Tag: Clark County

Clark County, Nevada, encompasses the vibrant heart of Las Vegas, one of the world’s most renowned entertainment and resort destinations. Stretching beyond the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip, the area boasts diverse landscapes that range from the Mojave Desert’s arid expanses to the towering peaks of the Spring Mountains. Its county seat, Las Vegas, pulsates with a dynamic nightlife, iconic casinos, and a multitude of entertainment options. Beyond the urban sprawl, the county offers natural wonders like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, showcasing stunning geological formations and outdoor recreational opportunities. Clark County blends the allure of a bustling metropolis with the tranquility of its desert surroundings, making it a unique and multifaceted destination in the American Southwest.

Juan, Nevada – Clark County Ghost Town

Posted on by
Ghost towns of Clark County, Nevada
Ghost towns of Clark County, Nevada

Juan, Nevada, was a minor railroad siding and transient settlement in southeastern Clark County, Nevada, during the early 20th-century mining boom in the region. Located in the remote desert near the California border, approximately 15-20 miles east of Searchlight and close to the Barnwell area (now part of California’s Mojave National Preserve region), Juan emerged as a logistical point supporting gold mining operations. It was not a full-fledged town with permanent residences but rather a functional stop along a short-line railroad that facilitated ore transport during a period of intense prospecting activity in southern Nevada.

Historical Background and Development

The origins of Juan trace back to the early 1900s, when gold discoveries in the Searchlight district (about 1897-1900s) sparked a regional mining rush in Clark County. Searchlight itself became a bustling camp with thousands of residents, mills, and infrastructure. To connect these remote mines to broader markets, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway constructed the Barnwell & Searchlight Railway between 1906 and 1907. This narrow-gauge (later standard-gauge) line ran from Barnwell, California (on the main Santa Fe line at Goffs), eastward into Nevada, terminating at Searchlight after about 23 miles.

Juan served as one of the key sidings (stopping points for loading/unloading) along this route, likely named informally or after a local figure, prospector, or geographic feature—exact etymology remains obscure in historical records. The siding’s location placed it in a disputed border area: early maps and claims sometimes placed parts of the mining region in California, leading to overlapping tax claims by both Nevada and California authorities. Miners and operators paid taxes to both states until a formal survey in the early 1900s confirmed the area’s placement in Nevada, resolving the confusion.

At its peak around 1907-1910, Juan would have featured basic railroad infrastructure, including tracks, a loading platform, water tanks (essential in the arid desert), and perhaps temporary tents or shacks for railroad workers and miners. The Barnwell & Searchlight Railway hauled gold ore from Searchlight-area mines westward to Barnwell for processing and shipment. Activity at Juan was tied directly to the fluctuating fortunes of Searchlight’s mines, such as the Duplex, Quartette, and others producing high-grade gold.

The railway and its sidings like Juan represented a brief era of optimism in southern Nevada’s mining landscape, fueled by the same broader forces that drove booms in nearby districts like Goodsprings and Eldorado Canyon.

Decline and Abandonment

The decline of Juan was swift and tied to the broader collapse of the Searchlight mining boom. By the mid-1910s, many veins played out, water shortages plagued operations, and World War I shifted national priorities away from gold production. The Barnwell & Searchlight Railway ceased operations around 1919-1923, with tracks eventually salvaged or abandoned. Without the railroad, remote sidings like Juan lost all purpose. The site faded into obscurity by the 1920s, leaving no permanent community.

(Note: Juan is distinct from other similarly named sites in Clark County, such as San Juan—an earlier 1860s silver camp in Eldorado Canyon near present-day Nelson—or other ghost towns like Potosi or Goodsprings.)

Current Status

Today, Juan is a true ghost site with virtually no visible remnants. The desert has reclaimed the area: any railroad grades, ties, or structures have eroded or been buried by sand and vegetation over a century. It lies on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in a remote, off-road-accessible part of Clark County, near the California-Nevada line and within the general vicinity of the Piute Valley and Castle Peaks area.

