Mojave Oasis
It’s a short trip from Vegas to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, where natural springwater sources create a lush oasis in the middle of the Mojave Desert. More than 1 million people venture to this popular outdoor destination every year.
Known to locals as Mount Charleston, the recreation area is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and encompasses more than 316 acres. Visitors will see snow-capped mountain peaks and scenic flatlands that are home to some 150 species of plants and animals. Visitors can explore the different “life zones” throughout the recreation area and traverse various elevations along more than 40 miles of hiking trails.
Last May, the new $50 million Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway opened at the recreation area. In addition to 4,500 square feet of exhibits and visitor facilities, the center features memorials to local war heroes and to Native American groups from around the area.
Pioneer Museum
Between 1841 and 1869, some 250,000 Americans packed up their homes in the East and made the 2,000-mile trek along the California Trail to seek new fortunes on the West Coast. Just outside of Elko, the California Trail Interpretive Center tells the story of this memorable migration.
The museum employs life-size dioramas, original murals, multimedia productions and artifact exhibits to introduce visitors to life on the California Trail. Along the way, guests learn about the pioneers, mountain men, Native Americans and others who forged the trail, as well as the geology and wildlife that travelers encountered along the way; they also hear the story of the infamous Donner Party. Travelers can also hike portions of the original California Trail outside the center.
Each June, the center hosts California Trail Days, a two-day event that features historical re-enactments, an 1850 wagon encampment, a Shoshone summer camp, dance demonstrations, a pioneer church service and more.
Mining Treasure
Located exactly halfway between Las Vegas and Reno on U.S. Highway 95, the town of Tonopah makes a great stop for groups interested in learning about Nevada’s mining history.
Tonopah became a popular destination in the early 1900s when silver was discovered there, and eventually, it grew to become the state’s second-largest mining site. Today, the Tonopah Historic Mining Park encompasses the facilities of four mining companies. Visitors can venture underground to explore a historic mining tunnel or see historic mining equipment, museum exhibits and videos at the visitor center on the surface. A black-light mineral display highlights some of the many metals and other substances found in the Tonopah mines.
Groups can have a hands-on mining experience on the Royston Turquoise Mine tour, where they can explore an active turquoise mine, dig through the mining piles and keep any turquoise they find. Overnight accommodations are available in the historic Mizpah Hotel, built in 1907.
