Just 45-minutes south of the glitz and neon glamour of the Las Vegas strip, you’ll find the sun-bleached remnants of the Techatticup Gold Mine. Visitors naturally assume Nevada is all about gambling, but little do they realize, mining is the real backbone of this state’s economy. Gold mining is a major industry in Nevada, and the state is one of the richest sources of gold in the world. In fact, Nevada produces 71% of the gold in the United States and 5.6% of the world’s gold.
Today, most of Nevada’s gold mines are in the northern and far western regions of the state. But in the 19th century, many gold mines sprung up along the rugged shores of the Colorado River, in southern Nevada. Among those was the Techatticup Gold Mine in Eldorado Canyon, near the town of Nelson.
The Spanish were the first to explore the Eldorado Canyon in 1775. They established a small settlement along the Colorado River, and named it El Dorado, for the mythical Incan city of gold. Ironically, the Spanish somehow missed the rich veins of gold right under their feet here. They did find silver, but not enough to justify a mining operation, so they moved on.
It wasn’t until the 1850s that the quest for gold along the Colorado River was resumed. For years, enterprising prospectors had been sluicing the streams feeding into the Colorado. Many of these early miners were Civil War deserters hiding from the battles in this remote and inhospitable desert. For a decade, this wild and rugged, gold-rich region was a well-kept secret.
In 1861, the Techatticup Mine became the richest gold strike in Nevada, producing millions of dollars worth of ore. The secret was out, and the area was flooded with all manner of fortune seekers. The word Techatticup is derived from the Paiute words for “hungry” and “bread”; sadly, the mining camp earned this name due to the many Paiutes in the area who came to the camp begging for food.
By 1865, Eldorado Canyon had a population of nearly 1,500, and more than 850 mining claims, and it’s surprising this region isn’t better known in the history books.
The gold finally played out in the mid-1940s, and what was once a lively mining town fell to dust and ruin. In 1974, a flash flood brought a wall of water nearly 40 feet high crashing through the canyon, killing nine people and destroying what was left of the village of Nelson’s Landing, near Techatticup.
Today, the Techatticup Gold Mine is both a ghost town and an open-air museum that you are welcome to explore. The Techatticupp Mine and the surrounding land was eventually purchased by the Werly family in 1994. The Werly’s have restored many of the historic buildings, and today, the Werlys offer historic tours through 500 feet of the old mine shafts up in the hills. You can even see veins of silver and gold that haven’t been mined in the rock.
Getting There
There are several guided tours to the Techatticup mine from Las Vegas. If you choose to go it alone, simply drive south on Highway 95 for about 22 miles, turn left onto NV Hwy 165E and drive another 20 miles to the town of Nelson.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the unspoiled desert and craggy mountains of Southern Nevada. It’s certainly a world away from the Vegas Strip!
Nelson, Nevada
Nelson sits at the top of the Eldorado Canyon and was named for slain camp leader Charles Nelson. Nelson was murdered along with four others in 1897 by the legendary “half-breed” outlaw and renegade Queho.
Nelson, along with all the other settlements in Eldorado Canyon, was once a rough and tumble Old West mining town, the haunt of both outlaws and Union and Confederate deserters. The Eldorado Canyon, back in the day, was a truly lawless place that rivals Tombstone in notoriety. Murders were commonplace,
Today, it’s a quaint and rustic remnant of those early days. While considered a “ghost town,” the community consists of privately owned ranch houses.
The general store is open, as well as the river and mining tours in the old Texaco gas station. You can also rent the place for weddings and special events.
The weather-worn wooden buildings and rusty old cars from the 1950s create an interesting backdrop for photos and video. In fact, Nelson has been the location for several movies, including 3,000 Miles to Graceland; that “crashed” airplane you see is really a fabricated wreck from that 2001 film. However, there is a charge for photo shoots, so check in at the general store. By the way, they have a “no nudity” photo policy, so keep your clothes on!
Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours
While you can explore the ghost town on your own, you’ll need to make a reservation for the mine tour at (702) 291-0026. The mine tours are scheduled at 9 am, 12 pm and 2 pm, and there must be at least four adults. The price is $15 for adults, $10 for kids age 5 to 13, and children under 5 are free.
The guided tour will take you both above and below the ground, 500 feet through the mine shafts. The tour is eerily lit by old-fashioned lanterns; it’s amazing that all this was accomplished with simple picks and hand tools. You’ll even see a few remaining veins of gold, embedded in the quartz, just as the miners of old would have found it.
The mine shafts are much cooler than the ground above, and remain at a constant 70 degrees. The 70-minute walking tour begins with a 1/4 mile walk on a level gravel path, then into the mine shafts. Inside the mine can be breezy and cool, so bring a sweater.
You’ll also learn all about the history of this fascinating corner of the American West; the trials, tribulations and bloody past of the Eldorado Canyon are recounted in detail by a witty and knowledgeable guide. This may very well be the highlight of your visit to Las Vegas.
Kayaking the Colorado River
For many years, the best way to get the gold out of Eldorado Canyon was by riverboat. Nelson’s Landing is five miles further down the road from the town of Nelson, on the banks of the Colorado River. It served as the docking point of the old steam-powered riverboats that once plied the Colorado. Sadly, Nelson’s Landing was completely destroyed by the 1974 flash flood, which also killed nine people.
Today, it’s a popular access point to enjoy the mighty Colorado River. You can rent a kayak or a canoe at the general store in Nelson; however, you’ll need a truck or a roof rack on your car to get it down to the river. The folks in Nelson can also rent you a trailer, and life jackets are included in the kayak rentals. Also, it will help to have a 4×4, as the road stops a few hundred yards from the river’s edge. Be aware, there is nothing down here except the desert and the river.
From Nelson’s Landing, you can paddle down the wide and swift-flowing Colorado, past the tall, red cliffs and through the unspoiled desert landscape. You’ll marvel at the ruggedness of both our native and white ancestors, who braved this desolate and harsh land with their dreams and determination.
The wide river generally flows slow and shallow, making for easy paddling. This is an easy trip for lazy paddlers who simply want to enjoy the beauty of nature on a relaxed section of the Colorado River. Almost anyone who can thrive under desert conditions can paddle this section of the river in a kayak or canoe. However, be sure to bring plenty of water and a few snacks, as well as your cellphone and camera.
Cliff Jumping into the Colorado River
An old-time sport of the locals is “cliff jumping” at Nelson Landing. You can spend all day during the summer diving off the 20-foot tall cliffs into the deeper parts of the Colorado River. You’ll need a good pair of shoes and some climbing ability to get up to the cliffs though; this is a sport for the physically fit. One other thing, please be respectful of the environment, and pack out any trash. Unfortunately, the more people who find out about this local gem, the more trash gets left behind.
Go It Alone, or On a Tour
Visiting the Eldorado Canyon and the Techatticup Gold Mine is easy to do on your own, as long as you have a car. However, you can also arrange for special guided tours from your hotel in Las Vegas. You can take an all-day guided tour of Eldorado Canyon on ATVs, tours that include the Colorado River, as well as the Hoover Dam.
The Eldorado Canyon is certainly a unique part of the history of the American West, from the river boat captains, miners, Native Americans and outlaws. It’s just part of Nevada’s long and little known history of gold mining. However you choose to explore this hidden corner of Southern Nevada, it’s sure to be memorable.
