Mackay Mansion: How To Tour This Real-Life Haunted House in Virginia City
If you’re into visiting historic places - specifically ones that supposedly still house the original occupants - look no further…
2 minute read | contains affiliate links
If you’re into visiting historic places - specifically ones that supposedly still house the original occupants - look no further than Mackay Mansion in Virginia City.
Mackay Mansion was built in 1859 by a man named George Hearst (five years before Nevada became a state). This was the same year silver was discovered here.
Twelve years later in 1871, Hearst would sell the property to Irish immigrant and one of Virginia City’s four “Silver Kings”, John Mackay. Mackay would later go on to be the richest man to come out of the Comstock.
The former occupants have long since passed on, but they are believed to still roam the halls. The spirits of two little girls, an Army cornel, a shadow man, and Mr. & Mrs. Mackay themselves have all been seen.
Over the years, the mansion has been preserved well and year-round, daily tours are conducted detailing the history of this - even by today’s standards - lavish abode.
In this article, we’re going to give you all the information you’ll need to see it for yourself. We’re not going to spoil the tour, but we will show some pictures we took to give you an idea of what to expect.
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Getting To Mackay Mansion
The Mackay Mansion is located in the heart of one of Nevada’s most historic towns; Virginia City. It is right off and can be seen from the main strip through town.
For GPS purposes, the official address is:
291 S. D Street, Virginia City, NV 89440
As you’re driving on the main road, keep an eye out for a blue, 3-story house. There’s a road going down a steep hill right by this house and the mansion is right at the end of this road.
Parking
There’s plenty of parking around the mansion but as you’ll see when you get there, they’ve coned off the area directly in front of it. There’s plenty of street parking on D Street or on the main road above.
Admission Fees & Hours of Operation
The hours and admission fees vary and are dependent on the type of tour and time of year. There are two types of tours available:
Day Tour
The day tour is the one you’ll likely be doing and is the one with the most available time slots. This is also the most affordable option. The day tour schedule is as follows:
Summer
Friday & Saturday between the hours of 10am and 6pm
Sunday - Thursday between the hours of 10am and 5pm
Winter
Sunday - Saturday between the hours of 10am and 5pm (weather permitted).
The fees for day tours during the summer and winter are the same. They are:
$8.00 per adult
$5.00 for kids 5-12 years old
Free for kids under 5
There are several ways you can pay for your admission fees:
You can pay cash (I asked and this was their preferred method of payment).
They will also accept debit/credit cards.
Or you can purchase a Comstock Adventure Pass at the Virginia City Visitor Center. This will also include other local attractions.
Tours run about 30-minutes in length and the final tour will leave 30-minutes before closing. If a tour is running as you arrive, you’ll find the front door locked. Have a seat on the porch and the guide will come get you when they’re ready.
After Hours
We haven’t done an after hours tour (yet), but we’ve heard it’s a lot of fun. You’ll hear a lot of the same information you would during the day, but this one focuses more on the paranormal side of it.
After hours tours run on the same schedule as above but only take place between 5-6pm.
Reservations are highly recommended for the after hours tour as they cannot guarantee you a spot otherwise. To make a reservation, call this number.
The admission fees for this tour are:
$10.00 per person (adult or child)
Mackay Mansion Tour Experience
When it’s your turn to join a tour, your guide will open the door and invite you inside the office. Here, he or she will collect your admission fees and go over some quick safety information.
Our Tour Guide, Megan, was wonderful. Super friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. We hear this isn’t the exception as all the other guides are exactly the same.
The tour begins with your guide detailing the history of Mackay Mansion and its purpose back in the heyday of the Comstock. You’ll be shown examples of real silver ore, pictures of the time, and the vault where payroll and bullion was kept.
The Living Room
After checking out the vault, you’ll be instructed to head into the next room; the living room. This was my favorite of the tour due to the decor and the hand carved framing around the fireplace.
Here, your guide will tell you more about the personal lives of John Mackay and his wife, Marion. Among other things, Marion was a well known seamstress and would often design and sow her own dresses with the intention of, “stopping the show”.
Also, this room is where your guide will delve into the paranormal aspect of the mansion by showing you verified, non-doctored photos of Marion Mackay in that very room and another of a little girl.
The Stairwell
After the living room, you’ll temporarily move into the hallway adjacent to the stairwell. As you can see in the photo above, this wooden stairwell is both narrow and steep.
Here, your guide will go over what to expect on the second level where the bedrooms are. You’ll also see the Tiffany window pane above the door and see more photos of spirits.
The Upstairs Bedrooms
According to our guide, Johnny Depp stayed in John Mackay’s room while filming a movie. He was supposed to stay for 30-days but on the third night, he woke up to a little girl in a white dress jumping on his bed.
After that episode, he refused to stay another night or even step foot back into the mansion. The film crew had to go in to gather his things and move him to a hotel.
Back then, it was common place for a husband and wife to sleep in their own, separate rooms and the Mackay's were no exception. They each had their own adjoining rooms.
Across the hall are the children’s rooms and bathroom. All rooms are roped off except for one of the girls rooms. You’re able to go in and look around but you’re asked not to touch anything.
The late-1800’s era bathroom was a trip. The bathtub was the first in town to be plumbed and the toilet has gold leaf paint on both the outside and inside of it.
This is where the guided portion of your tour will conclude. You’ll be free to continue exploring the rooms at your leisure and to leave, you’ll go down both stairwells and out the door to the grounds out back.
Just before leaving the mansion, look to your left to see the dining room with original table, carpet, and chandelier. To see the grounds, go out the door and turn right.
Don’t forget to tip your guide on the way out or as the tip jar says, “Ghosts will follow you home”.
The Grounds
After finishing the tour, you’re welcome to explore the grounds in the back of the property at your leisure. We highly advise you to do this as it is simply beautiful back there.
To start touring the grounds, simply follow the brick path through some thick greenery. When weddings are held here, this is the pathway Brides take to get to the archway during the ceremony.
Beyond this area is where you’ll find the Gazebo which is original to the property. To get to it, you’ll need to go through a white gate. At first, it’ll appear as if that area is off limits, but you are able to go through.
Events
Events of all kinds can be held here. Weddings are the most common but you could also celebrate birthdays, family reunions, company events, etc. We don’t know the number of people the space can hold but it looks like it can accommodate a decent sized group.
For your event, the space comes with the gazebo, hanging lights, tables, chairs, a bar area, heaters, space for seating, and a grill (you’ll need to provide propane).
If you’re interested in holding an event at Mackay Mansion, you can contact them directly for prices and availability. Be sure to give them our regards!
Once your done, you’ll simply head out the gate and back to the front of the mansion. Afterwards, consider touring another great local destination, Chollar Mine. Read about it in our post below!
Paranormal Activity
According to our tour guide, Mackay Mansion is the 5th most haunted place in the state. We didn’t see any spirits ourselves, but others have reported seeing children, a shadow man, and John Mackay.
Consequently, the mansion has been the subject of many popular shows such as, “Ghost Adventures”, and “Dead Files”. We were told one of the crew members was knocked down by a spirit after trying to access the attic (which is off limits to the public).
The owners decided to open the mansion up to amateurs and professionals alike by offering the opportunity to hold their own paranormal investigations inside this real-life haunted house.
You can the listing for hours, fees, and how to set an appointment for one here.
We had a great time touring Mackay Mansion and we have no doubt you’ll also enjoy it. Even if you don’t believe in the paranormal, the sheer amount of history behind this place will peak your interest.
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Safe travels and thanks for reading!
