Eastern Nevada isn’t the sort of place you stumble into. You have to want to go there. The Schell Creek Range cuts a lean, jagged line north to south through White Pine County, standing watch over towns so sparsely populated they barely whisper their names to passing maps. But if you follow the old roads—if you take the time—what you’ll find is a geography of resilience. Baker still sits quietly beneath Wheeler Peak’s shadow, gateway to stargazing skies and the limestone depths of Lehman Caves. Cherry Creek hangs on just above the desert floor, its mining past preserved not for tourists but for memory.
Here, the distances are wide and the silences long, broken mostly by the rustle of wind or the hiss of cattle brush. The Schells aren’t just a mountain range—they’re a boundary of sorts, between bustle and breath, between a state known for bright lights and this overlooked terrain of sagebrush and sediment.
This article guides you through 10 of the most secluded towns in and around the Schell Creek Range—each with its own brand of stillness, history, and high-desert grandeur. They’re not destinations you check off, but places you sink into. Places like Ruth, McGill, or Lund, where the land still dictates the rhythm of life.
10. Cave Valley Ranch: Rustic Living Amidst Wilderness
Cave Valley Ranch is a secluded ranch community nestled deep within the Schell Creek Range. With a small population often numbering just a handful of residents, this area offers a rustic lifestyle surrounded by untouched wilderness. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife watching in the expansive valleys and forests.
The main industry revolves around ranching and agriculture, with locals tending to livestock and working the land. The seclusion of Cave Valley Ranch is characterized by its remote setting, lack of urban development, and the vast stretches of wilderness that separate it from larger towns.
Where is Cave Valley Ranch?
Located in the heart of eastern Nevada, Cave Valley Ranch sits within Cave Valley, flanked by the Schell Creek Range to the west. The town’s seclusion is amplified by its distance from major highways and cities, with the nearest significant town, Ely, being over 50 miles away.
Access to Cave Valley Ranch is typically via unpaved roads that wind through the high desert and mountain passes, making it a destination for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. The journey itself offers stunning views of Nevada’s rugged landscape, underscoring the remoteness of this hidden community.
9. Steptoe Valley Settlements: Life in the High Desert
The Steptoe Valley is home to a series of small, scattered settlements that epitomize high desert living. Populations in these communities are sparse, often consisting of a few families who have lived there for generations. The area offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and exploring the serene desert environment.
Many residents are involved in ranching or small-scale farming, maintaining a way of life deeply connected to the land. The seclusion of these settlements stems from their remote locations, low population density, and minimal infrastructure.
Where is Steptoe Valley Settlements?
Stretching north to south in eastern Nevada, Steptoe Valley lies adjacent to the Schell Creek Range to the east and the Egan Range to the west. The settlements within this valley are far from major urban centers, with vast expanses of open land in every direction. The sense of isolation is enhanced by the expansive desert and limited accessibility.
Travelers can reach these communities via U.S. Route 93, but the journey entails long stretches between towns, emphasizing the solitude of the region. The remoteness offers residents and visitors alike a true escape into the tranquility of Nevada’s high desert.
8. Ward: Ruins of a Silver Boom Town
Ward is a ghost town nestled in the Schell Creek Range, once bustling during the silver mining boom of the late 19th century. Today, it stands silent with remnants of old buildings and mining equipment scattered across the landscape. There are no permanent residents, but visitors can explore the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, featuring beehive-shaped charcoal kilns used in the 1870s.
The lack of modern development and the preserved state of the ruins make it a secluded spot steeped in history. It’s a haven for history buffs and photographers seeking to capture the essence of Nevada’s mining past.
Where is Ward?
Located approximately 20 miles south of Ely, Ward sits at the edge of the Schell Creek Range in White Pine County. Its seclusion is due to its remote location away from major roads and highways. Access to Ward is via a dirt road off U.S. Route 50, known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” which adds to its isolated charm.
The surrounding landscape of sagebrush and mountains provides a quiet backdrop, making it a peaceful retreat for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The area’s sparse population and vast open spaces further enhance the sense of solitude.
7. Ruth: A Town Born from Copper Mines
Ruth is a small, unincorporated community that originated as a company town for copper mining operations in the early 20th century. With a population of just over 400 residents, Ruth offers a quiet lifestyle amidst the rugged terrain of the Schell Creek Range. Activities in the area include exploring historical mining sites, hiking, and enjoying panoramic views of open-pit copper mines.
While mining remains a significant industry, the town has seen a decline, contributing to its secluded nature. The community’s tight-knit feel and its mountain setting make Ruth a unique and tranquil place to visit or reside.
Where is Ruth?
Ruth is located in White Pine County, approximately 10 miles west of Ely, nestled in the foothills of the Schell Creek Range. The town’s seclusion is partly due to its proximity to large mining operations and its distance from larger urban centers.
Accessible via State Route 44, Ruth is off the main tourist routes, which helps maintain its quiet atmosphere. The landscape surrounding Ruth features rolling hills and mining sites, emphasizing its historical roots and separation from the bustle of modern life.
6. Osceola: The Hidden Gold Mining Ghost Town
Osceola is a former gold mining town hidden within the Schell Creek Range. Once a thriving community during the gold rush era, it now stands abandoned, with only a few structures and mine shafts remaining. There are no permanent residents, but the area attracts adventurers and history enthusiasts interested in exploring the remnants of its prosperous past.