No buildings, markers, or maintained trails exist at the precise location. The site is occasionally referenced in railroad history books (e.g., David F. Myrick’s Railroads of Nevada and Eastern California) and ghost town enthusiast resources, but it attracts few visitors due to its isolation and lack of features. Nearby Searchlight remains a small living town with historic mining remnants, but Juan itself is unmarked and largely forgotten—accessible only to dedicated off-road explorers or historians with GPS coordinates.

In summary, Juan exemplifies the ephemeral nature of early 20th-century Nevada mining support sites: born of railroad necessity, thriving briefly amid gold fever, and vanishing when economic viability ended. It left no lasting imprint beyond faded maps and obscure references, a quiet footnote in Clark County’s rich mining heritage.

Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest 

Posted on by
Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest
Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest

Spanning an awe-inspiring 6.3 million acres, Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest is the largest national forest in the contiguous United States. This vast landscape stretches across most of Nevada and into a portion of eastern California. Unlike traditional forests, it consists of numerous large, non-contiguous sections scattered across dozens of mountain ranges, creating a mosaic of extraordinary natural beauty.

From rugged desert valleys and sagebrush steppes to lush alpine meadows, glacial canyons, and snow-capped peaks rising over 12,000 feet, Humboldt–Toiyabe offers classic Western scenery and unparalleled solitude.

A Land of Dramatic Diversity

The forest encompasses over 60 mountain ranges, including iconic areas like:

  • The Ruby Mountains — Often called the “Nevada Alps,” featuring glacial lakes, towering granite peaks, and vibrant fall colors.
  • Spring Mountains (near Las Vegas) — Home to Mount Charleston and cooler, forested escapes from the desert heat.
  • Jarbidge Wilderness and East Humboldt Range — Remote, dramatic canyons and high-country wilderness.
  • Eastern Sierra Nevada sections — Including areas near Bridgeport, CA, with access to the Pacific Crest Trail.

Elevations range from about 4,000 feet in arid basins to over 12,000 feet at summits like Dunderberg Peak. This variation supports an incredible range of ecosystems — from ancient bristlecone pines and aspen groves to volcanic formations and limestone canyons.

Wildlife and Wonders

The forest is home to over 350 species of wildlife, including:

  • Bighorn sheep
  • Mule deer
  • Mountain lions
  • Bobcats
  • Golden eagles

Crystal-clear rivers and alpine lakes teem with trout, while the dark night skies — some of the best in the Lower 48 — offer spectacular stargazing. Visitors often encounter historic mining remnants, ancient petroglyphs, and ghost towns that tell the story of the Old West.

Year-Round Adventures Await

Summer & Fall:

  • Over 2,000 miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
  • World-class fishing in glacial lakes and streams.
  • Scenic drives, including the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway.
  • Camping (developed sites and dispersed options) and wildlife viewing.

Winter & Spring:

  • Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling at areas like the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area.
  • Dramatic seasonal waterfalls and wildflower blooms in spring.

Popular trails include the Hunter Creek Trail (with its refreshing waterfall), Mount Rose Summit, and sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.

The forest also features 18–24 designated Wilderness Areas, offering pristine, roadless experiences for those seeking true solitude.

Plan Your Visit

  • Headquarters & Ranger Districts: Offices in Sparks, Carson City, Elko, Ely, Las Vegas, and Bridgeport, CA, among others.
  • Best Time to Visit: May through September for high-country access; year-round recreation is possible depending on the district.
  • Access: Reached via numerous highways and forest roads. Some areas are remote — always check road conditions and weather.
  • Regulations: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Fire restrictions, wilderness permits, and campfire rules may apply.

Whether you’re chasing alpine adventure in the Rubies, seeking desert mountain solitude near Las Vegas, or exploring historic trails, Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest delivers unforgettable experiences in one of the American West’s most expansive and diverse wild places.

“Adventure Awaits in Nevada’s Majestic Backyard”

For more information, visit the official U.S. Forest Service website: fs.usda.gov/htnf

Protecting and sharing this land for future generations.

Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest 

Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest Campgrounds

Trumbull Lake Campground

Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest Campgrounds Trumbull Lake Campground, nestled in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Bridgeport, California, is a serene high-altitude camping destination at 9,980 feet…

Gold Butte, Nevada – Clark County Ghost Town

Posted on by
Ghost towns of Clark County, Nevada
Ghost towns of Clark County, Nevada

Gold Butte is a classic Nevada ghost town located in the eastern hook of Clark County, in the rugged Virgin Mountains of the Mojave Desert. The townsite lies south of Gold Butte peak (elevation 5,013 feet), between the Nevada-Arizona state line to the east and the Virgin River (now part of Lake Mead) to the west. It is now protected within the Gold Butte National Monument, a remote area managed by the Bureau of Land Management and accessible via the Gold Butte Backcountry Byway. The site is approximately 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas and features arid desert terrain with granite outcrops, making it a stark example of early 20th-century mining isolation.

Early History and Founding

Indications of mining in the broader Gold Butte area date back possibly to the 1700s, with Spanish prospectors leaving behind arrastras (large flat rocks used by donkeys to crush ore). The first documented activity came in 1873 when Daniel Bonelli discovered mica and made trial shipments in 1893–1894. However, the town itself sprang up after gold was discovered in 1905, sparking a rush of prospectors from 1905 to 1906.

A post office opened on March 19, 1906 (operating until February 28, 1911). In 1908, the Gold Butte Mercantile, Townsite & Mining Co. formally laid out the townsite. Due to the extreme scarcity of wood and construction materials in the desert, Gold Butte was never a traditional wooden settlement but primarily a tent city. Supplies were hauled from nearby St. Thomas, and the community quickly grew around mining claims.

Economic Activities

The economy revolved around small-scale mining, primarily gold, with additional efforts targeting mica, copper, lead, zinc, silver, and magnesite. Ore was crushed using arrastras (several of which still exist nearby) and shipped by wagon to St. Thomas for rail transport. At its peak, the town supported a saloon, hotel, livery stable, store, and even a brothel; a sanitarium was proposed but never built. Population estimates reached around 2,000, though most residents lived in canvas tents. Total mineral production from the Gold Butte district was roughly $75,000. Copper mining in the area continued on a smaller scale into World War I to meet wartime demand.

Decline and Abandonment

The boom was short-lived. Gold deposits proved limited and played out rapidly. By the end of 1910, many mines had shut down, with most mining activity halting completely by December 1910. The post office closed in 1911 due to the dwindling population. Buildings were dismantled and relocated to St. Thomas, and the town was effectively abandoned by 1911. What had been a bustling tent-city mining camp faded into obscurity almost as quickly as it appeared.

Legacy and Current Status

Today, Gold Butte stands as a poignant reminder of Nevada’s ephemeral mining booms. Very little remains: scattered building foundations, rusting mining equipment, several caged mine shafts, and historic arrastras. Two graves are among the most prominent features—those of Arthur “Art” Coleman (a lanky prospector who died in 1958 at age 82) and William “Bill” Garrett (a tall Texas cattleman and nephew of Pat Garrett, who died in 1961 at age 81). The pair met in 1916 and lived at the abandoned townsite for over four decades, running cattle, prospecting, and distilling moonshine while hosting travelers. Their graves, now protected by concrete vaults after an incident of vandalism in 2014, are a quiet testament to the area’s post-boom resilience.

The site is preserved within Gold Butte National Monument (established by presidential proclamation on December 28, 2016), which safeguards not only the mining remnants but also ancient Native American cultural resources and unique desert geology. Visitors can explore the townsite via the backcountry byway, though the area remains remote and requires high-clearance vehicles. It offers a tangible link to the American West’s mining and ranching heritage amid dramatic sandstone canyons and peaks.

Sources and References

  • Nevada Expeditions: Gold Butte townsite page (founding dates, facilities, and later residents).
  • The Spectrum: “Gold Butte’s ghost town” (2016 article on peak years and Coleman/Garrett story).
  • Additional context from Friends of Gold Butte, BLM records, and historical mining district summaries.