Tour The Historic Chollar Mine in Virginia City
Established in 1859, Chollar Mine was one of Virginia City’s highest producing mines. Eventually producing 17 million in silver and gold ore over the course of its 80-year…
Established in 1859, Chollar Mine was one of Virginia City’s highest producing mines. Eventually producing 17 million in silver and gold ore over the course of its 80-year operation.
These days, there isn’t any mining going on in VC, but Chollar Mine has stood the test of time and has been preserved to offer daily tours. Visitors will get a rare glimpse at mining life in the 1800’s during this 30-minute adventure.
We recently paid a visit here and took part in a tour. Being a local historian and former miner himself, our tour guide provided tons of interesting information throughout and made it a fun, memorable experience.
While we won’t spoil the tour, we will provide you with all the information you’ll need to plan a visit. We’ll also give you some examples of topics covered during the tour.
Let’s get into it!
Location
The Chollar Mine is located in the historic Nevada town of Virginia City and right off the main strip. The exact address for GPS purposes is:
615 South F Street. Virginia City, NV 89440
If you’re one of the few that doesn’t own a smartphone with GPS capability, here’s a some visual help. Regardless of which direction you’re coming into town from, look out for the Fourth Ward School (pictured above).
Directions
As you’re approaching the school:
If you’re coming from Silver City, you’ll turn right on Occidental Grade (just before the school)
If you’re coming from the opposite direction, turn left just after the school.
You’ll drive a couple hundred yards before seeing a sign for Chollar Mine. Turn left here.
After another 100 yards you’ll see another sign (pictured above). Turn right here and go down the driveway to the parking lot.
Fees
As with most tourist attractions, there are fees to be paid in order to take part in the tour. You can feel good about it, though, as this money goes towards supporting local and preserving the mine itself.
The tour prices are as follows:
$15.00 - Per Adult
$10.00 - Per Child (age 5 - 12)
Free - Children under 5 years old
You should note that tour fees are cash only at this time. There is no ticket booth or window, rather, you’ll be greeted by the operator as you drive up and he will collect the fees.
Special rates are available for large groups from schools, churches, etc. It is also possible to arrange a private tour. You can contact them directly to inquire.
The Tour
Tours are held daily during the months of May through October between the hours of 10:00am - 4:00pm and are roughly 30-minutes in length. Depending on when you arrive, there may be a bit of a wait for the current tour to end.
After paying, your tour will begin at an old barn where you’ll all gather to listen to the tour guide describe the history of Chollar Mine. You’ll also be given a chance to look at the many artifacts that surround you.
You’ll then be taken to the entrance of the mine and hear more descriptive history of it, the miners themselves, and what life was like back then. Your tour guide will also go over some safety information with you during this time.
You will then be guided through the entrance of the mine. You’ll need to watch your head and your step as you go through the mine tunnel. For clarity, I’m 5’9 and I needed to duck to go through.
Going Inside
The tunnel is 400-feet in length and throughout the majority of it, dark. There is a rope light that runs the length of the tunnel but provides only just enough light for you to get through it. It’s as close to authentic as you can get.
The original mine cart track still runs along the floor so you’ll need to watch your footing around that. There’s also portions of the tunnel where that infamous blue/gray mud that stuck to the miners’ tools and boots is still ever present. Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Near the end of the tunnel is where it’ll start getting cramped. When the tunnel was constructed, it was much larger. Over the years with normal wear and damage from earthquakes, the tunnel has gotten smaller. Don’t worry, though. It is safe.
If you’re claustrophobic, have a hard time bending, or have back problems this is not the tour for you. It does get uncomfortable at times and it caused my anxiety to kick in towards the end. Just something to keep in mind.
The Stope (Mining Room)
At the end of the tunnel, you’ll reach a room known as a “stope”. This is the very room where miners worked day in and day out mining for silver ore.
(As stated at the beginning of this article, we’re not going to spoil the tour. We want you to experience it for yourself. So we’re just going to give you a few examples of what to expect):
You’ll be shown examples of tools used by the miners.
You’ll see how the miners communicated with the outside world.
You’ll find out how rats were essential to miners and how they used them.
The lights will be turned off so you can get a sense for what it was like for them if a gust of wind came through and blew out the candles.
You’ll hear stories of local superstitious.
And much, much more.
Once your tour guide is finished, you’ll be given the opportunity to ask your own questions, move around parts of the room you couldn’t see, and take photographs.
The room is small and tight so depending on the amount of people in your group, you won’t be able to move around much until the end. You’ll also have a hard time standing up straight. So be prepared to sit or crouch down.
After spending 15-minutes or so in the room, your tour guide will take you back the same way you came through the tunnel.
As you’re going out be sure to keep your head down. Your eyes have adjusted to the darkness so the sudden rush of light at the end could prevent you from seeing the wooden frames above.
After you exit the tunnel, your tour guide will take any questions you may have and offer to take pictures of you and your group in front of the entrance. This is where you can give a tip if you feel inclined.
At this point, you can continue on with your vacation to other great attractions in the area. If you need suggestions, here’s a list of seven things we think you would love in Virginia City
Conclusion
We highly recommend going on a tour of Chollar Mine (provided you’re ok with tight spaces). It’s an intimate and interesting look at Virginia City’s history. This is something the whole family could take part in.
If you’ve found this article helpful in planning your trip to VC, please support us by sharing it with your friends and family on your favorite social media site. You can further show support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
7 Things You Will Love About Virginia City
If you’re an avid reader on this site, you’d probably be familiar with our “7 Things” series, where we list seven of our favorite features of a particular town or area. The other two…
If you’re an avid reader of this site, you’d probably be familiar with our “7 Things” series, where we list seven of our favorite features of a particular town or area. The other two in the series, Bridgeport and Lee Vining, are proving to be popular so we decided we would bring the series over to the Nevada section.
After discussing a few Nevada towns that are more than worthy of being featured, we decided to go with Virginia City as the first. There’s so much to love about this little town in the Nevada mountains but for the purpose of this article, we’re going to list seven of our personal favorites.
Virginia City became a bustling mining town in June of 1859 when land owner Henry Comstock discovered a rich deposit of silver ore. Comstock is also credited as being the first to discover gold in nearby Gold Canyon (just south of VC). From there, mansions, churches, saloons, hospitals, schools, and mining companies began popping up as the population exploded to around 25,000.
These days, active mining is long gone in VC. Locals have done a great job preserving the many historic buildings and mines contained here. Most offer guided tours. On top of that, the main strip is now filled with quirky shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels. Tourism is the boom here now. So sit back and relax while we present you with seven things you will love about Virginia City.
1) The Way It Was Museum
If there’s one attraction in VC that corners the market on local advertising, its the “Way It Was” Museum. Multiple signs dot the roads coming into town from either direction proudly disclaiming it a, “must-visit”. That’s hard to argue as this museum contains the most complete collection of Comstock material in the world.
It is open seasonally from 10:30 - 4:30 and costs a mere $4 per person. Visitors can purchase tickets at the museum itself or at the visitor center on the main strip. The self guided tour of the exhibits are perfect for families and history buffs alike.
2) Mackay Mansion Tour
Originally build in 1860 to be the headquarters of the Gould and Curry Mining Company and later purchased by one of VC’s “Silver Kings”, John Mackay, seasonal guided tours are offered at this hauntingly beautiful mansion and its grounds.
During the tour, you’ll see many historical artifacts such as mining equipment, original furnishings, Tiffany silver, and other historic anecdotes. Weddings and other special events may be held here as well. If you’re into conducting paranormal investigations, you can arrange one.
