Rural Wranglers: Beatty
Fall 2024
Basecamp at Nevada’s burro capital for your outdoor adventures.
Are you a fan of small-town vacations? Are you interested in soaking in the sights and sounds of a quiet desert community? Perhaps you just want to outrun winter weather for a few more weeks. If so, Beatty might just be your perfect autumn destination.
This southern Nevada oasis attracts travelers with its comfortable lodging, diverse cuisine, and a charming main street. But look a bit beyond the town and you’ll find outdoor adventure opportunities for every lifestyle. Within a short drive from your hotel, you’ll be spotting bands of burros, exploring an iconic ghost town, off-roading through pristine desert, and touring one of the country’s most popular national parks.
Location, Location
Thanks to its prime positioning at the junction of U.S. Highway 95 and State Route 374, Beatty plays host to many travelers headed for Death Valley National Park. After a day of exploring the hottest—and lowest—place in North America, Beatty awaits nearby with promise of great fare and lodging.
In fact, Beatty has a long history of being well-positioned. Unlike most early Nevada communities, this was never a mining town: Beatty started out in the early 1900s as the logistical hub for nearby gold and silver camps. One of these camps—located about 6 miles southwest of Beatty—was Rhyolite, which enjoyed a short-lived population boom before becoming one of Nevada’s most iconic ghost towns.
While staying in Beatty, it’s practically tradition to visit Rhyolite. Most of the original town is gone, but plenty of photogenic foundations remain on the old main street. The best-preserved building sits at the north end of town: the Rhyolite Train Depot. Although this structure—which once saw up to 50 freight cars a day—is closed to the public, it still serves as a strong reminder of the town’s glory years.
Of course, no stop at Rhyolite is complete without a visit to the Goldwell Open Air Museum, located a short walk from the ghost town. The 8-acre sculpture park features seven major works; the ghostly life-size version of “The Last Supper” is a perennial favorite for group selfies. Goldwell Open Air Museum is always open, and there is no charge for admission.
While in Beatty, don’t overlook the rest of the pristine desert surrounding the town—most of which is on public land. The nearby hills are laced with countless miles of trails to explore, and the Amargosa River—a mostly-underground river that flows through town—is fed by a number of nearby springs. Bird watching, wildlife viewing (including Beatty’s iconic burros), and catch-and-release fishing are just a few of the experiences that await in this lush slice of the Mojave Desert.
Life In A Desert Town
Whether you’re dropping in for a quick overnighter or enjoying an extended stay, here are a few must-see spots to get you started on your Beatty visit.
GEMA’S CAFÉ
Gema’s Café offers fresh, made-to-order classics but with a Mexican-American twist. For breakfast, we recommend the Spanish omelet or enchiladas. If you stop in closer to dinnertime, try the nachos supreme, taco salad, or chicken diablo.
SMOKIN J’S
One of Beatty’s newest restaurants, Smokin J’s slow-smoked barbecue staples include tender pulled pork, brisket smoked to perfection, flavor-loaded rib tips, and juicy jalapeño cheddar sausage. You’ll also find a selection of sandwiches, burgers, and deli sides.
MEL’S DINER
Located right off the highway, Mel’s Diner serves up “good food at good prices.” This road tripper favorite offers classic American fare for breakfast and lunch. As a bonus, diners often enjoy burro sightings while eating. Cash only!
DEATH VALLEY NUT & CANDY CO.
There’s no better place to satisfy that sweet tooth or stock up on road trip goodies than at this deluxe convenience store. Grab an ice cream or a latte and peruse endless aisles of saltwater taffy, licorice, hard candies, dried fruits, nuts, and jerky.
DEATH VALLEY INN AND RV PARK
The motel offers 60 clean and comfortable rooms with plenty of amenities including a pool, jacuzzi, barbecue area, and on-site laundry area. The RV Park features 39 pull-through spaces, with 50-amp hookups and dump stations along with on-site showers.
EXCHANGE CLUB MOTEL
The Exchange Club Motel has been a favorite overnighter for decades. Just 12 miles from Death Valley National Park, this clean, pet-friendly establishment sits in the heart of historic downtown Beatty within walking distance of the town’s favorite establishments.