.
Where is Midas?
Midas is located in Elko County, northwest of Elko, tucked into the Sheep Creek Range. The town is secluded due to its position away from major roads and the rugged terrain that surrounds it. To reach Midas, travelers can take State Route 225 north from Elko, then turn onto dirt roads for about 40 miles into the hills. The journey requires a sense of adventure and a suitable vehicle, but rewards visitors with a truly off-the-grid experience.
4. Denio: A Hidden Oasis on the Oregon-Nevada Border
Denio is a small unincorporated community with a population of around 50 people, straddling the Nevada-Oregon border. It’s known for its nearby hot springs, offering a soothing retreat in the midst of the high desert. Visitors can enjoy soaking in the natural hot springs, exploring the vast surrounding wilderness, and spotting wild horses and other wildlife. The main industries include ranching and serving travelers along the remote highways. Denio’s seclusion is due to its remote border location and the miles of unspoiled land that isolate it from larger towns. This hidden oasis provides a serene escape for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Where is Denio?
Denio lies on State Route 140 in northern Humboldt County, right at the edge of the Nevada-Oregon border. Its secluded nature is a result of its distance from major cities and the vast deserts and mountains that encompass it. Travelers can reach Denio by driving northeast from Winnemucca, Nevada, a journey of about 100 miles through remote desert landscapes. The isolation of the route itself enhances the sense of escape when arriving in this tranquil community.
3. Gerlach: Gateway to the Black Rock Wilderness
Gerlach is a tiny town with approximately 200 residents, serving as the gateway to the vast and enigmatic Black Rock Desert. Famous for its proximity to the site of the annual Burning Man festival, Gerlach offers unique attractions like the nearby Fly Geyser, a stunning man-made geothermal geyser. Visitors can also explore the surrounding desert for hot springs, ancient lake beds, and surreal landscapes. The local economy revolves around tourism, especially during the festival season, and supporting nearby ranches. Gerlach’s seclusion comes from its isolation amid the expansive playa and the absence of urban development. This remote setting provides a sense of endless horizon and quiet contemplation.
Where is Gerlach?
Gerlach is situated in Washoe County in northwestern Nevada, at the terminus of State Route 447. The town’s seclusion is amplified by the surrounding Black Rock Desert and the minimal traffic that passes through. To get to Gerlach, travelers drive north from Reno on a two-hour journey through sparsely populated areas and open desert vistas. The remoteness of Gerlach makes it a launching point for adventures into one of Nevada’s most iconic wilderness areas.
2. Tuscarora: An Artists’ Haven in the High Desert
Tuscarora is a small, historic town with a population of about 20 people, known for its thriving artist colony nestled in the high desert. The town offers a unique blend of art and history, with studios and workshops housed in century-old buildings. Visitors can engage with local artists, participate in workshops, and admire the fusion of creativity and rustic charm. Historically a mining town, the industry has shifted to arts and education, fostering a community dedicated to creativity. Tuscarora’s seclusion is due to its remote location and the rugged terrain that surrounds it, providing a peaceful environment conducive to artistic inspiration.
Where is Tuscarora?
Located approximately 50 miles northwest of Elko, Tuscarora is accessed via gravel roads that wind through the desert hills. Its seclusion comes from its distance from major roads and the enveloping quiet of the high desert. The journey from Elko involves a drive on State Route 225, followed by a turn onto dirt roads for the final stretch. This remoteness makes Tuscarora a hidden gem for those willing to venture off the beaten path in search of creativity and solitude.
1. Jarbidge: Nevada’s Last Frontier Outpost
Jarbidge is a secluded mountain town with an estimated population of about 12 year-round residents, making it one of Nevada’s most remote communities. Nestled in the stunning Jarbidge Wilderness near the Idaho border, it boasts rugged beauty and historic charm from its gold mining past. Visitors can explore the well-preserved historic district, hike scenic trails, fish in pristine streams, and perhaps catch a glimpse of local wildlife like deer and elk. The town’s main “industry” is tourism, especially during the warmer months when adventurers seek out its untouched landscapes. Jarbidge’s seclusion is legendary, with its isolation resulting from geography and the challenging roads leading into town. This last frontier outpost offers an unmatched escape into wilderness and history.
Where is Jarbidge?
Situated in the northeastern tip of Nevada, Jarbidge is close to the Idaho border, within the remote Jarbidge Mountains. Its secluded nature is due to its location deep within a rugged mountain range, accessible only by rough roads that are often closed during winter. To reach Jarbidge, travelers must drive north from Elko along State Route 225, then take winding forest roads through challenging terrain. The effort required to get there is rewarded with breathtaking scenery and a true sense of isolation, making Jarbidge a destination for the most intrepid explorers.