Information for guided tours is as follows:
Day Tours
Summer: Daily, 10am to 5pm
Winter: Weekends, 12pm tp 5pm (weather dependent)
Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: $7 per adult/$4 per child aged 5-12/free for children under 5
Night tours
Weekends: 5pm to 7pm (must call to reserve)
Cost: $10 per person
READ: “Mackay Mansion: How To Visit This Real-Life Haunted House”
3) Silver Terrace Cemetery
Life in Virginia City during its heyday wasn’t easy. Life expectancy was short due to dangerous working conditions in the mines, harsh weather, and other 1800’s era problems like disease, so the need for an official city cemetery became more and more apparent. Thus, the Silver Terrace Cemetery was born.
The cemetery is located on the north end of town on Old Cemetery road and is free to visit. It was common for the locals back then to flaunt their wealth and many did so both in life and death. Many beautiful hand carved headstones, many as tall or taller than a person, dot the hillside and are surrounded by iron fencing.
The majority of the grave sites date back prior to 1920 and a few are cracked and in a state of disrepair, but the site as a whole is beautiful and has amazing views of the mountains. You can visit daily from sunrise to sunset but a trespass warning is in effect outside of those hours and yes, it is taken seriously.
4) Chollar Mine Tour
Our personal favorite on this list, this guided tour of Chollar Mine will take you 400-feet into Mount Davidson through a dark and claustrophobic walk along the rail once used to transport silver ore and will end at a room carved out by miners in the 1800’s.
You’ll hear historical facts about both the mine and area by your knowledgable tour guide. You’ll also learn about how the miners communicated to those on the outside, how they depended on rats as both a food source and warning system, how they navigated their way out if their only light source (wax candles) were to go out, and more.
This tour operates daily (seasonally) between the hours of 10am and 4pm and is cash only at this time. Prices are as follows:
Adults: $15
Children 5-12: $10
Children under 5: Free
5) Nevada’s Oldest Hotel
The Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon is the oldest hotel in the state of Nevada. So old, it was operating as a hotel even before the state became part of the union. The exact year it opened is debated as either 1859 or 1861 but either way, Nevada didn't become a state until 1864 so that fact still holds.
It is located just one-mile south of Virginia City and is the only full service hotel in the immediate area. Original flooring, walls, and plaster still adorn the interior and you can even reserve rooms that are exactly as they were back in the 1800’s. It’s truly astonishing this property is still thriving all these years later.
This hotel also has quite the reputation among the paranormal crowd as it’s considered one of the most haunted places in the state. This is due to the fire that took place in 1869 at the Yellow Jacket Mine located just behind the property. This fire claimed the lives of 35 miners and is considered the worst mining accident in Nevada history.
6) Quirky Shops and Bars
The main strip through the center of town is a tourism mecca and thus, it’s jam packed with unique shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels. Many of the original buildings from the town’s early days have been re-purposed to house these.
Such examples include Virginia City Mercantile (pictured above), Silver Queen Hotel & Wedding Chapel, Forever Christmas Gift Shop, Bucket of Blood Saloon, Kettle Corn Depot, Primrose Lane Antiques, Grant’s General Store Museum, The Washoe Club, Silver Sadie’s Old Time Photos, and many more. There’s simply too many to list.
Strolling by these shops on the wooden boardwalks is part of the appeal of visiting Virginia City. Actors and Actresses in western attire typically walk around greeting people and thanking them for visiting. The people who live and work here truly care about their town and want you to feel as welcomed as possible.
7) That 100-Mile View
From the main strip and other points, you can look east towards the mountains at what locals refer to as the, “100-mile view”. This number is fudged a bit as it’s really about 90-miles but hey, who’s counting? Seriously though, the views of the mountains are outstanding and truly show how remote of a place Virginia City used to be (and still kind of is).
The church you see in the image above is Saint Mary in the Mountains. It is still an active church where services take place on Sundays. During the week, visitors are welcomed inside to tour the interior and museum but they do ask that you be respectful by remaining quiet and removing hats/sunglasses upon entering.
Too Many To List
It was hard narrowing all there is to do in VC into a 7 list article. We definitely listed some favorites but people will no doubt question why this or that wasn’t listed. Simply put, this list is a small sample of all there is to do here. So much so, we very well may do a sequel to this post.
Other favorite attractions include the V&T Railway, the various parades and special events that place throughout the year, Piper’s Opera House, Ponderosa Mine Tour, Virginia City Trolley Tour, The Pit Stop, VC Outlaws Comedy Show, Mark Twain Museum, and so much more.
Getting To VC
From Reno:
Head south on I-580
Take exit 25B
At the round-a-bout, take the NV-341 exit and follow this for about 24-miles. It’ll take you straight to VC
From Carson City:
Head east on US-50
Turn left on NV-341 and continue straight
You’ll pass through Silver City and Gold Hill before arriving at VC
From Las Vegas:
Go north on US-95 for about 350 miles
As you approach Schurz, turn left on US-95 ALT North towards Yerington
Continue on US-95 ALT North towards Silver Springs (turn right from Yerington)
Turn left on Ramsey Weeks cutoff
Turn left on US-50 and continue for 16-miles
Turn right on Six Mile Canyon road for about 8-miles before arriving at VC
READ ALSO: How To Visit Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Conclusion
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You can further show your support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above. Thank you and safe travels!
How To Visit The Historic Lovelock Cave
Nestled within the Humbolt Mountain range and located 20 miles outside the small Nevada town of Lovelock, the Lovelock Cave is a small, but significally historic landmark…
Nestled within the Humbolt Mountain range and located 20 miles outside the small Nevada town of Lovelock, the Lovelock Cave is a small, but significally historic landmark. It’s an easy, straight-forward drive along the Backcountry Byway and once there, it’s a quick hike to the cave entrance from the parking lot.
As stated above, it is small. This is not the kind of cave where you’ll be able to go from room to room deep into the earth. It’s a small entrance leading to a viewing deck inside an area barely bigger than a modern day studio apartment. Don’t let this stop you, though. The historical significance of the cave more than makes up for its lack of size.
Some 22,000 years ago, Lake Lahontan covered this entire area. As water levels began to recede, wave action started to interact with the limestone, resulting in little pocket caves like this one. Lovelock Cave is just one of many in the area that came to be because of Lahontan. Hidden Cave near Fallon is another example.
In later years, Northern Paiute Indians would utilize this cave for storage and shelter between the timeframe of 2,000 B.C and 1,000 A.D and it would go undiscovered until 1912 when bat guano miners found it and began operations. Shortly after, archeological digs would commence and regularly occur for around 60 years, resulting in the discovery of thousands of artifacts and human remains.
Read on below as we give you a detailed summary on how you can make your way out here and see it for yourself. In the second half of the article, we will briefly cover the legend of the cannibalistic giants that lived here as well as the discovery of the oldest known duck decoys in the world. Enjoy!
Directions
Your journey to the cave begins and ends in Lovelock, NV. Thankfully, it’s easy to get there as your journey begins almost as soon as you exit the freeway. Whether you’re coming from the direction of Winnemucca or Reno, these are the easiest directions to follow:
You’ll take exit #106 towards Downtown.
As you’re taking the exit, you’ll notice a McDonalds.
If you’re coming from Winnemucca, you’ll turn right on Main then left on Amherst (just before McDonalds). If you’re coming from Reno, you’ll turn left on Main, go under the overpass, and left on Amherst.
This road will eventually turn into S. Meridian and becomes a well maintained dirt road as you pass through a beautiful agricultural area.