The seclusion of Osceola is amplified by its remote location and the rugged terrain surrounding it, offering a sense of stepping back in time to an era long gone.
Where is Osceola?
Osceola is located on the western slopes of the Schell Creek Range, approximately 30 miles southwest of Ely. Its secluded position is due to its placement in a mountainous area accessible only by dirt roads that wind through the desert and hills.
The lack of signage and the rough paths leading to Osceola mean that only determined explorers often find their way there. The remoteness ensures that the ghost town remains undisturbed, preserving its historical artifacts and the quiet ambiance that envelops the abandoned settlement.
5. McGill: Historical Charm Amidst the Mountains
McGill is a small town with a rich history linked to the copper industry and the railroad. With a population of around 1,000 people, it offers a peaceful community atmosphere set against the backdrop of the Schell Creek Range. Visitors can explore the McGill Drugstore Museum, a time capsule preserving artifacts from the early 20th century, and enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding areas.
The town’s main industries have shifted over time, but remnants of its industrial past remain. McGill’s seclusion is characterized by its small size, historical sites, and quiet streets lined with historic buildings.
Where is McGill?
Located approximately 12 miles north of Ely in White Pine County, McGill sits along U.S. Route 93 yet retains a sense of isolation due to its small population and distance from major cities. The town is nestled at the base of the Schell Creek Range, providing residents with stunning mountain views and easy access to outdoor recreation.
The separation from larger urban areas and the tranquility of the surrounding landscape contribute to McGill’s secluded charm, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quieter pace of life.
4. Lund: A Quiet Agricultural Haven
Lund is a small farming town near the Schell Creek Range, with a close-knit community of around 300 residents. The town is characterized by its expansive fields, agricultural activities, and peaceful rural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the simplicity of country life, with opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and experiencing local community events.
Agriculture is the primary industry, with residents engaged in farming and ranching, contributing to the town’s self-sufficiency. Lund’s seclusion comes from its remote location and the vast open spaces that surround it, offering a serene environment away from urban distractions.
Where is Lund?
Lund is situated in White Pine County, approximately 35 miles south of Ely, accessible via State Route 318. The town’s remote location in the high desert plains enhances its secluded nature. The journey to Lund involves traveling through miles of picturesque landscapes, with the Schell Creek Range providing a stunning backdrop to the east.
The minimal traffic and distance from major highways contribute to the quiet, undisturbed ambiance of the town. Lund’s setting makes it a hidden gem for those seeking solitude and a strong sense of community.
3. Baker: Gateway to Great Basin Adventure
Baker is a peaceful community near the Schell Creek Range, with a population of around 60 residents. It serves as the gateway to Great Basin National Park, offering easy access to natural wonders like Lehman Caves and Wheeler Peak. Visitors can indulge in hiking, camping, stargazing, and exploring the diverse ecosystems of the park.
Tourism related to the national park is a significant industry, along with local services catering to travelers. Baker’s seclusion is due to its small size, remote location, and the vast natural landscapes that envelop it, providing a tranquil atmosphere.
Where is Baker?
Located in eastern Nevada near the Utah border, Baker sits along State Route 487, approximately 5 miles from the entrance to Great Basin National Park. The town’s seclusion is heightened by its distance from major cities, with the nearest urban area being Ely, about 60 miles to the west.
Access to Baker involves traveling through expansive desert and mountain terrains, emphasizing its remote setting. The lack of light pollution and the serene environment make it an ideal spot for stargazing and experiencing the solitude of the Great Basin region.
2. Schellbourne: Echoes of the Pony Express
Schellbourne is a hidden gem nestled in the foothills of the Schell Creek Range, steeped in history from its days as a station on the Pony Express route. The area is largely uninhabited, with a few transient residents and historical enthusiasts visiting the site. Activities include exploring the remnants of the old station and imagining tales of the Wild West.
There are no major industries, but the historical significance of Schellbourne makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in Nevada’s past. Its seclusion is evident in the quiet, open spaces and lack of modern development.
Where is Schellbourne?
Schellbourne is located along U.S. Route 93, approximately 43 miles north of Ely in White Pine County. The site’s seclusion is due to its sparse population and expansive high desert surroundings. The journey to Schellbourne takes travelers through remote stretches of Nevada’s countryside, reinforcing the isolated feel of the location. Access is relatively straightforward via the highway, but the minimal services and amenities in the area highlight the tranquility and untouched nature of this historical spot.
1. Cherry Creek: A Time Capsule of Nevada’s Mining Past
Cherry Creek is a secluded former mining town that offers a glimpse into Nevada’s rich history. With a population of around 70 residents, it maintains a quiet charm with preserved buildings from its boom days in the late 19th century. Visitors can explore old structures, visit the Cherry Creek Depot, and enjoy the surrounding beauty of the Schell Creek Range.
The main industries have shifted from mining to ranching and limited tourism. Cherry Creek’s seclusion is characterized by its small population, historical ambiance, and serene surroundings that provide a peaceful retreat.
Where is Cherry Creek?
Situated in White Pine County, Cherry Creek lies approximately 50 miles north of Ely, accessible via U.S. Route 93 and dirt roads. The town’s remote location in the Schell Creek Range adds to its isolated feel, with vast stretches of high desert and mountains encompassing the area. Reaching Cherry Creek involves traversing scenic, less-traveled routes, enhancing the sense of stepping back in time. The quietness of the town and minimal traffic make it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a connection with Nevada’s historical roots.
