Nelson Cutoff

3/5 (1 reviews)
Hidden within the Eldorado Mountains southeast of Las Vegas, Nelson Cutoff, also known as "The Backway to Nelson," is a pavement-avoiding drive into a hauntingly captivating slice of history: the ghost town of Nelson. This once bustling mining town was a hub for gold and silver miners in the late 19...Read More
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Highlights of Nelson Cutoff

Desert Category IconDesert
Ghost Town Category IconGhost Town
Mine Category IconMine
Highest Elevation
4199 ft
Shape of Trail
Straight Through
Typically Open
Best Direction
N/A
Nearest Town
Nelson
Nearest Services
Bullhead City
Management Agency
Bureau of Land Management,
District
Las Vegas Field Office

Overview

Hidden within the Eldorado Mountains southeast of Las Vegas, Nelson Cutoff, also known as "The Backway to Nelson," is a pavement-avoiding drive into a hauntingly captivating slice of history: the ghost town of Nelson. This once bustling mining town was a hub for gold and silver miners in the late 19th century. With a reputation for being one of the most violent and lawless mining towns of its time, legend has it that law enforcement completely avoided the town of Nelson. The Great Depression left the town nearly abandoned, and it wasn't until the late 1990s that it became a tourist hotspot. Whether you're a history buff, an intrepid explorer, or simply seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life, Nelson offers an experience unlike any other. Come, lose yourself in the echoes of the past, and discover the magic of this enchanting ghost town.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Guide Overview
10 Waypoints
32 Trail Photos
1 Trail Concerns
1 Community Reviews
1 Video
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