You’ll stay on this road until you reach Derby road at a two-way intersection. You will go left here.
You’ll cross over the Humbolt River and shortly after, come to a point where the road splits in three directions (as pictured below). You’ll want to continue to the right.
Continue going straight until the road terminates at the parking lot.
Even though it is fairly straight forward, you may feel a little lost at times (we did). Just keep an eye out for those “Lovelock Cave Byway” signs. They’re dotted along the entire stretch of this drive. If you haven’t seen one in a while, you may want to turn around.
Pictured above is a beautiful section of the Humbolt River we ran into along the byway. This view was on our left shortly after turning on Derby. Pictured below is where the road splits into three directions shortly after the river crossing. You’ll turn right to continue towards the cave (though we were curious as to what the other roads led to. If you happen to know, please let us know in the comments).
Between here and the cave, you’ll get amazing views of the Humbolt Mountains on your left and the Humboldt State Wildlife Management Area on your right. We observed many species of birds in this area and even spotted a Rattlesnake sun-bathing in the middle of the road. If you’re into birding, you would do well here.
The road you’ll be on is well maintained with only a few parts that get a bit rough for those driving a compact vehicle. For clarity, our Chevy Cruze made it just fine (though there were a few times we had to slow down due to rough bumps in the road). If you have a truck or jeep, you’ll have no issues.
The road will start to go left and up towards the cave and soon, you’ll see the entrance sign and the parking lot ahead of you. The lot is a decent size that could easily accommodate a few dozen or so creatively parked vehicles. There is also a covered picnic table and one restroom. Fair warning, the restroom isn’t very well maintained (better than nothing, though).
The Nature Trail
At the trailhead, you’ll find an informative board describing the history of the cave and the area as a whole. You’ll find the start of the trail just behind here. If you wanted to complete the trail proper (and you should) you’ll start by heading upwards. If you just want to get to the cave, head left.
The nature trail is short, coming in a just over half a mile for the whole loop. In the beginning there is a bit of an uphill climb but it’s on gentle switchbacks and doesn’t require a whole lot of effort. If you took a brochure along with you (at the trailhead), it’ll describe the mountains, plants, and other features as you go.
If you’re on the trail proper, it’ll take you up, over, and around the cave before dropping you off at the entrance. Just before this, you’ll come to another informative board with an expansive view of what was once ancient Lake Lahontan (now Humbolt Sink). The board details the plant, animal, and fish life that once called this area home.
From here, you’ll continue left on the trail until you reach the entrance to the cave. You’ll go down a little bit before working your way back up. This section of the trail does have sheer drop offs on your right, so be sure to watch your footing. Once you get to the entrance, you will see a few spur trails. There’s no right or wrong here. Just pick one and go up.
When you arrive at the entrance, you’ll see what we mean by how small it is. In fact, it used to be MUCH wider, but an earthquake caused a large rock to collapse into the mouth of the cave, leaving the tiny entrance we have today. You can still see how large it was by looking to the far right of the entrance.
Lovelock Cave
From here, simply head into the cave. Watch your footing as you descend as it’s a rocky and uneven surface. In front of you, you’ll see a wooden deck. This is where you can enjoy the cave from. This deck was installed around 10 years ago to help maintain the integrity of the cave. The BLM does ask that you stay on the deck as archeological digs do still occur here from time to time.
In the photo below, you will see a brightly lit photo of the viewing deck. I used my camera’s flash to attain this photo. It is NOT this bright inside. It isn’t pitch black or anything as you are able to see where you’re going, but it is much darker than what this photo shows.
All around you, you’ll see burn marks at both the entrance of the cave as well as nearly the entire interior. It is believed that this was due to fires being set by Native Americans for warmth, cooking food, etc. There’s also the legend of Natives setting fire to the entrance of the cave to “smoke out” cannibalistic giants that once lived in this area (more on that later).
There’s a lower portion of the deck to the right that takes you slightly further into the cave. It’s much darker on this side as it’s further from the entrance. Seeing a bat or two is a possibility. The brochure we had stated bats were rare in this cave these days but during our visit, we saw two flying around.
From either side of the deck, you can see the areas where both bat guano miners and archeologists dug through. Guano mining took place in the early 1900’s while archeology digs began later and still occur from time to time. Many historical items were discovered here including multiple bones, mummified remains (unconfirmed), weapons, tools, duck decoys (oldest known in the world), clothing, and other artifacts.
Per my research, a total of 10,000 human remains and cultural artifacts have been discovered in this small cave. Prior to the mining and digging, the floor of the cave was much higher than it is today, specifically the left side (which was where most of the digging took place).
Once you’re done enjoying the cave, simply exit and head to the left back on the loop trail to complete your journey. On this section of the trail, you’ll get more expansive views of the Humbolt Sink and see up close the amazing limestone rock formations that make up the exterior. If you’re a rock nerd (like me) you’ll enjoy it.
From here, you just keep going straight until the trail spits you back out to the parking lot. You’re total milage on the trail will be around 6/10’s of a mile and with time exploring the interior of the cave, it shouldn’t take you more than an hour or two to complete.
Legend of the Giants
Now that we’ve gotten the “how to” part of this article out of the way, lets move on to some history. We have heard the legends and rumors surrounding what was and wasn’t found inside this cave. One of those legends pertains to the red-haired, cannibalistic giants that allegedly lived here while ancient Lake Lahontan was still present.
Native Paiutes described these giants (called, “Si-Te-Cah” and translates to, “tule eaters”) as upwards of 12-feet tall with reddish-brown hair all over their bodies and faces (think modern-day Bigfoot descriptions). They would sail across the sink to tribe villages, kidnap native women and children, and would take them back to this cave (and others) to be eaten.
Sick of their people being kidnapped and eaten (understandably), multiple tribes banded together with the purpose of killing these giants once and for all. So they chased them into the cave and after refusing to come out and fight, they set fire to the entrance of the cave. Some of the giants stayed inside, falling victim to burns and smoke inhalation. Others ran out and died after being hit with a hail of arrows.
It is said that many bones were discovered in the cave, some being split down the middle with the bone marrow extracted (which is probably something a giant cannibal would do). Furthermore, legend has it that mummified remains of these giants were found here. I was unable to find anything conclusive that confirmed the existence of these remains, so take it for what it’s worth.
The Duck Decoys
Among the confirmed artifacts unearthed here, the most known has to be the duck decoys. These decoys date back to between 400 B.C - 100 A.D. They’re made of bundled Tule (a desert plant which grows in marshy wetlands), are painted, and have actual Duck feathers still attached. In all, 11 were found with 8 being complete and 3 being unfinished.
These decoys have the distinction of being the oldest known in the world. They went undiscovered and untouched inside the cave for over 2,000 years. It’s truly amazing. Fittingly, they’re currently on display at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.
Conclusion
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Take An Easy Hike To King’s Canyon Falls in Carson City
Located in Carson City at the end of King’s Canyon road, this 25-foot cascading waterfall offers families and solo hikers alike easy access to a natural oasis
Located in Carson City at the end of King’s Canyon road, this 25-foot cascading waterfall offers families and solo hikers alike easy access to an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
We have been here numerous times and have almost always had the falls to ourselves at least part of the time. It is known mostly to locals, so your chances of not having to deal with hoards of tourists are decent.
If you’re planning a trip to Carson City or Reno, we highly recommend adding this place to your list of must-do activities. Below, you’ll find the information you’ll need for your visit.
The Trailhead
Kings Canyon Falls trailhead.
