If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the Selenite Range in Nevada offers a collection of secluded towns where tranquility and natural beauty reign supreme. Nestled amid desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and shimmering lakes, these hidden gems provide a peaceful retreat away from crowded tourist spots. From towns steeped in rich indigenous culture to those with storied mining pasts, each location offers unique experiences and a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Join us as we count down the 10 most secluded towns in the Selenite Range, perfect for those seeking solitude and serenity.
10. Nixon: Cultural Heart of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
Nixon is a small town with an approximate population of 375, serving as the administrative center for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Visitors can explore the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitors Center, which showcases the history and culture of the Paiute people. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the stunning views of Pyramid Lake, renowned for its unique tufa rock formations and fishing opportunities. The local economy is primarily based on tribal administration and tourism related to the lake. Nixon’s seclusion stems from its location on tribal land, preserving its cultural heritage and natural surroundings away from urban development.
Where is Nixon?
Nixon is located in northwestern Nevada, approximately 55 miles northeast of Reno, along State Route 446. Situated on the southern shores of Pyramid Lake, it is nestled within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. The town’s remote setting and limited access roads contribute to its secluded atmosphere. To reach Nixon, travelers can take I-80 east from Reno to Wadsworth, then head north on State Route 447 to reach the reservation and continue on State Route 446 to Nixon.
9. Imlay: Tiny Town with a Literary Past
Imlay is a tiny unincorporated community with an estimated population of around 210. A notable attraction is the Thunder Mountain Monument, an eclectic assemblage of folk art created by Frank Van Zant, offering a unique roadside experience. The town has a quiet charm, with historic buildings that harken back to its days as a mining and railroad hub. Agriculture and ranching are the primary industries sustaining the local economy. Imlay’s seclusion is due to its location along a less-traveled section of Interstate 80, offering a peaceful stopover free from the crowds found in larger towns.
Where is Imlay?
Imlay lies in Pershing County, northwestern Nevada, along Interstate 80, about 140 miles east of Reno. Nestled near the Humboldt River, it is surrounded by vast expanses of Nevada’s stark desert landscape. Its small size and distance from major urban centers contribute to its secluded feel. Travelers can access Imlay directly off I-80, making it a quaint and quiet destination for those venturing through the high desert.
8. Orovada: Agricultural Haven in the High Desert
Orovada is a small farming community with an approximate population of 155. The town is known for its agricultural activities, particularly alfalfa farming, set against the backdrop of the expansive high desert. Visitors can appreciate the golden fields and wide-open skies that characterize the region. The local economy revolves around agriculture and ranching, contributing to the serene rural atmosphere. Orovada’s seclusion comes from its remote location and the vast distances that separate it from larger cities, offering a peaceful lifestyle away from the urban rush.
Where is Orovada?
Located in Humboldt County, Nevada, Orovada sits along U.S. Route 95, about 45 miles north of Winnemucca. The town is flanked by the Orovada Mountains to the west and the Santa Rosa Range to the east. Its remote location in the high desert makes it a quiet haven for those seeking solitude. To get there, travelers can take U.S. Route 95 north from Winnemucca, enjoying scenic views of desert landscapes along the way.
7. McDermitt: Dual-State Desert Outpost
McDermitt straddles the Nevada-Oregon border with a combined population of around 500 residents. The town offers a small-town feel with amenities like local cafés and a historic hotel. Its unique position makes it an interesting stop for travelers crossing state lines. The local economy is supported by ranching, mining, and a modest amount of tourism. McDermitt’s seclusion is accentuated by the vast open spaces and minimal development in the surrounding areas, making it a quiet outpost in the desert.
Where is McDermitt?
McDermitt is located along U.S. Route 95, right on the Nevada-Oregon border, approximately 73 miles north of Winnemucca, Nevada. The town’s remote desert setting contributes to its secluded nature, with miles of open land in every direction. Accessing McDermitt involves a long drive through the high desert, offering panoramic views and a sense of isolation from bustling urban centers.
6. Sutcliffe: Serenity by Pyramid Lake
Sutcliffe is a tranquil community with an approximate population of 250, situated on the western shore of Pyramid Lake. The town offers breathtaking water views against a backdrop of desert landscapes and is a haven for fishing enthusiasts seeking the lake’s famous Lahontan cutthroat trout. The economy is closely tied to fishing and outdoor recreation, benefiting from tourism centered around the lake. Sutcliffe’s seclusion is enhanced by its limited development and the expansive natural environment that surrounds it, providing a serene escape for residents and visitors alike.
Where is Sutcliffe?
Sutcliffe is located in Washoe County, Nevada, about 40 miles northeast of Reno. It lies along State Route 445, also known as Pyramid Highway, which winds through the desert to the lake. The town’s remote location along the less-traveled western shore of Pyramid Lake contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. Travelers can reach Sutcliffe by taking Pyramid Highway north from Reno, enjoying the scenic drive through the high desert terrain.
