Trip : 1 Day: May 2009 Archives

Distance from Las Vegas : 45 Miles

Time of year to visit : All Year

Gasoline Available : No

Road Conditions : Nevada Department of Transportation

Tourist Information : 

As you make your way towards the Colorado River you will enter El Dorado Canyon where the richest claims in Nevada history were staked. Gold and Silver were discovered here in 1859 and soon the richest mines in the state were started. In the 1880's the town of Nelson grew to a population of 500 men. Many of which were said to be deserters from both the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. It was assumed that the isolated location of the town would discourage military authorities from looking for them.

The town of Nelson was named after Charles Nelson, a prospector who was slain at his mine in 1897.

The three largest mines were called the Wall Street, the Swabe and the Tachatticup. All three mines combined yielded five million dollars of ore during the 40-years that they operated. Today the Tachatticup Mine serves as a tourist location where you can take an hour long tour. The area is surrounded by old artifacts, antiques and props from the movie "3000 Miles to Graceland".

• Take US-93 South / US-95 South leaving Las Vegas towards Boulder City

• Merge onto US-95 S / VETERANS MEMORIAL HWY toward SEARCHLIGHT / LAUGHLIN / NEEDLES and continue for approx. 10 miles, 

• Turn LEFT on NV-165 and continue for 11. miles until you reach Nelson, NV. The Tachatticup Mine is after Nelson just under 2 miles.

Distance from Las Vegas : 47 Miles

Time of year to visit : All Year

Gasoline Available : No

Road Conditions : Nevada Department of Transportation

As you make your way towards the Colorado River you will enter El Dorado Canyon where the richest claims in Nevada history were staked. Gold and Silver were discovered here in 1859 and soon the richest mines in the state were started. In the 1880's the town of Nelson grew to a population of 500 men. Many of which were said to be deserters from both the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. It was assumed that the isolated location of the town would discourage military authorities from looking for them.

The town of Nelson was named after Charles Nelson, a prospector who was slain at his mine in 1897.

In 1974, Nelson's Landing is noted for washing into the Colorado River after a strong downpour in the regional mountains sent the runoff down the channels and produced a flash flood. There are five wide channels that run from the local mountains toward the river. The proble is that they all converge into a small outlet where Nelsons Landing was. The entire landing and the village was destroyed and nine people lost their lives when the flood came through the wash. The wall of water and debris was reported to be about 40 feet high as it reached the river.

• Take US-93 South / US-95 South leaving Las Vegas towards Boulder City

• Merge onto US-95 S / VETERANS MEMORIAL HWY toward SEARCHLIGHT / LAUGHLIN / NEEDLES and continue for approx. 10 miles, 

• Turn LEFT on NV-165 and continue for 11. miles until you reach Nelson, NV.

• After you reach Nelson, NV, Continue on for 1.6 miles until you reach Nelson's Landing and scneic overlook circle.

Distance from Las Vegas : 25 Miles

Time of year to visit : All Year

Gasoline Available : No (Gas is available within 12 miles of Red Rock down Charleston)

Fee : 5$ to enter the 13-Mile Scenic Loop, no charge for the Red Rock Overlook

Web Links : 

Road Conditions : Nevada Department of Transportation

Tourist Information : 

Red Rock Canyon was designated as Nevada's first National Conservation Area. Red Rock Canyon is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159. The area is 195,819 acres and is visited by more than one million people each year. Red Rock Canyon offers enticements of a different nature including a 13-mile scenic drive, more than 30 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and visitor center with exhibit rooms and a book store.

The unique geologic features, plants and animals of Red Rock Canyon NCA represent some of the best examples of the Mojave Desert. In 1990, special legislation supported by the Nevada congressional delegation, changed the status of the Red Rock Recreation Lands to a National Conservation Area (NCA), the seventh to be designated nationally. This legislation provides the funding to protect and improve the area. Red Rock Canyon NCA is enjoyed by the local population as well as visitors from the United States and many foreign countries. One million visitors each year enjoy the spectacular desert landscape, climbing and hiking opportunities, and interpretive programs sponsored by the BLM.

The 13-mile scenic drive is a Backcountry Byway. It is completely paved and offers opportunities to see desert wildlife, red and cream sandstone formations, waterfalls and petroglyphs. The 13-Mile Drive is a one-way road. Bicycles are permitted to ride on the scenic drive, and must obey traffic laws. Sightseeing, photography, and hiking trails are accessible from the designated pullouts and parking areas. The scenic drive is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Winter (November through February); 6 a.m. to 8p.m. in the Summer (April through September); and from 6a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Spring (March) and Fall (October). Show courtesy towards cyclists and pedestrians. Drive only on established roadways and park only in designated areas. Watch for rocks or other debris on the roadway. All terrain vehicles (ATV's) and unlicensed vehicles are not permitted at Red Rock Canyon NCA.

• Take US-95 N toward ELY / RENO. for approx. 5.7 Miles;

• Take the SUMMERLIN PKWY exit- EXIT 81A;

• Follow E SUMMERLIN PKWY. for approx. 5.5 Miles;

• Take CR-215 S / BRUCE WOODBURY BELT. for approx. 1.8 Miles;

• Take the NV-159 exit- EXIT 22- toward CHARLESTON BLVD / RED ROCK CANYON;

• Turn RIGHT onto W CHARLESTON BLVD / NV-159 W. Follow NV-159 W for 9 Miles;

• Either Continue on W. CHARLESTON BLVD for the Scenic Overlook or turn right on OAK CREEK CANYON RD for the 13-Mile Scenic Loop.