Getting to the trailhead from the downtown area is straightforward and simple. From the capital, you’ll do the following:
Turn onto East Musser street
Turn left onto N. Division street
Turn right onto W. King street
Continue on King’s Canyon road for about two miles
Keep left to stay on King’s Canyon road for about a third of a mile until you hit the dead end.
At the dead end, you’ll see a small dirt lot ahead of you with informative signage on both sides. This is the lot you’ll use. It can comfortably hold around 6-8 vehicles but if it’s full, you can simply park on the side of the road.
Kings Canyon Falls trailhead.
After you park, you’ll see a dirt road heading off to the left and a set of stairs leading up to some signage on your right. You’ll want to take the latter as that’s the most direct route to the falls.
Firefighter memorial. Kings Canyon Falls.
You’ll also want to take note that this trail is for hikers only. Equestrians and biking are not permitted. If you’re looking for a trail that can accommodate one or both of those activities, check here.
Be sure to stop at the sign and read about the fire that took place in this area in 1976 and the resulting deaths of three Firefighters who bravely fought it. There’s a memorial plaque on the left of the trailhead listing the names of those of perished.
The Trail
As stated in the title, this would be considered an easy trail just based on length alone. From the trailhead to the falls, it’s just about a quarter mile over just two quick sets of switchbacks.
Don’t be fooled, though, because it is deceptively steep in some sections. It isn’t hard, but if you’re not in decent shape or you’re not used to the elevation, you’ll definitely feel it.
Trail to King’s Canyon Falls.
Kings Canyon Falls trail.
Along the trail you’ll see sporadic signs asking you to remain on the trail and not cut through. It may be tempting in some spots but please obey the signs and stay on the trail. There’s been a lot of effort in recent years to restore the area.
View of Carson Valley from the trail.
As you near the top of the trail you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Carson Valley below. This view is also an indication that you’re close to the falls and that the “hard” part of the trail is over with.
Also around this part of the trail is where you’ll see the junction (on your left) that leads to the 1.8-mile North Kings Loop. This trail goes over and around the falls, not to it. So you’ll want to continue straight on the trail.
The Falls
Kings Canyon Falls.
Kings Canyon Falls.
As you turn the corner into the canyon, you will run right into the falls. In fact, like most waterfalls, you’ll hear it before you see it. As you arrive, you’ll notice boulders off to the left that make for the perfect spot to get off your feet.
The falls flow year round, but spring time is when it’s at its best while getting reduced greatly in the fall. Winter is the one season we haven’t been up here but from what I hear, there is water flowing and the trail, while snow covered and icy in some spots, is still accessible.
READ ALSO: Your Complete Guide To Visiting Burney Falls
Kings Canyon Falls.
Kings Canyon Falls.
If you’re here during a particularly heavy flow, the pool at the base of the falls will be around ankle deep, at best. Prior visitors have set up rocks to step on to get across to the other side so you can avoid stepping into the water.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there are boulders off to the right of the falls that you could use to scramble up to the top. From what I hear, there are small cascades you could check out up there. We have yet to do this so I can’t vouch for it, unfortunately.
Kings Canyon Falls.
Kings Canyon Falls.
Take as long as you like to hang out. People will come and go but if you’re patient, chances are good you’ll have it to yourself at some point. When you’re ready, simply turn around and head back in the same direction you came.
On the way back, you’ll again be presented with the opportunity to extend your hike via the North Kings Loop. This will add 1.8 miles to the overall hike. This is something I plan to do on my next visit so I’ll be sure to update this post when that happens.
Conclusion
Kings Canyon Falls.
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Safe travels.
How to Visit Berlin - Ichthyosaur Historic State Park
If you love ghost towns and dinosaurs then you need to head out to this little known town in Nevada’s expansive catalogue of State Parks. Berlin-Icthyosaur (say that 10 times fast) is located
If you love ghost towns and dinosaurs then you need to head out to this little known town in Nevada’s expansive catalogue of State Parks. Berlin-Icthyosaur (say that 10 times fast) is located just outside the (very) small town of Gabbs, NV. It has been dubbed as the, “Bodie”, of Nevada and not only contains remnants of an old mining town (Berlin), but it’s also the site of some of the largest Ichthyosaur fossils ever discovered.
Berlin can be a difficult park to find as it is tucked away deep into the Shoshone Mountain Range and doesn’t receive a lot of publicity as some of the other state parks, but it is more than worthy of your efforts to get out and explore it. So read on and discover how you too can visit Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park.
How to Get There
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park sign.
As stated above, Berlin is a bit out of the way and takes some effort to get to from either direction. It is located in Nye County and the nearest anything to it is the small, unincorporated town of Gabbs (population 155 as of this writing). If you’re coming from:
Reno: Take I-80 east towards Fernley. You’ll then take U.S 50 east for about 70 miles before turning right onto highway 361 and follow that for about 35 miles before finally arriving in Gabbs. From this direction, you’ll take a left on NV-844 east for 16 miles. This road will take you directly to Berlin.
Las Vegas: Make your way to U.S 95 north and follow that for roughly 215 miles. You’ll then veer right onto Route 89 to Gabbs and once there, you’ll follow the same directions above. The only difference is you’ll turn right on NV-844 to the park.
Salt Lake City: You’ll get onto I-80 west and follow that for 300 miles. You’ll then take the exit for NV-305 south heading for the town of Austin. Once in Austin, you’ll briefly turn left on the Lincoln Highway before exiting to NV-722 (you’ll pass the Austin airport). Then, turn left on NV-21 before turning right onto Forrest Developed Road 024 (this will be the back way into Berlin).
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park entrance.
As you can see, no matter which direction you are coming from, it’s going to be an adventure just getting to Berlin. So whichever way you’re coming from, be sure to stop at one of the bigger towns and fuel up before arriving in Gabbs or Berlin as there are no services in either. It also wouldn’t hurt to make sure your tires are properly inflated and all your fluids are good.
With the exception of the final few miles and coming in through the back way, all roads leading to Berlin are paved and well maintained. The last stretch is on a maintained gravel road. My Chevrolet Cruze made it up there perfectly fine. Potholes and dips were minimal. Keep in mind that if you’re using GPS, it may or may not have you go right at the split. Don’t. Keep to the left road and that will take you straight to the main entrance.
The Fossil House
The Fossil House.
It’s totally up to you on where you want to start. Once you’ve paid your entry fee, you’re free to enjoy the park at your leisure. However, we visited during the covid-19 crisis and one of the ways they were trying to prevent the spread at this particular location was to close the Fossil House. Thankfully, we were one of only two cars that came through this day so the Ranger was kind enough to open it up for us to check out. So we started our day here.
To get to the Fossil House, simply stick to the main road. You’ll eventually pass by the campground and will see a narrow road on your right with a sign pointing the way. Take this road. Be warned, this road is VERY narrow and there isn’t a whole lot of room for two vehicles to pass each other. At the top of the hill, you’ll come to the road’s terminus at the parking lot for the Fossil House. You’ll see a giant mural of an Ichthyosaur to the right of the lot to make it fairly obvious that you’re in the right spot. This mural represents the actual size of the largest, intact fossil inside the house.
Mural of an actual sized Ichthyosaur.
As you can see from the above photo, Ichthyosaurs were known to get huge. Some coming in at over fifty feet in length. The fossils found at this location were discovered in 1928 with excavations beginning in 1954 and running through the 1960’s. After it was all said and done, there were 40 near-complete Ichthyosaurs found at various locations throughout the park.
Tours of the Fossil House are 40 minutes in length and offered during the following times:
Daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day at 10am and 2pm with an additional noon tour offered on Saturdays and Sundays.
