The Ghost Town With Genuine Hospitality
Story and Photos by Betsy Fessler
Gold Point is a living ghost town literally located in the middle of nowhere. All kidding aside, Gold Point lies roughly between Goldfield and Beatty, Nevada. State Route 774 comes to a dead end right into it. Gold Point’s history dates back as far as the 1880’s which includes silver and gold mining. Today Gold Point is a remote and quiet destination for those looking for a different experience and who want to get away from it all.
I first learned about Gold Point when I was researching the area. I saw a point called “Gold Point” on a map and Googled it. To my surprise, many cool photos came up in the search. There was apparently a lot to see there, so I planned a ride using Gold Point as the destination.
Starting with Gold Point’s website, https://www.goldpointghosttown.com/, it gave me an even better idea of what was there to see. From the photos, it reminded me a little of the ghost town of Bodie, California.
After all of my careful planning, it was time for me to lead our group and navigate the track that I had researched, created and downloaded onto my tablet. We left camp just after 9:00 a.m. Fifty miles of new and exciting trails lie in front of us.
My track led us through beautiful Joshua Trees and jagged rock formations. Soon we found ourselves climbing a rocky canyon that hadn’t been travelled for quite a while. In a short time, we spotted two miner’s cabins in the distance. I was a bit worried because we were miles into this remote unnamed canyon. I hoped that we would not be greeted by miners or squatters wanting to defend their space. Thankfully, we passed peacefully and didn’t see a soul.
Continuing on, we began a steep descent down a narrow, winding wash littered with large boulders. It would have been more fun for me, but I was concerned that we would eventually come to an obstacle too big, and have to turn our group around in a very narrow spot.
After slowly laboring down the wash and carefully navigating its twists, turns and obstacles, we exited onto a valley floor and stopped to re-gather and inspect our vehicles. It was a GREAT trail. The group was pumped, and ready to continue on.
The rest of our ride to Gold Point presented all different terrains. We ran through a long, fast winding sandy wash surrounded by tall, wind eroded sandstone walls. Soon, with the wash behind us, we could see Gold Point on a hill in the distance. The only thing between us and Gold Point was a flat trail filled with sage brush.
Pedals were to the metal. Gold Point became closer and closer, until we came to a welcome sign. We had finally arrived, and immediately I knew we found a special place.
We continued putting along, passing old buildings and vehicles scattered among the desert landscape. We drove by a large group of RV’s camping there for the weekend. The further we drove into the town, the more activity we saw. Eventually, we came to an old wood building with about a dozen people sitting under its porch. It seemed like a good place to park our UTV’s.
It was lunch time and we were hungry. We brought snacks just in case. However, we noticed others eating on the porch, so we inquired. They directed us inside, that is where we met Walt.
We passed through the door, and inside on the right was a grand old bar. Walt was behind it wearing a faded Gold Point t-shirt, tennis shoes and an old cowboy hat. We introduced ourselves to which he warmly reciprocated with a smile, and asked if we were hungry. We acknowledged that we were.
There are no menus. Casually, Walt offered to fix us anything that he had in his refrigerator. His offerings ranged from turkey or pastrami sandwiches to burgers. He also pointed out that he had a hot dog spinner in a corner with hot dogs ready to eat. Feeling guilty asking him to cook for us, we opted for hot dogs and helped ourselves. Walt then asked each of us what we wanted to drink, and accommodated.
While we ate, Walt leaned on the bar and talked with us about Gold Point, which is his home and his passion. He elaborated about the town’s history and its historical cast of characters.
There was no lunch bill. Walt explained that at Gold Point, everything is on a donation basis. The donations are used to help maintain Gold Point. We all graciously donated more than our hot dogs and drinks were worth. Walt then offered to take us on a brief tour.
He led us to the town’s old post office, and unlocked the door so we could walk inside. The post office also housed a small store. There were goods still on the store shelves along with bundles of mail. It all appeared frozen in time. A lady named Ora Mae ran the post office and general store for 24 years. Her hats still hang on the wall today.
After we left the post office, Walt showed us accommodations that we could reserve if we didn’t want to haul our RV’s to Gold Point. Several original homes have been somewhat renovated and fitted with period décor. We all agreed that staying in them would definitely enhance the experience of Gold Point.
Walt then suggested that we take time to walk around and explore the rest of Gold Point. The area is chalk full of old buildings, equipment, vehicles and mining artifacts. With full bellies and the feeling that we were truly enriched and shown genuine hospitality, we walked around for a while. Aware of how late it was getting, we suited back up.
Before we left, Walt invited us back to Gold Point.
In true fashion, I planned a different route home, and made our day a loop ride. On our return, we drove trails that hadn’t been covered by anyone in a long time. In all, we covered 108 miles of different terrain that day. And surprisingly, we only saw one other group of riders the entire time. That alone makes the Gold Point area attractive for those wanting to exercise their UTVs without worrying about being slowed down by traffic or oncoming vehicles.
I can’t count how many times that I have been nervous leading a group through terrain I’ve never experienced myself to a place that I’ve never been. Most times, though, it all works out. I am so glad I took the time to plan a ride to Gold Point. I can still hear some of Walt’s final words to us…Gold Point is “Open 7 days a week all year round unless we are not here.” Walt advised that if you plan a trip to Gold Point to contact him and leave a message in advance to make sure he is there. He will call you back to confirm that you have a reservation. From his website, Walt’s phone number is 775-482-4635.
I can’t count how many times that I have been nervous leading a group through terrain I’ve never experienced myself to a place that I’ve never been. Most times, though, it all works out. I am so glad I took the time to plan a ride to Gold Point. I can still hear some of Walt’s final words to us…Gold Point is “Open 7 days a week all year round unless we are not here.” Walt advised that if you plan a trip to Gold Point to contact him and leave a message in advance to make sure he is there. He will call you back to confirm that you have a reservation. From his website, Walt’s phone number is 775-482-4635.
