Arizona Ghost Towns and Wild-West Day Trip from Las Vegas

After pickup from your Las Vegas hotel, take a short drive by comfortable van to the Hoover Dam for a brief photo stop. This 726-foot (221-meter) dam holds back the mighty Colorado River, behind which you’ll find Lake Mead, a beautiful man-made reservoir contained within the Black Canyon walls. Take all the ‘dam’ photos you want!

Next, head to the small mining town of Chloride, a community that has survived the harsh desert environment since the 1860s. Silver and other minerals were mined here for decades, and after the mining boom was over, Chloride nearly became a ghost town. Today, Chloride is home to about 250 residents who are very proud of their mining history. Browse the antique shops; admire the various artistic sculptures; and chat with the locals before enjoying lunch.

Next, drive along the Historic Route 66 highway to the small ghost town of Oatman.

The present-day population of this ghost town is 150 people and one poltergeist who goes by the name of ‘Oatie the Ghost.’ He’s believed to be the poor spirit of William Ray Flour, an Irish miner who died behind the Oatman Hotel. Enjoy views of the Black Mountains and the tumbleweeds and wild burros that freely roam through the town. Have your picture taken alongside modern-day cowboys and bandits while posing in front of an authentic Route 66 sign. You'll also have a chance to take part in a Western shootout. Held in the middle of the street, this Western-style event features cowboys in costume standing face-to-face, ready to draw. Enjoy a drink at a local saloon (at own expense) before traveling through the Mojave Desert along the Veterans Memorial Highway, a road that cuts straight through empty desert landscape. Your last stop before returning to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas will be in El Dorado, which was named by the Spaniards who discovered gold in the area. This town served as the backdrop for many famous western movies and also housed the famous Techatticup Mine, where millions of dollars worth of gold and silver have been unearthed.