From March to Memorial Day and Labor Day to late November, there is no noon tour.
FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2020 AND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, TOURS OF THE FOSSIL HOUSE ARE CANCELED! I will update this once official information from park officials are provided. There are viewing windows at the Fossil House that you are free to use.
There is a fee to take this tour. It is $5.00 per person while kids 12 and under are free.
The excavation site inside the fossil house at Berlin State Park.
Inside the Fossil House, there’s a small loop trail and takes you around the excavation site with actual fossils in the middle of it. There are numbered, white markers next to certain sections of the fossil that explain which part of the Ichthyosaur you’re looking at. At first, it won’t make any sense but eventually you’ll see it and that “ah hah” moment will hit you.
I’m grateful to the Ranger that opened the house and allowed us to explore it at our leisure. Normally, as stated above, this is part of a tour. The Ranger gave us the booklet he uses during the tour that matches up to the markers on the fossils and explains everything. Once we were done, we chatted with him a bit and then left to explore Berlin proper.
To the Ranger that did this for us; If you’re reading this, thank you so much.
Berlin: A True Nevada Ghost Town
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park.
Once we got our fill of Ichthyosaurs, it was now time to explore the ghost town portion of the park. We drove back down to the town proper and found a small parking space near the visitor center and flag pole. In case you’re here during a particularly busy day, just know that parking can be a little scarce here. You may have to get creative.
Berlin was a true, turn-of-the-century mining town. The height of its peak ran from 1898 to its death in 1911. However, mining activity began in the area as early as 1863 when silver was discovered in Union Canyon resulting in the formation of the Union Mining District and included the towns of Berlin, Grantsville, Ione, and of course, Union. A few years later in 1896, the Berlin Mine was established.
By the time mining concluded in 1911, the estimated total production of Berlin was $849,000 with a price of $20 per ounce of gold. Around 250 people including Miners, Wood-Cutters, Charcoal Makers, a Doctor, Nurse, Forest Ranger, and Prostitute made up the town. The cool thing about this abandoned town is that not some, but MOST of the original buildings are still standing and there are even some original residents still buried in the town cemetery.
Here are a few of the highlights you’re able to check out on this self-guided tour:
The Machine Shop
This was what we know now to be a Maintenance Shop. Here, Blacksmiths and Mechanics worked to keep the machinery of the mine in working order.
Every so often, a passer-by would have his vehicle towed here to be worked on after breaking down.
The Assay Office
Here, samples of rock, ore, and concentrates from the mill would be sent for processing (assayed) to determine the values they contained.
The furnace used charcoal because it was the only clean burning fuel available locally. The night watchmen would use this office to keep warm and eat their meals.
The Stage Station
This is where the stage driver and his horse would live…together. A partition inside separated the living quarters from the barn section of the building.
The men who drove stage during this time was John Mullin, Ed Dieringer, and Alex Dyer.
Company Store
There’s nothing much left now, but this was once the site of the company store. Here, they sold everything from mining equipment, clothing, groceries, and drugs to locals and workers.
During labor troubles in 1905, the store also served as a jail. The building you see in the background was a storage warehouse.
Superintendent Home
This was the home of the mine’s superintendent and now serves as a small welcome center.
During a labor strike in 1907 when the miners wanted a raise from $3.50 to $4.00 per day Mr. Bowen, the Super, shut the mine down.
To counter, the miners teamed up and forcefully escorted Mr. Bowen off property. He then drove to the town of Tonopah and brought back a Sheriff to help re-gain control.
The Berlin Mill
During the heyday of Berlin’s production, you’d see a beehive of activity here.
One man would be operating the crusher, another tended the 30 stamps and concentration tables, while another looked after the boilers and steam engines.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of features found in Berlin. Other cool things to check out include the town cemetery, mine foreman’s house, miner’s dugout, entrance to the Berlin mine, doctor’s house, and more! As you can see, you could easily spend a full day or more checking everything out in Berlin.
Lodging & Fees
The nearest hotels and/or Airbnb’s you’ll find are in the bigger towns nearby. These include Fallon, Austin, and Hawthorne. If you want to stay in the park, they have an established campground you could utilize. It contains 14 well-spaced units, some being able to accommodate RV’s up to 25 feet long. Each unit comes with a fire pit, BBQ grills, covered picnic tables, and drinking water (outside of winter). Restrooms and an RV dump station are located nearby.
The fee to camp is $15.00 per night with a 14 night maximum (30-day window). Keep in mind that this per night fee is in addition to your entry fees which are:
$5.00 per vehicle
$2.00 per bike (motorcycle)
When you arrive, someone may or may not be at the gate collecting entry fees. We arrived just before the Ranger was about to take off so he was kind enough to take our money and fill out the envelope for us. If there is no one there, simply stop at the gate to fill in the envelope and drop it into the red deposit pole (with your fee included, of course). Much like most Nevada State Parks, only cash is accepted for entry fees.
There are also no restaurants or vending machines in the park. So be sure to bring snacks and water with you. There is one restaurant in Gabbs (the gateway town to Berlin). It is called, “R&D’s Bar”, and serves up burgers, fries, hot dogs, chicken wings, and similar fare. Aside from that, you’ll need to get to the bigger towns listed above.
Directly adjacent to the pay station at the main entrance is a restroom of the pit toilet variety. I must admit that of all State and National Parks I’ve been to, Berlin had THE cleanest restroom of its kind. There is another restroom located near the campground.
Conclusion
Berlin Mill. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park.
Berlin is perhaps Nevada’s most intriguing and unique state park. The combination of an abandoned mining town and the discovery of a massive amount of Ichthyosaur fossils should put Berlin at or near the top of any traveler’s list of places to explore. It’s also a great place to shoot dark sky photographs if you have the gear. I highly recommend and encourage you to visit this amazing place for yourself. Thanks for reading!
Safe Travels.
Have you visited Berlin? Do you plan to? Tell me about it in the comment section below!
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Hiking Wilson Canyon: A Hidden Gem in The Nevada Desert
Situated between the small town of Yerington and the even smaller community of Smith Valley, Wilson Canyon is a recreational paradise with something for everyone. Hiking…
Situated between the small town of Yerington and the even smaller community of Smith Valley, Wilson Canyon is a recreational paradise with something for everyone. Hiking, horse riding, river tubing, camping, motor sports, fishing, etc. You name it, you can do it.
Even though there are plenty of activities to take part in, this article is going to focus on the 3.5 mile interpretive loop trail on the west side of the canyon. If you want to use your dirt bike, quad, etc, you can do so on the opposite side of the highway at the dunes.
The trail is considered moderate in difficulty. The very beginning and end (where you climb in and back out) are short but steep sections. The rest is mostly flat with the occasional gradual ascent/descent that’ll ultimately lead you to an epic payoff at the viewpoint.
At the end of the article I’ve included a screenshot of the route we took that was recorded by my watch. That combined with the included images will give you a pretty good idea of what you’ll be dealing with.
Where to Find It
Wilson Canyon picnic area.
The interpretive loop trail begins and ends in the small parking lot located at the west end of the canyon. The decently maintained dirt lot can hold a couple dozen vehicles and features two shaded picnic tables. The trail begins just behind these.
If you’re coming from Yerington, the lot will be at the end of the canyon on your left. If you’re coming from Gardnerville or Topaz, the lot will be on your immediate right as you’re coming into the canyon (shortly after passing the rest stop).
The Trail
Wilson Canyon trailhead.
This first section of the trail leading up to the ridge of the canyon is the second steepest of the whole thing (the first being the opposite side coming back out, but more on that later). It isn’t difficult by any means, but if you’re not used to hiking at higher elevations, you may have a slow go at it.
