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Las Vegas
Nelson Ghost Town Tour: Hoover Dam & Mine from Las Vegas
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What This Is
One day, Vegas to Hoover Dam, Spring Mountain State Park, the old Techatticup Mine, and the mystery of Nelson's Ghost Town. Don’t even think about the driving. Your tour guide will tell you all the historic stories through these massive natural kingdoms. Just sit back with your small group and take a guided journey.
You'll make a photo stop at the Hoover Dam, America's second largest! This massive dam, built way back in 1931, was once the biggest and most powerful in the world. It even led to the founding of Boulder City! You'll get to walk on America's second tallest bridge, right where Nevada meets Arizona.
Next, you'll hear the wild history of one of the ghost towns near Las Vegas: the one and only Nelson Nevada Ghost Town. In the late 1800s, this remote mining town was truly lawless – full of outlaws, Civil War runaways, and even fighting between rival groups that sometimes led to daily killings. You'll learn about figures like "Queho," Nevada's reported first serial killer. Today, Nelson has been brought back to life, with old buildings restored to show what the old mining town was like.
You'll also take a one-hour tour through the Techatticup Mine, Southern Nevada's oldest and richest mine, which operated from 1861 to 1945. You'll walk a quarter-mile on a single gravel path and see where gold and silver were pulled from the earth. Fun fact: the mine's name, "Techatticup," actually means "hungry" in the Paiute Indian language!
If you choose to upgrade your tour, you'll also visit Spring Mountain State Park, located just 17 miles west of the Strip, right next to Red Rock Canyon. It's an absolutely incredible place to watch the sunset!
Your tour operator will pick you up and drop you off right on the Las Vegas Strip, and even provide as much bottled water as you need. Your trip includes tickets to the Techatticup Mine Tour and the Hoover Dam (if it's open; if not, we'll see bighorn sheep!). If you upgrade your tour, you'll also get into Red Rock Canyon.




Best Parts
Techatticup Mine Exploration: Discover Nevada's oldest and richest mine, featuring old-world tools, artifacts, and movie props from crashed airplanes.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personalized and intimate tour with a maximum of 12 travelers.
Hoover Dam Visit: Witness the grandeur of the Hoover Dam (subject to opening status) and learn about its history and engineering.
Unforgettable Memories: Create lasting memories by exploring gold mines, ghost towns, and iconic landmarks.
Customer Reviews
Overall, the tour is well-received, offering a unique and adventurous experience, with the small group setting and historical sites being major highlights. However, some limitations exist, particularly around the Hoover Dam access. Some people wanted to see more parts of the Hoover Dam.

The small group setting allows for a personalized and intimate experience.
The tour provides a unique blend of history, adventure, and sightseeing.
Visiting the Techatticup Mine offers a fascinating glimpse into Nevada's gold mining past.
The Hoover Dam visit is a highlight, showcasing an engineering marvel.
Hoover Dam access is dependent on the dam's opening status. A few people mentioned that they didn't get to see the downstream or inside part of the Hoover Dam.
Upgrading to include Red Rock Canyon adds to the overall cost.
Itinerary
This tour whisks you away from Las Vegas to explore Hoover Dam, the historic Nelson's Ghost Town with its Techatticup Mine, and optionally, Spring Mountain State Park, all while a guide shares fascinating stories.
Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
The Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is a striking arch bridge that soars nearly 900 feet above the Colorado River, offering breathtaking views of the Hoover Dam and connecting Nevada to Arizona.
Nelson Ghost Town
Nelson Ghost Town is a preserved historic mining town near Las Vegas, offering a rustic glimpse into the wild and lawless past of Southern Nevada.
Techatticup Mine
Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours offer a fascinating guided exploration into the historic Techatticup Mine, revealing the rich and often lawless gold and silver mining history of the area.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a historic oasis nestled at the base of the majestic Spring Mountains, offering lush grounds, historic buildings, and stunning views perfect for picnics and sunset watching near Las Vegas.
Insider Tip
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and exploring uneven terrain in the mine and ghost town.
Important Info
You'll get a free ride to and from your tour from any hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Just make sure to call them the day before your trip to double-check your pick-up time and where they'll meet you. When you book, pick your hotel on the checkout page. You'll find the local contact number on your booking ticket, so be sure to call them at least 24 hours before your tour leaves.
Written By
Zain Tariq