Rhyolite. Rhyolite was established in 1905 when traces of gold were found in the nearby Bullfrog Hills. It featured churches, banks, hotels, a school and even an opera house—evidence of the high hopes the residents had for this budding metropolis. But when Rhyolite failed to flourish in the Nevada gold rush era, it soon crumbled into the eerie “ghost town” that still stands today. Located just four miles west of Beatty on Hwy 374.
Bird-Watching. Do you have a love for our feathered friends? You’re in luck—Beatty is a premier destination for birding enthusiasts! The wetlands, trees and open plains along the Amargosa River are a haven for 21 year-round and seasonal species that have been marked as high-priority for Nevada conservationists. For the very best bird-watching opportunities, birders should also explore areas along Vanderbilt Springs, Indian Springs, and Species Springs.
Beatty Museum. Learn about the triumphs and struggles of the Nevada miners when you visit the Beatty Museum and Historical Society. Established in 1995 by three local women, the Museum features a collection of documents, photos, books and other intriguing artifacts that bring to life Beatty’s rich past as an early 1900s mining town. A brand-new exhibit features an outdoor display of authentic mining equipment.
Beatty Mudmound. Located just 2 miles south and east of town, this limestone outcropping was once home to giant undersea mud dunes which trapped sediments from the ocean currents. Here, budding archeologists and rock hounds can discover the well-preserved fossil remains of gastropods, tiny crustaceans and sponges—some as many as 480 million years old!
Death Valley National Park. Called a “land of extremes,” Death Valley National Park boasts the hottest and driest climate as well as the lowest elevation in North America. Its 3.3 million acres of pristine wilderness is a collage of colorful canyons, rock layers, snow-capped mountains and sand dunes. Death Valley is a major draw for adventurers who flock here to challenge the tough desert terrain—and for nature lovers who come to witness rare animal species and vegetation that have adapted to the harsh climate in fascinating ways.
Geocaching. Always wanted to be a treasure hunter? Try this new high-tech game which involves searching for hidden containers, or geocaches, outdoors while equipped with a GPS device. Geocaching is the perfect activity for adventure-seekers of all ages who also have a passion for the environment. According to the website geocaching.com, there are roughly 137 Geocache points within 30 miles of Beatty.
Scotty’s Castle. Built by Walter Scott and a millionaire friend in the 1920s, this “castle” is actually a two-story Spanish Villa located in northern Death Valley National Park. Take a guided tour through the $2.5 million desert mansion to witness the technological innovation and fine craftsmanship that have turned this landmark into a legend. Visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring the mystery of why this unusual home was built—and why it was never finished.
Off Roading. Whether your preferred mode of travel is mountain bike, hangliding, ATV, or rock climbing, the Beatty and Death Valley National Park area offer many opportunities for extreme desert adventure. These fierce and challenging off-road trails call for a vehicle with high ground clearance—and four-wheel drive is a must if you’re going to triumph over the desert’s more unforgiving terrain. Be sure to stock up on provisions like emergency supplies, food and water before you hit Beatty’s notorious backcountry.
Hiking. Prefer to explore the desert on foot? Hikers and nature lovers can choose from an array of trail destinations in the Beatty region, from the Chloride City Ghost Town, a 14-mile journey to one of the earliest mining sites in Death Valley—to the scenic Tarantula Canyon Loop Trail which promises burro sightings and a chance to spot the elusive bighorn sheep.
Hell’s Gate. Located 16 to 19 miles from Beatty on Hwy 374, Hell’s Gate is the entrance to Death Valley National Park—and the spot where the mercury skyrockets. As you approach this legendary landmark, you can feel the sudden change in temperature, which has been compared to opening an oven door! Park at the Hell’s Gate information center just around the corner to get your first spectacular glimpse of sprawling Death Valley below.
Amargosa Dunes. From dizzying dips and dives to death-defying jumps, the Amargosa Dunes—also known as “Big Dune”—are a popular destination for Motocross fiends and sandboarders alike. Carve it up on a 5-square mile ocean of crescent, linear and star sand dunes—some reaching 500 feet in height! To get there, simply take Hwy 95 to Valley View Road, head two miles west, and then follow the dirt road to reach the dunes. Other sand dunes in the area include the Mesquite Dunes—an expanse of crescent, star and linear dunes off Hwy 190—and the Saline Valley Dunes, a rugged desert region found in the northern portion of Saline Valley, also accessible via Hwy 190.
Rockhounding. Whether you’re searching for garnets of deep red or remnants of long-ago creatures, the Beatty region is a prime destination for rockhounding. The recreational collection of semi-precious gems, invertebrate fossils, rocks, mineral specimens and other natural materials can be found here.