Wilson Canyon trail with Mount Siegel and the Pine Nut Mountain range in the background.
When you get to the top of the ridge, be sure to turn around and take in the views. In a single frame of view you’ll see a portion of the west fork of Walker River with Mount Siegel and the Pine Nut Mountain Range providing the backdrop.
From here, you have two choices. You can go further up the ridge to the left and check out the vertigo inducing views of the river below or, once you’ve gotten your fill of the views, you can continue down the trail proper leading into the canyon.
Wilson Canyon trail.
Going down this section of the trail will mean you’re going to lose all the elevation you just gained. It’s frustrating, I know, but it’s the only way in. On your way down, you’ll get a vast view of the desert valley below that was once an ancient lake.
If you look closely to the upper left of the image above you’ll faintly see a sign along the trail just before it veers to the right. This sign indicates that you would be under water at that point had the lake still been there.
Wilson Canyon trail.
At the bottom of the trail you’ll reach a dry river bed that cuts through the trail you’re on. You’ll also see two pointed signs with one directing you to the left and another directing you forward. This is where the actual loop begins.
You could go in either direction and end up at the same spot. Going left will take you along the river before turning into and up the canyon. After reaching the viewpoint above, you’ll descend back into the canyon and here is where it’ll ultimately spit you out at. In our opinion, this is the better way to go.
Walker River.
Walker River.
After turning left at the juncture, you’ll follow the dry river bed for a short time before before running into Walker River. At the right time of year, this section of the river doesn’t move very fast. So if you brought your swimsuit, this would be a great spot to take a dip or maybe partake in some fishing.
Hiking along the Walker River.
The trail continues to the right and follows the river for about a quarter mile before finally cutting back into the canyon. When we did this hike it was still early spring, so the trees that dot the river weren’t yet blooming, unfortunately. When they do, it’s a sight to behold (especially in the fall).
Shortly after turning right into the canyon (roughly one mile into the hike), you’ll come across your first of only two opportunities for shade during this stretch of the trail. The next one is 3/4’s of a mile further. So if you’re feeling the need to rest for a bit, do it here.
Wilson Canyon trail.
This stretch of the trail starts from the time you leave the river to the time where you reach the viewpoint at the top and is almost exactly one mile in length. It is very exposed and as stated above, has only two opportunities for shaded rest breaks.
At first glance, you might think there isn’t much to look at here, but you’d be wrong. Thanks to the volunteers that maintain this trail, small informative signs dot the trail pointing out the several examples of desert flora, rock formations, and petrified wood.
Taking a break at one of the few shaded parts of the Wilson Canyon trail.
Not long after the second shaded area of the trail, you’ll begin your ascent to the viewpoint. This ascent, while still requiring a fair amount of effort, is nowhere near as steep as the one you took to get into the canyon at the beginning.
Wilson Canyon viewpoint.
At the top of the viewpoint, you’ll see a large informative sign detailing the history of the area and what you’re looking at. On your far right, you’ll see Mount Wilson, Singatse Range, and Shamarak Hill. Toward the middle and left you’ll see Ancient Lake Wellington, the Pine Nut Mountain Range, and Mount Siegel.
Pine Nut Mountains and Mount Siegel.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the views and took your pictures, you’ll continue down the trail as you descend back into the canyon. This section of the trail is my personal favorite as you go from sweeping mountain views to feeling like you’ve stepped into a scene out of Star Wars.
READ ALSO: Visit Dayton State Park and Rock Point Mill
Descending back into Wilson Canyon.
If you’ve ever seen the tufa’s at Mono Lake in California, the canyon walls that surround you will look similar to that environment. After all, all of what you see here was formed over millions of years of volcanic activity and water movement.
Towards the end, you’ll see examples of what are called, “Hoodoos”. Hoodoos are rock formations that were once solid pieces of land that were carved out by rain, snow melt, and wind leaving the pieces you see today. One of them, as pictured below, resembles a dragon.
A few examples of Hoodoos in Wilson Canyon.
As you make your way through the canyon walls and Hoodoos, you’ll come out into an opening signaling the near the end of the hike. You’ll eventually reach a sign (similar to the one at the beginning) stating that you would be under water had the ancient lake still been here. At this point in the hike, you’re at the 3-mile mark.
Near the end of the Wilson Canyon trail.
The climb out of Wilson Canyon.
From here, simply continue on the trail until it spits you out at that same junction you came to at the beginning. Now that you've completed the loop, you can either head back towards to the river to recreate in there or you can go straight up and over the ridge back to your vehicle. Remember the very beginning of this article when I stated the hardest part of the whole hike is the climb out? Well, there it is pictured above. Prepare yourself.
Things to Know
This is an all season trail. Rain and/or snow can make this trail incredibly muddy and hard or even dangerous to traverse. However, this area doesn’t receive a lot of either one so it is accessible anytime of year. We do recommend checking the weather before heading out, though.
Wildlife hazards are present. As with any venture into the wilderness, potential conflicts with wildlife are possible. While I have never seen anything more menacing than deer out here, others have spotted both Cougars and Rattlesnakes. As with anything, use common sense, be prepared, pay attention to your surroundings, and know what to do in case you cross paths with one of them.
The majority of the trail is rocky. The volunteers who maintain this trail do a great job, but they can only do so much. At certain points at both ends of the trail it does get rather rocky and the potential of rolling an ankle is ever present. Watch your step, keep to steady surfaces as much as possible, and you’ll be fine.
The trail is very sun exposed. The descent back into the canyon from the viewpoint has more shade than the way up does. It’s a 3.5-mile trail and for the first two or so, you’re only going to have a couple opportunities for shade. If you’re doing this trail in the summer, we highly recommend getting an early AM start and as always, bring plenty of water and salty snacks with you.
We would rate this hike as family friendly. While it does have steep sections, the trail is mostly flat with occasional gradual inclines/declines. It is our opinion that everyone from adults to children can do this hike. If your kid has never hiked before, it would be a great way to introduce them to it.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and that it is helpful to you. If you have any further questions or comments about this hike, please feel free to ask them in the comments section below.
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You can further show your support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above. Thank you for reading!
Visit Dayton State Park & Rock Point Mill
Established in 1977 and originally used as a Paiute fishing camp, Dayton State Park is 160 acres in size and located in the highly historic Nevada town of the same name. It features hiking trails
Established in 1977 and originally used as a Paiute fishing camp, Dayton State Park is 160 acres in size and located in the highly historic Nevada town of the same name. It features hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, fishing opportunities, and the remnants of the abandoned, “Rock Point Mill”.
Getting Here
Dayton State Park. Dayton, NV.
Dayton State Park is not too far from two of Nevada’s larger cities; Carson City and Reno. From Carson, you’ll travel east on Highway 50 for about 11 miles before turning right at the entrance.
From Reno, you’ll travel south on I-580 for 30 miles before joining US-50 east for, you guessed it, 11 miles before turning right into the park.
Things to Do
Hiking trail in Dayton State Park.
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, there are many activities for you to partake in. For starters, there are two hiking trails in the park. One begins near the campground and winds through the foliage as you make your way to the banks of the Carson River.
The other also begins near the campground but goes in the opposite direction and across the highway to the ruins of an old abandoned stamp mill (more on that later).
Picnic area. Dayton State Park.
There are several picnic areas located throughout the park proper and near the mill site. In addition, the group area provides shade and 10 picnic tables that you can reserve for birthday parties, reunions, etc.
