Official home of the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism (LCAT)

Blog-posts

Uncovering the forgotten corners of Lincoln County

by

In May 2025, Nevada Ghost Towns & Beyond partnered with Nevada Expeditions for an ambitious journey into the heart of Eastern Nevada. The team explored the rugged and remote corners of Lincoln County, covering nearly 40 distinct locations.

View the amazing photographs here!

Below is the complete list of Lincoln County locations featured in this expedition:

Rainbow Canyon & Railroad History

  • Carp: A ghost town and former Union Pacific station.

  • Leith: A railroad siding featuring an abandoned house.

  • Kiernan: A historic ranching site and former post office.

  • Elgin: Famous for the preserved 1922 Elgin Schoolhouse.

  • Rainbow Canyon Petroglyphs: Indigenous rock art sites.

  • Rainbow Canyon Stone Cabin: A unique structure built under a boulder.

  • Delmues / Engadine: A former non-agency railroad station site.

Mormon Settlements & Ranching

  • Barclay (Clover Valley): An 1860s settlement with a historic church and school.

  • Joseco: Stone ruins of a Mormon settlement named after a church leader.

  • Newland: An abandoned settlement in Eagle Valley.

  • Ursine: A distinct settlement near Eagle Valley Reservoir.

  • Rose Valley / Lyonsville: An early settlement site featuring 1870s rock carvings.

  • Meadow Valley Wash (Huntsman Cabin): The 133-year-old home of the legendary “Lady of the Lantern.”

Panaca & Surrounding Area

  • Panaca: The oldest settled town in southern Nevada (sites include the Lee Hotel, Wadsworth Home, and Mathews Home).

  • Court Rock: A natural formation featuring the town’s old jail.

  • Sheriff George Rogers’ Grave: The resting place of a lawman killed in 1866.

  • Teapot Arch: A natural arch overlooking the town.

  • Panaca Summit Charcoal Kilns: 1870s kilns used to process fuel for local smelters.

Mining Towns & Camps

  • Caselton: A 1920s company town featuring the Prince Consolidated Railroad connection.

  • Royal City / Jackrabbit: A silver camp with visible aerial tramway remains.

  • Ida May Mine: A copper, zinc, and silver mine.

  • Lucky Star Mine: A manganese mine in the Jackrabbit district.

  • Deer Lodge: An atmospheric mining camp and later ranch.

  • Fay: A gold mining ghost town destroyed by wildfire, leaving a cemetery and ruins.

  • Gold Springs District: A stop featuring a miner’s cabin.

Other Unique Stops

  • RyanHenge: A massive solar calendar, sundial, and art installation at the county landfill.

  • Caliente Station: The restored 1923 mission-style railroad depot in Caliente.

A Virtual Tour of Spring Valley and Echo Canyon State Parks

by

If you are looking for your next outdoor adventure in Nevada, look no further than a recent episode of Outdoor Nevada on PBS. Host Connor Fields takes viewers on a stunning journey through some of the state’s best landscapes, with a special spotlight on two Lincoln County treasures: Spring Valley State Park and Echo Canyon State Park.

Whether you’re a history buff, an angler, or a hiker looking for a challenge, this episode proves that these “sister parks” near Pioche are a must-visit.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Tour Three of Nevada’s State Parks | PBS

Highlights from the Episode

Spring Valley State Park: Where History Meets Volcanic Beauty

    • Step Back in Time: Connor explores the historic Stone Cabin, built in the 1870s. Walking the Stone Cabin Loop, you can almost feel the presence of the early settlers who relied on the local springs—a reminder that in the high desert, “water is life.”

    • On the Water: The episode showcases the beautiful Eagle Valley Reservoir, a 65-acre haven for anglers stocking tiger trout, rainbow trout, and bass. It’s also becoming a favorite spot for kayakers and paddleboarders soaking in the views.

Echo Canyon State Park: Canyons, Camping, and Views Just a short drive away lies Echo Canyon, described in the video as Spring Valley’s “sister park.”

  • The Ash Canyon Trail: If you are up for a hike, this is the one to watch. Connor tackles this moderate 3-mile trek, which features a steady 1,100-foot elevation gain. The payoff? Incredible views of the canyon and a landscape that “keeps you guessing” around every turn.

  • Camp Under the Stars: The video highlights the park’s popular 33-site campground. With views of the reservoir and raptors soaring overhead, it’s the perfect base camp for a weekend getaway.

Why You Should Watch

Seeing is believing. Connor Fields captures the golden hour light hitting the volcanic rock and the serene quiet of the canyons. As he says in the episode, “Nevada does not disappoint.”

Check out the full video to see why these parks should be at the top of your travel bucket list, and get inspired to plan your own trip to Lincoln County!

