Spend a full day trading Las Vegas lights for desert ghosts and classic Route 66 Americana. Explore Nelson’s mining relics, meet the free-roaming burros of Oatman, and tour Kingman’s Route 66 Museum on this 9–11 hour guided outing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You climb aboard in Las Vegas before sunrise and the highway opens like a hard, sun-baked page. The van eases into desert silence, the wind pushing sage and distant ridgelines as you head toward Eldorado Canyon and the rusty frames of Nelson Ghost Town. Weathered wooden facades, antique cars, and the yawning mouth of the Techatticup Mine set the scene for a day that trades neon for dust and history.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9–11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces.
Wildlife
History
Nelson and the surrounding canyons grew during Nevada’s 19th-century gold and silver rushes; Route 66 later stitched Arizona and Nevada into a national road-trip culture after 1926.
Conservation
The Mojave Desert is fragile—stay on paths, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing historic structures or wildlife to preserve sites for visitors and species alike.
Reserve your spot on the Las Vegas Ghost Town Tour and Historic Route 66 today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Sun protection
Desert sun is intense year-round—bring a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Hydration plan
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water per person; bottled water may be provided but bring extras for hot days.
Respect the burros
Do not feed or tease the wild burros in Oatman—use your camera and keep hands clear of their mouths.
Footwear and terrain
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes for walking on uneven boardwalks and mine-area ground.
Closed-toe walking shoes
Protects feet on uneven wooden sidewalks and gravel near mining sites.
Sun hat & sunglasses
Reduces sun exposure during long stretches in open desert and in town.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated; fill before departure and top up when bottled water is available.
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
Captures vintage cars, burros, and the steam engine at Locomotive Park.