You can also camp here. The campground is located near the entrance and contains 10 sites with fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. In addition to tent camping, each site can accommodate RV’s up to 34 feet in length. Dump stations and restrooms are located nearby.
Small garden. Dayton State Park.
Park fees are as follows:
$5.00 per vehicle for day use
$15.00 per night for camping (this is in addition to the day use fee)
Like most Nevada State Parks, fees getting collected are largely dependent on the honor system via self register. Both day use and camping fees are to be paid at the register station located at the entrance. Park Rangers do make regular checks throughout the day.
Rock Point Mill
Rock Point Mill. Dayton State Park.
For me and many others, the main attraction of this park is the opportunity to explore the remains of Rock Point Mill, an old stamp mill that first operated in 1861, was destroyed in a fire in 1909, was rebuilt in the same year, and closed for good in 1920.
Rock Point was built by Charles C. Stevenson (who from 1887 to 1890 was Governor of Nevada) at a cost of $75,000. There were originally 40 stamps that crushed silver and gold ore from the Virginia City and Gold Hill mines but was eventually expanded to 56 at its peak.
Rock Point Mill. Dayton State Park.
As mentioned earlier, Rock Point was destroyed by a huge fire in 1909 but was almost immediately rebuilt with galvanized iron. This new version of the mill (which are what most of the remains are from) ran until its permanent closure in 1920.
You’re free to wander about the ruins at your leisure. Here you’ll find the stamp remains, mill foundations, and a small rock hole cut out in the base of the mill. It’s not much (only around 5 feet), but it is cool to see.
Rock Point Mill. Dayton State Park.
There are two ways to reach the Rock Point ruins. One way is to utilize the trail that leaves from the campground in the state park proper that runs parallel along US-50. You’ll eventually reach a tunnel that goes underneath the highway and spits you out at the ruins.
The tunnel at Dayton State Park.
If you don’t feel like walking, your other option would be to hop in your car and drive there. You’ll turn left onto US-50 from the park exit and turn right into the Gold Ranch Casino parking lot. You’ll find the entrance to this section of the park to the right of the casino.
Rock Point Mill remains. Dayton State Park.
From your car, there will be a short stroll through cottonwoods and another picnic area before reaching the ruins. The whole walk will take you around 5 minutes or so.
When to Go
Fall colors at Dayton State Park.
The park is open 365 days a year so really, anytime is a good time. However, if you’re asking my personal opinion, I would highly recommend you pay a visit in the fall. Specifically when the fall colors are at their peak (as you can see in the photo above).
Dayton State Park, as told to me by the Ranger, is on the list for the top 10 places in the entire state for fall colors and I won’t argue with him. If you arrive at peak time, it is drop dead gorgeous.
Summer, as always, will see the most amount of visitors but even then, the park doesn’t get very busy. Chances are good that no matter when you decide to visit, you’ll be able to snag yourself a campsite and enjoy the park with minimal crowds.
Safe travels & thanks for reading!
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5 Awesome Day Trips from Reno
With 4.8 million visitors in 2019 and topping 5 million for the first time in 10 years in 2018, the Biggest Little City is relevant once again and is starting to re-claim its spot as a prime tourism hot spot
With 4.8 million visitors in 2019 and topping 5 million for the first time in 10 years in 2018, the Biggest Little City is relevant once again and is starting to re-claim its spot as a prime tourism hot spot.
Despite there being many things to do and see in Reno, part of its appeal is its proximity to other cities and attractions. Many of which are an easy one hour or less drive from downtown. The list below is of 5 cites or attractions you could easily visit during your Reno vacation.
1) Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay. Lake Tahoe.
*As of August 30th, 2021, the entirety of Lake Tahoe has been evacuated due to the Caldor Fire. Please avoid the area. We will provide updates on our Facebook page as they come in.
Distance from Reno: About 61 miles (or just over an hour drive away).
Lake Tahoe is a year round destination with plenty to do. There’s hiking and boating during the summer months and skiing being the main activity in the winter. You can enjoy the California side of the lake or stay on the Nevada side and partake in some gambling at one of the hotels in Stateline.
Tahoe and Reno have always had a connection to one another and often share tourists. Frank Sinatra, back in the day, would often travel between them to perform which helped bridge the gap between the two (it’s also worth mentioning that the mob had a hand in both as well).
Using Reno as your base to visiting Tahoe has its advantages as the hotels tend to be more affordable and when the weather gets bad in the winter in Tahoe, it usually isn’t as bad (or non-existent) in Reno.
2) Historic Downtown Truckee
Historic Downtown Truckee California.
Distance from Reno: About 35 miles (or about a 40-minute drive away).
Also not far away is the historic gold-mining town of Truckee, California. A lot of people are unaware of Truckee’s existence, often passing it by for neighboring Lake Tahoe. However, Truckee has plenty to offer visitors all its own.
Nearby is Donner Memorial State Park and Donner Lake. There’s many recreational activities to be had in the lake and while it does get crowded, it doesn’t get nearly as bad as Tahoe. The state park proper has a visitor’s center detailing the history of the Donner Party, a campground, and a couple hiking trails to enjoy.
The historic downtown area is the main feature, though. The area was transformed to accommodate tourists with local shops, restaurants, and the like. The historic jail is open for decent led tours (recommended), your free to check out the historic (and still operating) train depot, and enjoy the Truckee River during the warmer months.
3) Genoa, Nevada
Genoa Nevada.
Distance from Reno: About 47 miles (or around a 50 minute drive).
This quaint little town in Nevada is located in the beautiful Carson Valley and just a stones throw away from Tahoe. It was founded in 1851 and has the unique designation of being Nevada’s oldest town. A man by the name of John Reese was the first to settle here and built a trading post for the many explorers and trappers who made their way through the area.
The main attractions of the town include Mormon Station State Historic Park, The Genoa Courthouse Museum, Genoa Cemetery, and Genoa Town Park. Every year in September (sans 2020), the town hosts, “Candy Dance”, an uber popular arts and crafts faire that began in 1919. The event draws visitors and artists from around the country, making it one of the most popular events in the state.
4) Fort Churchill State Park
Fort Churchill State Historic Park Nevada.
Distance from Reno: About 48 miles (or 50 minutes to one hour drive).
If you or a member of your family are history buffs, specifically military history, or you enjoy exploring abandoned places, you’ll want to add a trip to Fort Churchill to your plans. The park is located near the small town of Silver Springs and contains the remnants of an Army Post originally built in the mid 1800’s.
Another attraction nearby is Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area. Lahontan is an ancient lake that used to encompass nearly the entire state of Nevada and parts of California and Oregon. While it isn’t the gargantuan it used to be, it’s still worth checking out.
READ ALSO: Exploring Fort Churchill: An Abandoned Army Post in Nevada
5) Virginia City
Virginia City Nevada.
Distance from Reno: About 36 miles (or 35-40 minute drive).
Virginia City is literally teething with history and is my personal favorite place on this list and if you decide to visit, I know you’ll love it too. There’s quirky shops, old town saloons, abandoned mine tours, a beautifully old cemetery, historic hotels, gold panning, and ghosts. Wait…what?
That’s right. Virginia City is renowned as one of the most haunted places in not just the state, but the country. While I’ve personally never seen one, I have had a couple of “weird” experiences that made me a believer. I’ve also been shown photographs from locals that were pretty convincing. You never know, you may end up having a spooky experience yourself.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s many places that are within an easy drive from Reno. You have everything from scenic lakes to abandoned places to haunted cities to check out during your visit. Nevada has it all. You just have to know where to look.
Safe travels.
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