If you’re looking for an off-the-grid experience that combines quirky history, lunar-type landscapes, and western hospitality, look no further than Beatty, Nevada.
This story was created in partnership with Beatty Nevada Chamber of Commerce.
Premier Access to Death Valley National Park
Beatty, Nevada, is truly the “Gateway to Death Valley.” Only seven miles away from the park entrance, Beatty is also closest to many of the region’s highlights. This includes Titus Canyon, the most popular backcountry road in Death Valley. This 27-mile-long drive takes visitors past rugged mountains, the ghost town of Leadfield, and finally through a dramatic narrow canyon. Then there is Hell’s Gate–a scenic area for hiking and photography–only 19 miles away. Just to the north lies Ubehebe Crater, a 600-foot-deep impression created by steam and gas explosions beneath the surface of the earth. And finally, the villages of Stove Pipe Wells and Furnace Creek are both under an hour from Beatty, making it simple to plan a day of hiking and exploring.
Beyond the more traveled destinations are numerous unmarked trails, remote sand dunes, and historical oddities. In the largest national park in the contiguous United States, it’s easy to see why Beatty is the best launch point for adventure for Death Valley National Park!
Uncrowded Outdoor Activities, from Ghost Towns to Biking
There’s no waiting for a parking spot at the trailhead in Beatty! Here, wide open spaces greet adventurous travelers who have come equipped to explore the great outdoors. Beatty, like many hidden gems in the desert, is known for its OHV trails. Whether you’re towing your own quads or have rented an off-road capable car for your journey, there are miles of dirt road to discover. Rip around the Amargosa Dunes or bump just up the road toRhyolite—the most photographed ghost town in the country. Be sure not to miss the Tom Kelly Bottle House, just one of the iconic artifacts left from this early 1900s mining boomtown.
Those who brought their hiking shoes or mountain bike should head to Spicer Ranch, the largest mountain biking trail network in southwestern Nevada. (Hikers welcome, too.) Twenty miles of singletrack roll past mining relics, meadows, and ponds—all with great views of the surrounding Mojave Desert. Just don’t forget to yield to the resident horses, cattle, and wild burros who frequent the area! Another local group, Trails OV, is also in the process of implementing an impressive 300 miles of trail (including paved roads) in and around Beatty. For now, travelers can find all of the available options on Trail Forks.
Partake in Small Town Western Charm and Hospitality
When you aren’t out getting dusty in the incredible desert landscapes around Beatty, there are plenty of ways to wash up. Beatty offers a variety of accommodations including comfortable bed and breakfasts and motels with big personality (drawing on the area’s other main interest: its proximity to Area 51). You won’t go hungry in the Gateway to Death Valley, either! From finger-licking BBQ to the largest candy store in Nevada, the Beatty community knows how to keep their visitors satiated.
And while the town of Beatty may only be one square mile in size, it’s not short on entertainment. Beatty Days Festival draws thousands of visitors each October with live music, a chili cook-off, 5k run, and much more. Year-round, the Beatty Cowboys host old west reenactments, and for those who prefer a quieter experience, the Goldwell Open Air Museum is available at all times. Located near Rhyolite, it is home to about a dozen unique art installations including a sculpture of “The Last Supper.”
Up Close and Unexpected Wildlife Encounters
Nevada has many wild horses, but here in Beatty, it’s the burro who reigns supreme. These affable creatures wander through town practically every day, giving charm to town and making photo ops easy. Remember never to feed or touch wildlife, even if they seem tame!
In addition to the burros, Beatty is an oasis for many birds—literally. Thanks to its location between the Mohave and Great Basin Deserts, the comparatively lush vegetation of the Amargosa River is a welcome relief. Many migratory birds–including waterfowl, raptors, land birds, and shorebirds–use the area as an annual “fly way.” For best viewing, head to the following areas: Amargosa River, Species Springs, Vanderbilt Springs, and Indian Springs.
Beatty is On the “Starry-est” Road in America
The nightlife in Nevada is world-famous, but not only because of the lights of Las Vegas! Beatty is on Nevada’s first astrotourism route that connects two international dark sky parks: Death Valley and Great Basin. For astro-enthusiasts eager to spot planets, meteors, and nebulae with the naked eye, these regions of Nevada truly shine bright. We love the “Park to Park in the Dark” initiative. Really, what better way is there to combine two national parks into one epic road trip?
Ready to book a trip to Beatty? With so much to see and do in Nevada, you could easily fill five days or more.