Experience the Magic of the Season: All Aboard the Evergreen Express!

by

Are you looking to trade the neon lights for starlight this holiday season? There is something truly special about the scent of fresh pine, a cup of hot cocoa, and the crisp winter air of rural Nevada.

This year, Lincoln County Excursions has partnered with Las Vegas-based Discover It Yourself to bring a brand-new holiday tradition to our area: The Evergreen Express.

Running now through December 21, this festive tour invites families to escape the city and create lasting memories in the beautiful, wide-open spaces of Lincoln County.

Evergreen Express
Lincoln County, NV
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Guided Shuttle & Jeep Tours Available
BOOK NOW

 

🎄 A Nostalgic Holiday Adventure

The journey begins at the historic Caliente Train Depot. Before you head out into the wild, you and your family can tour the beautifully restored boxcar museum, setting the stage for a day steeped in history and charm.

From there, the adventure truly begins as you head out to select and cut your very own, genuine Nevada-grown Christmas tree.

Choose Your Sleigh

Whether you want a guided experience or an off-road adventure, the Evergreen Express has an option for you:

  • Relaxing Shuttle Tours: Sit back and enjoy the scenery on a guided shuttle.

  • DIY Jeep Rentals: Rent a rugged Jeep from Discover It Yourself and follow the wayfinding instructions.

  • Bring Your Own Rig: drive your own vehicle and follow the directions to the harvest grounds.

Schedule:

  • Fridays & Saturdays: Morning and Afternoon departures.

  • Sundays: Afternoon departures only.

We Handle the Details, You Make the Memories

We know that cutting your own tree can seem daunting, which is why the Evergreen Express makes it easy. At the Evergreen Express Headquarters, we provide everything you need to make the day stress-free:

  • Permits & Tools: We provide the reserved tree-cutting permit, cutting guidelines, and tree-care instructions so your tree stays fresh all season.

  • Cozy Comforts: Warm up with delicious hot cocoa.

  • Photo Ops: Capture the perfect family holiday card photo against our scenic backdrops.

Start Your New Tradition Today

There is a profound difference between buying a tree from a parking lot and hunting for the perfect one in the mountains with the people you love. Come explore our community, breathe the fresh air, and bring home a keepsake that carries the spirit of the season.

Ready to book your adventure? Tour packages and booking details are available right here on our website. Don’t wait—tours are filling up fast!

Evergreen Express
Lincoln County, NV
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Guided Shuttle & Jeep Tours Available
BOOK NOW

Lincoln County’s Night Skies Featured on ‘Outdoor Adventure Series’ Podcast

by

Outdoor Adventure Series shines a light on a truly inspiring grassroots effort in Nevada: achieving International Dark Sky Park status for Spring Valley State Park in Lincoln County.

The episode, titled “Lincoln County, Nevada: Stargazing and Dark Sky Preservation at Spring Valley State Park,” features a fascinating conversation with two key leaders driving this initiative:

  • Marcia Hurd, Executive Director for the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism.

  • Dawn Andone, Park Interpreter with Nevada State Parks.

The Dark Sky Preservation Initiative

Just three hours north of the bright lights of Las Vegas, Lincoln County is home to some of the most pristine, naturally dark skies in the American Southwest. The podcast dives deep into the passionate, community-driven campaign to officially designate Spring Valley State Park as an International Dark Sky Park.

This status, awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), is a rigorous process that requires dedicated work to implement responsible lighting practices and public education. As Dawn Andone explains in the episode, while the nearby Great Basin National Park is already a designated Dark Sky Park, Spring Valley offers a much more accessible dark-sky experience for residents and visitors traveling from Southern Nevada.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

Host Howard Fox guides the conversation through the various facets of this ambitious project. Here are a few highlights from the discussion you won’t want to miss:

  • Protecting More Than Just Stars: The guests discuss how reducing light pollution is crucial for wildlife protection. Preserving the natural night environment is essential for nocturnal animals, birds, and insects.

  • Boosting Local Tourism: Marcia Hurd shares how the dark sky efforts are already driving greater interest in Lincoln County, turning stargazing into a powerful engine for local tourism and economic growth.

  • Community Education: Achieving Dark Sky designation is a team effort. The episode emphasizes the importance of community education on responsible lighting practices and getting local residents involved in preserving their natural heritage.

  • Outdoor Adventures, Day and Night: Beyond the stars, the discussion covers the scenic beauty and variety of daytime outdoor experiences awaiting visitors in Lincoln County’s parks, including details about Spring Valley Park itself, RV park suggestions, and a rich calendar of events.

Experience the Rural Dark Skies

Marcia Hurd sums up the inspiration behind the initiative perfectly: they simply couldn’t keep their phenomenal night skies a secret anymore. If you’ve ever wanted to truly appreciate the cosmos without the interference of city glow, Spring Valley State Park is a destination that should be at the top of your travel list.

