Ghost towns are part of American folklore – and there are plenty of them around Las Vegas to explore. Here is a comparison of Las Vegas ghost town tours.
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
Whether it’s from old fashioned cowboy films or modern-day road trip thrillers, the ghost town is as much a part of American movie pop culture as neon diners and whale-sized Cadillacs. While Las Vegas, buzzing 24 hours a day, is the opposite of a ghost town, it is a great starting point for exploring some of the American wilderness’s best forgotten settlements. There are plenty of specialist tours that will take you out to authentic ghost towns and maybe even scare you silly with some spooky stories – here is a comparison of Las Vegas ghost town tours.
Las Vegas Ghost Town 4-Hour Off Road Tour
With multiple abandoned(ish) towns on the itinerary, this tour is perfect for a spot of dedicated ghost hunting, even if some of the spots still have actual living residents. The guide picks you up and you head straight out into the desert, with a bonus stop at the Hoover Dam, before arriving at the old mining town of Chloride, Arizona. With 250 residents this is more of a ‘functioning ghost town’ but it’s still a fascinating glimpse into the past. Taking the iconic Route 66, the next stop is a small ghost town in Oatman, Arizona, with 150 residents and one poltergeist called “Oatie the Ghost”. The final stop is the old Gold Rush town of El Dorado Canyon which is full of decaying cars, spooky old buildings, and quite possibly the eerie sight of other tourists wandering the streets wondering where the nearest McDonalds is. From €231.53.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Death Valley & Rhyolite Ghost Town Day Trip
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
This is a big day out. At 10 hours there’s a lot packed in, from the panoramic views over the dramatic Death Valley from Zabriskie Point to the desolate streets of Rhyolite, the well-preserved ghost town that was inhabited for a short time between 1904 and 1916. Finally there is the chance to enjoy stunning views over the Mojave Desert to the south as you drive out of Death Valley. It might be a long day but it’s definitely not boring, with guides who really know their stuff, sharing both historical facts and anecdotes you might not get anywhere else. If you only have one day for an excursion this is well worth considering. From €166.44.
Book at Getyourguide.com
El Dorado Canyon Ghost Town, 7 Magic Mountains Boulder City and Hoover Dam Tour
This tour has ghost towns and more. The main attraction is Nelson ghost town, a relic of the gold rush days full of old cars and ancient buildings that have long since succumbed to the desert. Also on the itinerary is the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, as well as the colorful Seven Magic Mountains a contemporary art piece in the desert. There’s also the chance to browse the shops and enjoy lunch (not included) in Boulder City too. It’s a great, eclectic day out. From €150.56.
Book at Viator.com