5. Denio: A Slice of Solitude on the Nevada-Oregon Border
Denio is a tiny hamlet with a population of around 47, offering an authentic taste of solitude on the Nevada-Oregon border. The town features the Denio Junction, a combination motel, restaurant, and bar that serves as a social hub for locals and travelers. Outdoor activities include exploring the nearby Black Rock Desert and Denio Hot Springs. Ranching is a primary industry in the area, with vast stretches of open land defining the local economy. Denio’s remote location and sparse population make it an ideal spot for those seeking an untouched natural setting.
Where is Denio?
Denio is situated in Humboldt County, Nevada, along State Route 140, approximately 100 miles north of Winnemucca. Nestled near the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, the town is surrounded by vast desert landscapes and rugged mountains. Its isolation is due to the significant distances from larger towns and the limited infrastructure. Travelers can reach Denio by driving north on U.S. Route 95 from Winnemucca, then west on State Route 140, experiencing the expansive solitude of the high desert along the way.
4. Unionville: Mark Twain’s Mining Ghost Town
Unionville is a historic ghost town with a small residential population of about 20 people. Once a booming mining town during the silver rush, it is known for its connection to Mark Twain, who briefly lived there in the 1860s. Visitors can explore remnants of old buildings, mines, and the natural beauty of the surrounding canyon. There are limited industries today, with some ranching and tourism focused on its historical significance. Unionville’s secluded charm lies in its hidden location within Buena Vista Canyon, offering a quiet retreat steeped in history.
Where is Unionville?
Unionville is located in Pershing County, Nevada, nestled in the foothills of the Humboldt Range, about 17 miles south of I-80 at the Mill City exit. The town’s remote canyon setting contributes to its seclusion, with winding roads leading visitors through rugged terrain. Access is via State Route 400, and the journey provides a sense of stepping back in time. The isolation and preserved historic sites make Unionville a hidden gem for history buffs and those seeking peace and quiet.
3. Lovelock: The Town of Eternal Love
Lovelock is a charming small town with a population of approximately 1,900. It’s famous for its unique tradition where couples “lock their love” on chains at Lovers Lock Plaza, symbolizing eternal commitment. Visitors can explore the Pershing County Courthouse, one of the last round courthouses in the country, and enjoy the local museums and parks. The economy is driven by agriculture, mining, and some tourism. Lovelock’s seclusion is owed to its rural setting and the vast stretches of desert and farmland that surround it.
Where is Lovelock?
Located in Pershing County along Interstate 80, Lovelock is about 90 miles east of Reno. The town sits amidst rolling hills and open desert landscapes, contributing to its tranquil environment. Its distance from major cities and the expansive surroundings enhance its secluded feel. Travelers can reach Lovelock by taking I-80 east from Reno, making it an accessible yet peaceful destination.
2. Empire: The Revived Gypsum Mining Town
Empire is a small community with a population that fluctuates around 65 residents. Known historically for its gypsum mining operations, the town was nearly abandoned when the mine and drywall plant closed in 2011. In recent years, Empire has seen a quiet resurgence with the reopening of mining activities and an influx of new residents. The surrounding desert provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including exploring nearby dunes and the vastness of the Black Rock Desert. Empire’s seclusion is a result of its remote location and the expansive, undeveloped land that envelops it.
Where is Empire?
Empire is situated in Washoe County, Nevada, approximately 100 miles north of Reno along State Route 447. The town lies just south of Gerlach, serving as a gateway to the Black Rock Desert and the Selenite Range. Its isolation is accentuated by the long stretches of highway and open desert that separate it from larger towns. Travelers can reach Empire by taking I-80 east from Reno to Wadsworth, then heading north on State Route 447 through the picturesque desert landscape.
1. Gerlach: Gateway to the Black Rock Desert
Gerlach is a tiny town with an approximate population of 250, known as the last stop before the vast Black Rock Desert. It offers a unique blend of rugged beauty and small-town hospitality, with landmarks like Guru Road, an outdoor art installation. Gerlach is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in the surrounding desert, including hot springs, hiking, and stargazing. The economy centers around tourism related to the Black Rock Desert and annual events like the Burning Man festival. Gerlach’s seclusion is defined by its remote location and the expansive wilderness that surrounds it, making it a haven for those looking to truly get away from it all.
Where is Gerlach?
Located in Washoe County, Nevada, Gerlach sits about 100 miles north of Reno at the terminus of State Route 447. The town is perched on the edge of the Black Rock Desert, offering unparalleled access to one of the most remote regions in Nevada. Its isolation is intensified by the vast open spaces and the lack of nearby urban centers. Travelers can reach Gerlach by driving north from Reno on State Route 447, a journey that showcases the stark and captivating beauty of the high desert.