This report draws from consistent historical accounts to provide a complete picture of Gold Butte’s rise and fall. The site remains accessible for those interested in exploring Nevada’s ghost-town legacy firsthand.

Lucy Grey Goldmine

Posted on by

The Lucy Grey Goldmine trail is a short 4×4 trip out of Primm, Nevada up to an old mine site.  The route is fairly accessible and almost any SUV or 4×4, but the route finding can be tricky is you are not careful.  A slight mistake in navigation and you will be in some rough country.  To find the trail head, exit and head past the outlet stores and the Lotto Store. The trail head is the dirt road where the paved road turns left.

Lucy Grey gold mine - An old truck marks the trail up to the mine. Built rigs might be able to make it, but I choose to hike. Photo by James L Rathbun
Lucy Grey gold mine – An old truck marks the trail up to the mine. Built rigs might be able to make it, but I choose to hike. Photo by James L Rathbun

The trail heads straight out into the desert. When you reach the railroad tracks, turn right and follow the road next to tracks until you reach a railroad signal station. There is a pass through under the train track and a nice little sign which reads Lucy Grey to let you know you are on your way.

From the railroad signal station the trail heads up an alluvial fan into the hills. Once you reach the gully and head into the hills, the trail becomes hard to follow, so pay attention to GPS coordinates, or your map. The trek is mostly easy with one or two small sections that will require you to pay a little more attention. The most difficult part of this trail is the route finding up to the mine and town site.

Continue Reading →

St Thomas Nevada – Clark County Ghost Town

Posted on by

Founded in 1865 when Brigham Young sent settles to the confluence of the Virgin River and Muddy Rivers.  St Thomas Nevada remained a Mormon settlement until 1871 when a surveying correction placed the town in Nevada.   When the Mormons abandoned the area, other settlers claimed the property.  St Thomas used to served as a pit stop for travelers between Los Angeles, California and Salt Lake City, Utah using along the old Arrow Highway (US 91).

St Thomas Ghost Town is accessible with lower water levels in Lake Mead, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
St Thomas Ghost Town is accessible with lower water levels in Lake Mead, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

The United States Federal Government “purchased” the land as part of the Hoover Dam project.  In actuality, there were multiple suits as the residents of St. Thomas raise complaints about the amount the federal government was paying for their land.  In time, the residence lost and the entire town was doomed to its destiny and the water of Lake Mead continued to rise.

St Thomas Trail head
St Thomas Trail head

The last known resident as Hugh Lord, who remained until the water surrounded his home.  He loaded is possessions into a row boat, set fire to his home, and rowed off into history.  Soon the rising water of Lake Mead swallowed the entire down, and wasted the landscape with water 60 feet deep.  From time to time, the lake level will drop low enough to expose this lost town.

The town is currently exposed, and lies in the lake bed surrounded by a large expanse of tamarisk.  The dirt road to the trail-head is located just inside the entrance to Lake Mead National Recreation Area when coming from Moapa and Overton and the trail is beyond simple and suitable for almost every vehicle.

Fresh Water Clam shells litter the area
Fresh Water Clam shells litter the area

The 2.5 miles hiking trail is very easy and takes you from the trail-head and loops through the town.  The trail would be a bit more difficult if you attempt the trail during the hot summer months.  Remains of the town are limited to foundations, some old wood fence posts and some metal artifacts such as farming equipment and a V-8 small block.  The park service appears to cut the tamarisk back to expose the foundations for visitors, however the cut off tamarisk trucks can be a tripping hazard and would be harsh it you fell on one, so keep in eye on where you step.

A building foundation in St. Thomas, Nevada
A building foundation in St. Thomas

I have been to many ghost towns over the years.  Many of them lost in history due to mines failing to produce, fire, hard environments and disease.  St Thomas is different from all the others.  This is a ghost town by design, by protest and there is no better reminder than the fresh water clam shells which litter the site.  The fact that there are viable towns (Moapa and Overton) just a few miles away make St Thomas all the more poignant.

The tallest building remains of St. Thomas,
The tallest building remains of St. Thomas

St Thomas Trail Map