Pahrump

History of Pahrump, NV

The bountiful artesian wells that naturally irrigate the Pahrump Valley drew Southern Paiute Indians—who originally inhabited this entire region—to the area centuries ago. In fact, the area was originally dubbed “Pah-Rimpi,” which translates to “water rock” in Paiute. 

Today, Pahrump Nevada has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the West, but consider this: there weren’t any paved highways or roads in Pahrump until 1953, and residents didn’t get publicly delivered electricity or telephone service until a decade later. Now home to 44,000 residents, Pahrump, NV has its own government, public transportation, a television station and a local high school.

Like many slices of Nevada, Pahrump remains steeped in its Western frontier roots, and much of the land in Nye County is virtually unchanged from the time it was settled by European Americans in the 19th Century. Among them was a rugged frontiersman, gambler, and on-again, off-again outlaw by the name of Jack Longstreet, who built a stone cabin at what is now Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Amargosa Valley in 1895—a structure that remains standing to this day. Visitors can learn more about the rich history of Pahrump and southern Nevada by visiting the Pahrump Valley Museum.

Pahrump Restaurants

The Pahrump Valley is packed with a wealth of unique culinary options. El Jefe Restaurant is a locals favorite for Mexican fare. Seemore’s Ice Cream — a Weird Nevada favorite—bills itself as the “world’s tallest ice cream stand,” thanks to its two-story soft-serve steeple adorning the roof of the building.

But aside from its food, where Pahrump’s tastes really shine is in its drink. Although you might not guess it—especially considering Pahrump’s proximity to Death Valley, one of the least hospitable places on the continent—the Pahrump Valley is basically the little Napa of Nevada. Yep! Leave it to us Nevada trend-buckers to develop desert-hardy grapes that need a fraction of the water their Napa cousins guzzle.

Nearly 30 years since the Sanders Family pioneered grapes in the Mojave, their winery of the same name offers panoramic views, beautiful Tuscan-style grounds on which to taste smooth, palatable reds and whites—as well as catch a live concert or theatrical production during the summer and fall.

Newer to the scene is Artesian Cellars, which transforms eight tons of grapes from its four Nevada vineyards into ten varietals of tasty vino. Meanwhile, Stonewise Mead & Cider a community-based, family-focused craft mead and cider maker and taproom, offering draft meads and ciders produced on-site that are crisp, refreshing, “sessionable” (less than 7% ABV), and served by the glass straight from the tap; and Desert Cane Distillery really puts the rum in Pahrump with its small-batch, hand-distilled rums grown from sugar cane grown on their own farm. 

Events in Pahrump, NV

The town of Pahrump also draws crowds for its exciting lineup of annual events. Hungry visitors turn out in force for the three-day beanfest that is the Silver State Chili Cook-Off each March, while would-be pyromaniacs take pleasure in Pahrump’s Fireworks Over Pahrump series, which features truly spectacular fireworks displays on holidays, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve—along with places to legally add your own glow to the night sky (and ground) with fireworks purchased from five different area retailers. If you’re feeling adventurous, head down the road a piece to Amargosa Valley, purported home of the World’s Largest Firecracker.

September’s always eagerly anticipated Pahrump Fall Festival features a parade, rodeo, carnival rides, and hundreds of crafters and vendors.

In November, get a glimpse of tradition at the Pahrump Social Powwow, where hundreds of dancers, artisans, storytellers, and musicians converge to share and carry on American Indian culture—and invite you to participate.

And then, at Coffinwood, they definitely still say “Scary Christmas,” when it ‘tis the season to deck the yard with animatronic “horrorday” cheer—with dozens of Santa-hatted skeletons and holiday ghouls shakin’ their bones to an annually changing, synchronized lights-and-music show, set to around 20 rock songs. Skeleton rockers perform from their horse-drawn tour hearse, while Mr. and Mrs. Claus look on from the nosebleed section and ol’ Krampus bounces out the riff-raff. Enjoy this Dead Man’s Party from the street every evening all through December.