Listen to the full episode on the Outdoor Adventure Series to hear the full story, including what makes Lincoln County a special destination for stargazers and how the community is rallying to make this dream a reality.

Get Ready to Explore the Real ‘Nevada Wild’ on Animal Planet

by

Go beyond the neon glow and deep into the state’s untamed heart with “Nevada Wild,” an all-new television show, which premiered Tuesday, November 4, on Animal Planet!

This isn’t just another nature documentary. This is a thrilling new series from Engel Entertainment, the acclaimed producers behind hit shows like “Lone Star Law” and “North Woods Law.”

“Nevada Wild” brings viewers right into the action, going behind the scenes with the dedicated men and women of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). You’ll ride along with:

  • State Game Wardens as they patrol the vast wilderness and perform high-stakes water rescues.
  • Wildlife Biologists on critical conservation missions, from dramatic bighorn sheep captures and high-tech moose collaring projects to surveying remote bat caves.

This is your all-access pass to see the real wild side of the Silver State and the passionate people who protect it.

Get a sneak peek of the breathtaking action right here:

Watch the “Nevada Wild” Trailer!

The series is a chance for the agency to share its crucial work with a national audience.

“To have this amazing opportunity to tell our story on a national stage is very exciting,” said Alan Jenne, director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. “We can’t wait for everyone else to discover what we already know, that this agency is made up of incredible, passionate people who make a difference in preserving and protecting all things wild in this great state.”

So, as we celebrate everything that makes Nevada great, let’s add its untamed beauty and the heroes who protect it to the list. We hope you’ll tune in and celebrate Nevada’s wild side with us!

How to Watch:

  • Premiere: Tune in on Tuesdays on Animal Planet (check your local listings for the time).
  • Streaming: The show will also be streamed later on the Game Warden Channel on YouTube.

From the Wild West to Outer Space: A Guide to the Five Unique Communities of Lincoln County

by

Just a short drive north of the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, Lincoln County offers a completely different kind of Silver State adventure—one defined by vast landscapes, deep history and five small towns, each with a personality all its own.

Forget the crowds and discover the communities that make this region a true Nevada gem.

Alamo: The Heart of the Pahranagat Valley

Just 90 miles north of Las Vegas, Alamo serves as the commercial hub for the lush Pahranagat Valley. While it’s rumored to have been a rest stop for horse thieves in the old days, today’s Alamo is rooted in its ranching history. It’s the perfect first stop to fuel up and stock up. The town is home to rodeo grounds, a welcoming RV park and even a splash pad for a quick cool-down, all while maintaining its authentic, small-town ranching charm.

Caliente: The Railroad’s ‘Spa Town’

Welcome to Nevada’s historic ‘spa town’! Caliente earned its name (Spanish for “hot”) from the local hot springs that once soothed weary travelers on the Union Pacific Railroad. This vibrant community, first settled by Ike and Dow Barton who had escaped slavery, is now a perfect basecamp for outdoor adventure. Its central location provides easy access to Lincoln County’s famous state parks, and the town itself boasts a public pool, parks, restaurants, and miles of mountain bike trails.

Panaca: The ‘Sinless City’

Just north of Caliente, you’ll find Panaca, a town with a unique distinction: it is the only “dry” town in Nevada and one of just two in the state that prohibits gambling. Founded as a Mormon colony, this “sinless city” is a quiet, peaceful oasis. Visitors will appreciate its historic charm and its incredible location, offering the easiest access to the stunning rock formations of Cathedral Gorge State Park, as well as nearby natural attractions and fascinating ghost towns.

Pioche: A True Taste of the Wild West

If you’re looking for history with a “rough and tumble” reputation, look no further than Pioche. This was a booming silver mining town where “bloody disputes” over mining claims were common. Today, that Wild West spirit lives on through its incredible historic architecture. You can explore the old opera house or grab a drink in a historic saloon and feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Pioche also offers modern amenities, including a park, a swimming pool, and a nine-hole golf course.

Rachel: The UFO Capital of the World 👽

Prepare for an encounter of the weird kind. The tiny town of Rachel boasts an outsized reputation as the “UFO Capital of the World.” Situated along the famous “Extraterrestrial Highway” and just miles from the infamous Area 51, this is ground zero for UFO hunters. The town shot to fame in 1989 when Bob Lazar claimed he’d encountered flying saucers nearby. No visit is complete without stopping at the Little A’Le’Inn for a burger, sharing stories with fellow travelers, and scanning the skies. For those who want to spend the night, Rachel offers an RV park and a motel.

From the pioneer spirit of Panaca to the otherworldly mysteries of Rachel, the communities of Lincoln County are a world away from the everyday. Each town offers a unique slice of Nevada’s soul, rich with history, adventure, and unforgettable character.