Eldorado Canyon and Techatticup Mine

As the great gold and silver booms of the 19th Century unfolded, southern Nevada reaped its share of the bullion harvest. To experience it for yourself, look no further than the tiny township of Nelson, where picturesque Eldorado Canyon and its historic Techatticup Mine remains the crown jewel.

Eldorado Canyon’s Mining History

Now referred to on the map as the “town” of Nelson, this area was originally called Eldorado in 1775 by Spaniards who uncovered gold in this region, especially within the Techatticup Mine. Fast forward 100 years to the mid-1880s when gold seekers flooded the western U.S. Completely inundating the canyon, these prospectors took over the already-established Techatticup mine. Rightfully so, there were some radical disagreements over ownership, management, and labor, which turned the area into the true Wild West.

Although it’s difficult to envision the slow-paced, tiny community you see now as a bustling, rough-and-tumble township, shootouts and murders were so frequent during the 1880s that it was an assumed part of ordinary life, much as it was in other Nevada outposts such as Pioche, which you can find a few hours north. Even more amazing is that while this lawlessness was happening, the mine continued to produce millions of dollars in gold, silver, copper, and lead.

After the initial boom slowed, mining limped along until the 1940s, but after World War II the mines finally closed.

Visiting Today

Now privately owned, the area is draws photographers not only because of the incredible photo opportunities in this canyon, but because the townsite looks like a movie set. In fact, several movies, television shows and magazine shoots have taken place at the Techatticup Mine. Some of these include the video game “Fallout: New Las Vegas,” and an iconic scene from the 2001 film (and star-studded Kevin Costner cult classic) “3,000 Miles to Graceland.” 

Make sure to check in at the general store when you arrive so the owners know you’re in town, and to get information on tours. Make sure to sign up for the guided tour which will take you inside the Techatticup Millsite and Savage Mine.

Also, blue water cove trips are offered, where visitors can rent a canoe or two-person kayak to row through the nearby Colorado River in the canyon below. Feeling slightly less adventurous? Visitors can also rent the very Insta-worthy BBQ area in this ghost town to host their very own Wild West party, wedding, or photo shoot.